History

Why would I study History at university and how do courses differ?

History is the study of mankind through time. It is an analytical discipline which focuses on change. Intellectually it is firmly rooted in a sceptical tradition which takes nothing for granted: examining assumptions, exploring different perspectives and interrogating evidence. History aims to provide students with the intellectual tools to devise and develop their own independent appreciation of the events and processes of the past.

Undergraduate degree courses in History are usually three years in length and encourage students to actively engage in exploring and interpreting the past. Most courses offer a general introductory component in the first two years. This is typically followed by opportunities to select a variety of more specialised topics. In many cases, the third year also offers the possibility of writing a dissertation, based on a student’s independent and original research.

Courses offered by universities vary enormously. Many will require some study of British History and nearly all offer the option of studying European and World History. In addition, courses in Ancient, Medieval, Early Modern, Modern and Contemporary History are available.

Typically, A Level courses are concerned with Political and International History, in which political leaders and the state plays the leading role. While undergraduate courses will offer students scope to study similar types of history, there is also a much wider choice of ‘histories’, including Cultural, Economic, Intellectual, Military and Social History.

All History courses will involve students in extensive and self-directed reading. They will need to be able to select and organise a large body of material. Typically, the form in which students will present their responses to questions is the essay, which will require the presentation of clearly focused, logically structured, well supported and sustained arguments.

A wide variety of Joint Honours courses are available: History and Politics, History and Economics, History and a Language. Many courses are modular and enable students to combine a variety of different modules. There are also courses, such as American Studies, International Relations and War Studies, which can comprise a sizeable History component.

What are the typical entry requirements?

History is one of the most competitive courses and the entry requirements reflect the demand for places.

Are there any essential or recommended A Levels?

Many universities do expect that applicants have studied History at A Level. More important than specific A Levels is an ability to convey an enjoyment of reading, a facility for using language to express complex ideas clearly and the capacity for independent critical and logical thought.

Which are the best universities for History?

The most competitive UK universities are Cambridge, Oxford, Durham, Bristol, London (King’s and UCL). However, all of the Russell Group Universities (which receive the lion’s share of research funding) have excellent History Departments.

Some History Departments have particular specialisms, but these can change with faculty personnel and the most up to date information can be found on faculty websites. Some universities have particular collections of documents and materials, such as Churchill College, Cambridge which has the Churchill and Thatcher archives. Other Universities have specialist research institutes. At Southampton there is the Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Culture and the Parkes Institute for the study of Jewish and non-Jewish Relations and at Exeter, the Welcome Trust has funded a Centre for Medical History.

Is there any special advice for students intending to apply to Oxbridge?

There is fierce competition for places to read History at Oxbridge. Both Cambridge and Oxford require prospective candidates to attend an interview.

While formerly Oxford Colleges sought to interview nearly all applicants, the number of applicants has grown so large, that the numbers being called for interview has fallen to c. 70%.

Candidates applying for Oxford must sit the History Aptitude Test (HAT). This is marked by individual colleges and may play a role in determining which applicants are not called for interview. Oxford Colleges emphasise the importance they attach to the interview.

The basic offer at Oxford is currently AAA.

Cambridge Colleges continue to interview nearly all applicants. With the introduction of reformed AS and A Levels, Cambridge is less able than in the past to rely upon AS Level exam scores to discriminate between applicants. Thus from 2016 onwards the Cambridge is setting a written admissions test for all History applicants. This, alongside candidates’ submitted work, their public exam qualifications and their performance at interview, will determine whether or not offers are made.

The basic offer for Cambridge Colleges is A*AA. The A* is usually required in any of the applicant’s A Level subjects.

Both Universities will ask those called for interview to send up examples of marked pieces of work.

Reading around and beyond the A Level course is the best way in which prospective applicants can demonstrate their passion for the subject and prepare for their application.

Oxbridge Extension classes are mandatory for students applying for Oxbridge.

What is important for my personal statement or interview?

It is essential to communicate a passion for the subject.

In compiling a personal statement, it is important to avoid cliché, or using quotes defining History as a discipline. You should also avoid listing or describing the content of the books you have read, or the topics you have covered. Far more important is focusing on those questions, or issues, that your reading has raised. Explain why topics have galvanised your interest.

Do I need work experience?

No.

What jobs can I do with History?

History is the quintessential ‘generalist’ subject. From an employer’s perspective, the analytical skills, ability to assimilate, organise and select material and present ideas and argument clearly and concisely makes History one of the most highly regarded, and useful, degree subjects. History is particularly valued in professions like Law, Accountancy, Business, Management and the Civil Service.