Abstract: Cognitive and affective attributes are the key in any educational endeavor. They seek to give an indication of the extent to which a learner would succeed in a given subject. Given this, the paper examined the cognitive and affective characteristics of History students of the University of Cape Coast, using primary data collected via focus group discussions with a sample of History students selected through random sampling technique. Discussions were transcribed into written text and coded into themes and sub-themes. Commonalities and differences in the key themes have been presented. The study revealed that knowledge traits characterized students' cognitive abilities. The study further found that students have a negative attitude and lack of interest towards History. The results from this study calls for the need to improve the transaction of the History curriculum in the University. It is, therefore, recommended that teachers adopt and use appropriate implementation strategies that would help students develop higher intellectual abilities and the right affective attributes for the subject.