History and English

Program Overview:
The University of Oxford offers a comprehensive and rigorous degree in History and English, designed to provide students with a deep understanding of historical contexts and literary traditions. This interdisciplinary course combines the study of historical events, period-specific cultures, and critical analysis of literary texts from a variety of genres and eras. Students engage with primary sources, critical theory, and scholarly debates to develop a nuanced understanding of how history and literature influence each other and shape human experience. Throughout the program, students gain advanced skills in research, analysis, and written communication, preparing them for careers across academia, publishing, media, education, and more. The curriculum typically includes core modules in early, medieval, modern history, as well as in classic and contemporary literature. Students also have the opportunity to specialize in particular periods or themes, fostering intellectual independence and expert knowledge in their chosen areas. The course emphasizes critical thinking, collaborative discussion, and rigorous scholarship, supported by the university’s world-class faculty and resources. The program often features optional modules, tutorials, and seminars that allow students to tailor their studies to their interests. Studying at Oxford ensures exposure to a vibrant academic community, with access to extensive libraries, archives, and cultural institutions. Graduates of the History and English program leave equipped with a broad intellectual foundation, a sophisticated understanding of historical and literary analysis, and strong research skills, making them well-prepared for further study or diverse professional roles in fields that value critical insight and cultural literacy.

Most students have up to two tutorials a week and are often, but not always, working on two papers simultaneously. Most students attend three to four lectures a week. In the first and second years, students will also attend interdisciplinary classes with both English and History tutors present, in preparation for the interdisciplinary bridge paper. For the final-year dissertation they will have an adviser from each discipline.

• Attestat o Srednam Obrazovanii (Certificate of Secondary Education) would not be sufficient for candidates to make a competitive application. If your qualification is listed as being insufficient to make a competitive application to Oxford, then you will need to undertake further study if you wish to apply.You could take British A-levels (the British Council may know where you can take A-levels in your country), the International Baccalaureate (IB), or any other qualifications listed as acceptable on this page. The first year of a bachelor's degree from another university could also be an acceptable alternative.
• IELTS: overall score of 7.0 (with at least 7.0 in each of the four components)
• TOEFL (paper-based): overall score of 600 with a Test of Written English score of 5.5
• TOEFL (internet-based): overall score of 110 with component scores of at least: Listening 22, Reading 24, Speaking 25, and Writing 24.
• Cambridge English: Advanced, also known as the Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): grade A if taken before January 2015, or a score of at least 185.
• Cambridge English: Proficiency, also known as the Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): grade B if taken before January 2015, or a score of at least 185.
• English Language GCSE, or O-level: grade B (for IGCSE, please see below)
• International Baccalaureate Standard Level (SL): score of 5 in English (as Language A or B)
• European Baccalaureate: score of 70% in English.

Hill Foundation Scholarship

Russian nationals wishing to study for a second undergraduate degree. 

Palgrave Brown Scholarship

Students must be ordinarily resident in and/or educated in the following countries:

Albania; Armenia; Azerbaijan; Belarus; Bosnia and Herzegovina; Bulgaria; Croatia; Czech Republic; Estonia; Georgia; Hungary; Kazakhstan; Kyrgyz Rep.; Latvia; Lithuania; Macedonia;  Moldova; Montenegro; Poland; Romania; Russia; Serbia; Slovakia; Slovenia; Tajikistan; Turkmenistan; Ukraine; Uzbekistan. 

The History program at the University of Oxford offers students an in-depth exploration of historical events, contexts, and periods, providing a comprehensive understanding of the development of societies and civilizations across different eras. Known for its rigorous academic structure, the program allows students to engage with a wide range of topics, including ancient history, medieval history, early modern history, modern history, and contemporary history. Students are encouraged to develop critical research skills, analytical thinking, and a nuanced understanding of historical sources and methodologies. The degree often combines lectures, seminars, and extensive independent study, fostering a dynamic learning environment where students can pursue specialized interests or adopt a broad perspective on historical developments. The program emphasizes original research, and students typically undertake projects or dissertations that contribute to their academic growth. Oxford’s renowned faculty members are experts in their fields, offering mentorship and guidance throughout the course. The university’s extensive archives and libraries provide valuable resources for historical research. Graduates of the History program at Oxford often pursue careers in academia, education, journalism, public history, or related fields. The English program at Oxford centers around the study of literature, language, and critical analysis from its earliest forms to contemporary works. It encourages students to read widely and critically, exploring poetry, prose, drama, and non-fiction across different periods and cultural contexts. The curriculum includes options for studying Anglo-Saxon and Old English literature, modern British and American literature, postcolonial studies, and literary theory. Students develop skills in close textual analysis, historical contextualization, and theoretical critique, preparing them for diverse career paths. The program promotes an interdisciplinary approach, often integrating insights from philosophy, history, and cultural studies. Regular seminars, workshops, and writing assignments foster a lively academic environment, enabling students to articulate their ideas clearly and persuasively. Both programmes benefit from Oxford’s world-class libraries and research facilities, providing unparalleled resources to support student scholarship. Graduates from the English studies program tend to pursue careers in publishing, teaching, writing, journalism, or further academic research.