I managed a 45/45 in the May 2023 session while studying at an international school in Tokyo. Now I have offers from HKU, HKUST, and Cambridge for HSPS. Choosing your HLs feels overwhelming when you want to pursue history at university. You need a combination that proves academic rigor without burning you out.
Many students struggle with the Internal Assessment source evaluation, especially when their subject choices don't support their research skills. I found certain pairings make the workload lighter. This guide explains which subjects actually help you build the analytical toolkit required for top-tier history degrees.
History HL: Non-Negotiable for Aspiring Historians
This might seem obvious, but it's worth stating: if you're serious about studying History at university, History HL is absolutely essential. Universities, particularly in the UK, look for a sustained and in-depth engagement with the subject. My History HL course, covering topics like 'Authoritarian States' and 'Causes and Effects of 20th-Century Wars,' provided the foundational knowledge and analytical skills that were directly transferable to university-level essays and interviews.
Beyond the content, History HL forces you to grapple with historiography, source criticism, and constructing nuanced arguments – skills explicitly tested in Paper 2 and Paper 3. For my Cambridge application, being able to discuss specific historical debates from my HL course during my interview was crucial. It demonstrated not just knowledge, but a critical approach to the past, which is exactly what they're looking for.
English A: Language & Literature HL – The Cornerstone of Critical Analysis
Whether you choose Language & Literature or Literature, English A HL is a powerhouse for History applicants. History is, at its core, about communication: understanding complex texts, analyzing rhetoric, and constructing coherent, persuasive arguments. My English A: Language & Literature HL course, particularly the 'Language and Mass Communication' unit, sharpened my ability to deconstruct arguments and identify bias, skills I used daily in History.
The essay-writing demands of English HL are rigorous. You learn to develop sophisticated theses, marshal evidence effectively, and write with clarity and precision under timed conditions. These are precisely the skills needed for History essays, whether for your IB Internal Assessment, Extended Essay, or university applications and exams. Don't underestimate the transferable analytical power of a strong English HL.
Economics HL: A Powerful Complement for Context and Causation
For many History programs, especially those with a social or political bent (like HSPS), Economics HL offers an invaluable perspective. Understanding economic theories – supply and demand, market failures, international trade – provides a robust framework for analyzing historical events. My study of the Great Depression in History HL was significantly enriched by my understanding of macroeconomic principles from Economics HL. It moved beyond mere description to deeper causal analysis.
Economics HL also develops strong analytical and problem-solving skills, often involving data interpretation and logical reasoning. While not directly historical, the ability to think systematically about complex systems and their interactions is highly beneficial for understanding historical change. For US applications, where a broader academic profile is often valued, Economics HL stands out as a rigorous and relevant choice.
A Second Humanities HL: Psychology, Geography, or Global Politics
While not strictly mandatory, having a second humanities subject at HL can significantly strengthen your application, especially for UK universities that appreciate depth in related fields. I chose Economics HL, but others like Psychology HL, Geography HL, or Global Politics HL are excellent options.
Psychology HL can offer insights into human behavior, decision-making, and social dynamics, which are often at play in historical events. Geography HL, particularly its human geography components, provides a spatial and environmental context for historical developments. Global Politics HL is perhaps the most direct complement, offering a contemporary framework for understanding international relations and power structures, which often have deep historical roots. The key is to choose a subject that genuinely interests you and allows you to demonstrate analytical rigor.
Mathematics SL/HL: Essential for Analytical Rigour (Even for Historians)
While you don't need to be a math genius, having a solid foundation in Mathematics (at least SL, preferably Analysis and Approaches SL or HL if you're comfortable) is increasingly valued, even for humanities degrees. It demonstrates logical reasoning, problem-solving abilities, and an aptitude for structured thinking. For my Cambridge application, showing competence across a range of subjects, including Maths AA SL, was important.
Many top universities, particularly in the US and Hong Kong, appreciate a well-rounded academic profile that includes quantitative skills. Even in History, you'll encounter statistics, economic data, and demographic information that require a basic level of mathematical literacy to interpret critically. Don't drop math entirely just because you're focused on History.
Language B HL: Broadening Perspectives and Cultural Understanding
A Language B at HL (or even SL, if it's a new language) is a fantastic asset for any humanities student. Learning a new language, or deepening your existing knowledge, opens up different cultural perspectives and historical narratives. For me, studying Japanese B HL in Tokyo gave me a direct window into a different cultural context, enriching my understanding of global history and international relations.
Universities appreciate the cognitive benefits of language learning – improved memory, critical thinking, and cross-cultural awareness. For students interested in specific regional histories, a relevant language can be particularly valuable, signaling a deep commitment to that area of study. Plus, it makes you a more globally aware and adaptable individual, which is always a plus for any university.
The Extended Essay and Internal Assessment: Your Chance to Shine
Beyond your core subjects, the Extended Essay (EE) and History Internal Assessment (IA) are crucial. My EE on the impact of US occupation on Japanese education reforms during the post-WWII era allowed me to conduct independent research, engage with primary sources, and develop a sustained argument – essentially a mini-dissertation. This experience was invaluable for my university applications, providing concrete examples of my research capabilities.
Similarly, the History IA (mine was on the effectiveness of the League of Nations in the Manchurian Crisis) is a chance to apply historical methodology to a specific question. These components are where you can demonstrate genuine passion, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to work independently – qualities highly sought after by top universities. Choose topics that genuinely excite you and allow for deep, critical analysis.
Frequently asked questions
Choosing your IB subjects for a History degree is a strategic decision that goes beyond meeting minimum requirements. Prioritize History HL, English A HL, and a strong second humanities HL like Economics or Global Politics to build a robust foundation in critical analysis, research, and persuasive communication. Complement these with a solid math foundation and a language, and leverage your Extended Essay and Internal Assessment to demonstrate genuine intellectual curiosity and independent academic prowess. These choices, backed by strong performance, will significantly strengthen your application to top History programs worldwide.