Best History Degrees in the UK | Top 5 Universities to Consider

What can you do with a history degree?

A history degree can open doors to a wide range of career paths. Many history graduates choose to work in fields that directly relate to their degree, such as becoming a historian, archivist, or museum curator. Others pursue careers in law, journalism, education, politics, and international relations. With a history degree, you can acquire skills such as critical thinking, research, analysis, and communication that are transferable to many fields. Transferable skills acquired by history graduates include evaluating evidence, constructing arguments, and communicating complex ideas. Employers seek out these skills as students demonstrate the ability to think critically and communicate effectively. Let’s look at some best history degrees uk.

Journalism

A history degree can be a great foundation for a career in journalism, as it provides students with excellent research, writing, and critical thinking skills.

Law

History majors develop strong analytical and research skills, making them well-suited for law school and legal consultants within the arts field.

Business

History majors can bring a unique perspective to the business world as they are taught to analyze trends and patterns over time.

What are the entry requirements for a history degrees in UK?

Entry requirements for history degree programs in the UK vary by university, but most programs require good grades in relevant A-level subjects, such as history and English literature. Many universities require applicants to take an admission test, such as the History Aptitude Test (HAT) or the Thinking Skills Assessment (TSA). Applicants will be required to attend an interview as part of the application process.

It’s vital for prospective history students to research the specific entry requirements for each program they are interested in and to prepare well in advance to meet those requirements. This may include taking relevant A-level courses, studying for admission tests, and participating in extracurricular activities that demonstrate a strong interest in history.

Many universities in the UK offer degree programs in history. The following universities offer some of the best history degrees in the UK.

BA in History at the University of Oxford

The University of Oxford is one of the world’s most prestigious universities and offers a highly respected history degree program. The BA in History at Oxford is a three-year program that covers a wide range of historical periods and themes. Students can choose to specialize in a particular area of history, such as ancient history or modern history, and have the opportunity to take courses in related fields, such as politics or philosophy. The program strongly emphasizes independent research and critical analysis, and students are expected to write a dissertation in their final year.

Oxford’s history program is famous for its rigorous academic standards, and entry into the program is highly competitive. Applicants must have excellent grades in relevant A-level subjects and demonstrate a strong interest in history through extracurricular activities, such as reading historical books or attending historical events.

BA in History at the University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge is another prestigious university with a popular history degree program. The BA in History at Cambridge is a three-year program that covers a broad range of historical periods and themes. Students can choose to specialize in a particular area of history, such as British history, European history, or world history. The program allows students to take courses in related fields, such as literature or politics. The program strongly emphasizes critical thinking and analytical skills, and students are expected to write a dissertation in their final year.

Cambridge’s history program is highly competitive, and entry into the program requires a strong interest in history demonstrated through extracurricular activities. In addition, the university requires applicants to take a written admission test and attend an interview as part of the application process.

BA in History at the University of Warwick

The University of Warwick is a modern, research-focused university that offers an intensive history degree program. The BA in History at Warwick is a three-year program that covers a broad range of historical periods and themes. Students can choose to specialize in a particular area of history, such as medieval history or modern history, and have the opportunity to take courses in related fields, such as politics or sociology. The program emphasizes independent research and critical analysis, and students are expected to write a dissertation in their final year.

Warwick’s history program has a more flexible entry requirement compared to Oxford and Cambridge, and the university accepts applicants with lower A-level grades, provided they show strong potential and interest in history. Applicants are still required to take an admission test as part of the application process.

BA in History at the University of St Andrews

The University of St Andrews is a small, prestigious university that is located in Scotland. The BA in History at St Andrews is a four-year program that covers a wide range of historical periods and themes. Students can choose to specialize in a particular area of history, such as Scottish history or modern history, and have the opportunity to take courses in related fields, such as anthropology or philosophy.

St Andrews’ history program has more flexible entry requirements compared to Oxford and Cambridge. The university accepts applicants with lower A-level grades, provided they show strong potential and interest in history. 

BA in History at Durham University

Durham University is a historic university that is located in the northeast of England. The BA in History at Durham is a three-year program that covers a broad range of historical periods and themes. Students can choose to specialize in a particular area of history, such as medieval history or modern history, and have the opportunity to take courses in related fields, such as politics or anthropology. The program emphasizes independent research and critical analysis, and students are expected to write a dissertation in their final year.

Durham’s history program is very popular, and entry into the program requires good grades in relevant A-level subjects, such as history and English literature, and a strong interest in history, demonstrated through extracurricular activities. The university requires applicants to take an admission test as part of the application process.

Key takeaways

• Prospective history students should research specific entry requirements and prepare well in advance to meet them, including taking relevant A-level courses and studying for admission tests.
• Entry requirements for history degree programs in the UK vary by university, but most programs require good grades in relevant A-level subjects.
• A history degrees in UK offers versatile career opportunities beyond academia, including journalism, law, business, nonprofit work, and government.

We hope you found this blog about the best history degrees in the UK informative and helpful. Do share your views about the blog in the comments below. If you would like to learn more about any of the universities or programs mentioned, please click here!

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FAQs

Q1. How long does it take to complete a BA in history degree in the UK?

Ans. In the UK, a BA in history program typically takes three years to complete for full-time students. 

Q2. What is the teaching style for a BA in history program in the UK?

Ans. The teaching style for a BA in history program in the UK varies between universities, but typically involves a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, and independent study.

Q3. What are the benefits of studying BA in history in the UK?

Ans. Studying BA in history in the UK provides many benefits, such as exposure to world-class historical research and resources, access to renowned historians and experts, and opportunities to engage in academic and cultural activities.