History

History at the University of Oxford offers students an unparalleled opportunity to explore the past through rigorous academic study, engaging seminars, and access to world-class resources. This undergraduate programme is designed to develop a deep understanding of historical events, movements, and figures across different periods and regions, fostering critical thinking, analytical skills, and a nuanced appreciation of historical contexts. Students can choose from a wide range of specialized papers, including ancient, medieval, early modern, and modern history, as well as thematic courses such as social, political, cultural, and economic history. The course encourages independent research, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to interpret and evaluate historical sources critically. Throughout the programme, students benefit from close interaction with expert tutors, participation in lively seminars, and access to extensive archives and libraries. The Oxford History programme emphasizes both breadth and depth, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests while gaining a solid foundation in historical methods and historiography. Graduates of this programme go on to pursue careers in academia, journalism, public history, government, or other fields where analytical skills and an understanding of the past are valuable. The programme duration is typically three years for full-time students, with options for joint degrees or research pathways. Join Oxford’s History programme to immerse yourself in the study of the past and develop skills that are highly valued across a wide range of careers.

Students are 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. In the second and third years students choose from an enormous variety of lectures and their regular tutorials are supplemented by faculty classes where they discuss work with a larger number of students. The thesis gives all students the opportunity to engage in a piece of independent research. Throughout the course, students are very much in charge of their own timetable.

• 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 undergraduate degree program in History at the University of Oxford offers a comprehensive and rigorous exploration of the past, examining a wide range of historical periods, regions, and themes. The course is designed to develop students' analytical skills, historical understanding, and research abilities, preparing them for diverse careers or further academic study. Students have access to an extensive library and archival resources, including unique collections held at Oxford’s Bodleian Libraries. The program covers medieval, early modern, and modern history, allowing students to specialize in particular eras or geographical areas, such as British, European, Asian, African, or American history. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, primary source analysis, and constructing well-supported historical arguments.

Throughout the course, students participate in lectures, seminars, and small-group tutorials led by expert academics in various fields of history. These interactive sessions foster lively debate and personalized feedback, enhancing students' interpretative skills. Assessment is typically through a combination of written examinations and coursework, including research essays and dissertations. The program also offers opportunities for interdisciplinary study, including archaeology, politics, and literature, enriching students’ understanding of historical contexts. The University of Oxford’s historic setting and vibrant academic community create a stimulating environment, encouraging intellectual curiosity and cultural engagement.

Students are encouraged to undertake research placements, field trips, and language studies to deepen their knowledge and gain practical skills. The program aims to produce graduates who are not only well-versed in historical facts but also capable of critical analysis and clear communication. Graduates of Oxford’s History program have gone on to successful careers in education, journalism, law, public service, and academia. The program’s flexible structure allows students to tailor their studies according to personal interests, fostering independent learning and scholarly development. In addition, Oxford's reputation for excellence in the humanities provides students with a distinguished degree that is highly valued worldwide.