Degree Subject

Study History Abroad

History degrees develop deep understanding of the past through critical analysis of primary sources, historical interpretation, and rigorous research.Programmes cover diverse periods and regions whilst developing skills in historical methodology, argumentation, and writing.History is intellectually demanding, preparing you for careers in education, heritage, archives, journalism, law, civil service, and research, developing transferable analytical and communication skills highly valued across professions.

Entry Requirements

A-Levels: AAA-AAB (requirements vary by university)
International Baccalaureate: 35-38 points
History A-level strongly preferred or required by most universities
Essay-based subjects demonstrating analytical writing valued
Minimum IELTS 6.5-7.0 for international students
Excellent reading, writing, and critical analysis skills
Passion for understanding the past and historical research

Required High School Subjects

History A-level (essential or strongly preferred)
English Literature useful for essay writing skills
Languages valuable for studying non-British history
Any essay-based subjects demonstrating analytical thinking

Personal Statement Tips

Your History personal statement should demonstrate genuine passion for history through extensive reading beyond A-level, engagement with historical debate and different interpretations, specific historical periods, themes, or questions that fascinate you, understanding of how historians work with sources and construct arguments, relevant experience (archives, museums, historical societies, heritage sites), awareness of historiographical debates (how interpretations of events change over time), examples of independent research or extended essays, critical thinking about historical evidence and causation, understanding of different approaches to history (political, social, cultural, economic), and clear articulation of why particular aspects of history interest you. Discuss historians whose work you've read and specific historical questions you want to explore.

Admissions Tests

HAT (History Admissions Test)

Required by University of Oxford for History applicants. Tests ability to read, analyse, and respond to unfamiliar historical sources and extracts.

Sections: Source analysis and historical interpretation questions (no prior historical knowledge required)

Interview Preparation

History interviews test analytical thinking about historical sources and interpretations. Be prepared to discuss historical topics you've mentioned in your statement with depth, analyse unfamiliar historical sources or extracts provided, demonstrate understanding of historical causation and change, discuss different historical interpretations and how historians disagree, show awareness of historiographical debates, explain your historical interests and why they fascinate you, demonstrate critical thinking about evidence and historical methodology, discuss historians you've read and their approaches, and show intellectual curiosity and willingness to develop ideas through discussion. Oxford interviews particularly focus on source analysis and thinking aloud through historical problems.

Top Universities for History

University of Cambridge

A*AA including History + Interview

University of Oxford

AAA including History + HAT + Interview

London School of Economics (LSE)

A*AA including History

Harvard University

USA

SAT 1520+

Yale University

USA

SAT 1510+

University of St Andrews

AAA-AAB including History

Career Opportunities

Secondary School History Teacher

Museum Curator

Archivist

Heritage Manager

Historical Researcher

Journalist

Civil Servant

Academic Historian (requires PhD)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need History A-level to study History at university?

Yes, History A-level is essential or strongly preferred by most UK universities for History degrees. Unlike subjects like Law or Psychology where A-level isn't required, History degrees build directly on A-level skills - source analysis, essay writing, historical methodology. Universities want evidence you can handle historical reading, construct arguments, and analyse evidence. Very few universities (some post-1992) accept students without History A-level. If considering history but haven't taken A-level, check specific requirements carefully - you may need to demonstrate exceptional essay-writing through English Literature or equivalent. History A-level is one of the few subjects where A-level study is genuinely important for degree success.

What career prospects do History graduates have?

History graduates develop highly transferable skills - research, analysis, communication, critical thinking - valued across professions. Traditional careers include teaching (secondary history teacher via PGCE, £28,000-£38,000 starting), museums and heritage (curator, heritage officer, £24,000-£32,000), archives (archivist, £22,000-£30,000), and academia (PhD then research/teaching, highly competitive). Many history graduates enter non-history careers: law (conversion course then training), civil service Fast Stream (£28,000-£32,000), journalism (£20,000-£28,000), publishing, management consultancy, finance, or marketing. History degrees prove intellectual rigour and analytical ability. Employability depends on combining degree with work experience, internships, and additional skills. Graduate schemes across sectors recruit history graduates for their critical thinking and communication abilities.

What work experience strengthens History applications?

Valuable history-related experience includes: volunteering at museums or heritage sites (demonstrates commitment and understanding of heritage sector), archival work or research assistance (shows research skills and interest), participating in historical societies or archaeological digs, work experience at museums or archives, extended essay or independent historical research project, historical writing (blog, school magazine articles), visiting historical sites and exhibitions with critical engagement, or assisting with local history projects. However, most 17-year-olds have limited formal history work experience. What matters more is demonstrating intellectual engagement through extensive reading, visiting exhibitions, understanding of historiographical debates, and ability to think critically about history. Quality of historical thinking in personal statement matters more than work experience quantity.

What is different about studying History at university vs A-level?

University history is significantly more independent, research-intensive, and specialised than A-level. You'll spend more time working with primary sources (original documents, newspapers, letters) rather than textbooks. Reading volume increases dramatically - expect 200-300 pages per week minimum. Lectures provide overview but learning happens through independent research and reading. Essays are longer (2,500-5,000 words vs 1,500 A-level), require more sources, and involve original argument development. You'll specialise in particular periods/themes rather than broad surveys. Source criticism is more sophisticated. Historiographical awareness (understanding different interpretations and how historical debates evolve) becomes central. University expects you to engage with academic historical scholarship, not just learn historical facts. Prepare for extensive independent reading, writing, and critical thinking.

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