History and Politics

The BA in History and Politics at the University of Oxford offers students a comprehensive interdisciplinary education that combines the study of historical developments with the analysis of political systems and ideas. This program provides an opportunity for students to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a nuanced understanding of how historical contexts influence political processes and vice versa. Throughout the course, students engage with a diverse range of topics, including ancient to modern history, political theories, international relations, and contemporary political challenges. They will explore key themes such as democracy, authority, power dynamics, social change, and conflict resolution, while also examining the historical origins and evolution of political institutions and ideas across different regions and periods.

Designed to foster academic rigor and intellectual curiosity, the program encourages students to critically analyze primary and secondary sources, undertake independent research, and develop well-founded arguments. The curriculum balances historical context with political analysis, allowing students to appreciate the interconnectedness of these disciplines. Additionally, students benefit from the university’s distinguished faculty, renowned for their expertise and active research in both history and politics. This allows students to learn from leading scholars and engage with contemporary debates and issues in the field.

The program also emphasizes transferable skills such as effective communication, essay writing, data analysis, and presentation, which are highly valued across many careers. Graduates of this program are well-prepared for careers in academia, government, public service, international organizations, journalism, and advocacy. With access to a wide array of resources, including world-class libraries, archives, and research facilities, students are supported throughout their academic journey. The BA in History and Politics at Oxford thus provides an enriching environment for intellectual development, fostering informed global citizens capable of engaging thoughtfully with contemporary political and historical questions.

You will be expected to attend about five lectures a week during the first year, participate in regular meetings with tutors to discuss work, research in libraries, and write at least one essay a week. You will be required to submit a thesis which will enable you to do a piece of independent research during your second and third years.

• 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 BA in History and Politics at the University of Oxford offers students a comprehensive and rigorous exploration of two interconnected disciplines that are central to understanding contemporary society and the historical development of political systems worldwide. This program combines the extensive study of historical events, movements, and periods with the analysis of political institutions, theories, and practices, enabling students to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a nuanced understanding of the political dynamics shaping the modern world.

Students opting for this course are introduced to a diverse range of topics, including the history of civilizations, the evolution of political ideas, comparative politics, and international relations. The curriculum is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their interests. For instance, students may choose to focus more on political theory, Western or non-Western history, or regional studies depending on their preferences. The program makes extensive use of primary and secondary sources, encouraging students to develop their research skills and engage actively with scholarly debates.

Teaching methods at Oxford include lectures, seminars, tutorials, and independent research, providing a variety of learning experiences that foster critical engagement and intellectual independence. Students benefit from one-on-one tutorials, which are a hallmark of Oxford’s tutorial system, offering personalized guidance and feedback on their work. The course also emphasizes the development of written and oral communication skills, vital for careers in academia, journalism, politics, public service, or international organizations.

Assessment methods incorporate essays, examinations, presentations, and research projects, enabling students to demonstrate their understanding and analytical abilities across different formats. The duration of the program is typically three years for full-time students, with options for part-time study in some cases. Graduates of this degree often pursue careers in academia, public administration, journalism, international relations, NGOs, or further postgraduate study.

The program benefits from Oxford's rich academic environment, with access to world-class libraries, archives, and research centers specializing in history and political studies. Students also have the opportunity to participate in various conferences, workshops, and extracurricular activities that broaden their academic and professional horizons. The university’s interdisciplinary approach prompts students to consider historical context within political analysis and vice versa, preparing them for a range of careers that require analytical rigor and a deep understanding of political and historical processes. Overall, the BA in History and Politics at Oxford is designed to foster intellectual curiosity, critical inquiry, and a detailed understanding of the forces that have shaped past and present societies worldwide.