History

The Bachelor of Arts in History at University College London (UCL) offers students an in-depth exploration of the diverse and complex narratives that have shaped human civilization from ancient times to the present day. This comprehensive programme is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a nuanced understanding of historical events, processes, and interpretations. Throughout the course, students engage with a wide range of topics, including political, social, economic, cultural, and intellectual history across different regions and periods. The curriculum encourages an interdisciplinary approach, integrating methods from archaeology, cultural studies, and historiography to provide a well-rounded perspective on the past. Students have the opportunity to specialise in particular areas of interest, such as European history, non-Western histories, or thematic studies like revolution, empire, or history and memory. The programme involves rigorous research projects, essays, and presentations, fostering both independent and collaborative learning. UCL's distinguished faculty members, who are active researchers in their fields, guide students through lectures, seminars, and workshops, ensuring an engaging and challenging academic environment. Furthermore, the university's extensive archives, libraries, and digital resources offer invaluable support for research and learning. The course aims to prepare graduates for diverse career paths, including academia, education, journalism, public history, policy analysis, and beyond. Emphasizing critical inquiry and evidence-based analysis, the History programme at UCL equips students not only with historical knowledge but also with vital skills applicable across various professional sectors. Graduates emerge with a global outlook, a sophisticated understanding of historical causality, and the ability to communicate complex ideas effectively—all essential qualities in today's interconnected world. Whether students wish to deepen their understanding of specific historical events or develop broad analytical skills, the programme provides a challenging and rewarding academic journey that lays a solid foundation for future success.

Research areas

• American and Latin American history
• Ancient history (in particular, Greek, Roman and the ancient Near East)
• Medieval history
• Early modern and modern history of Britain and Europe
• Intellectual history
• Transnational history
• Medieval history
• Transnational history
• History of medicine

The department currently hosts a number of UK Research Council-funded projects including 'Women in the Miners' Strike', 'The Nahrein Network: New Ancient History Research for Education in Iraq and its Neighbours', and 'Democracy, Autocracy, and Sovereign Debt'.

Entry requirements

You should normally have a first- or upper second-class honours degree or an equivalent qualification and have performed well in your MA degree programme. In normal circumstances, we do not accept candidates without an MA degree. Those applying from overseas should have achieved high grades, especially in the modules or subjects relevant to their research, and should attach a certified official transcript to their application.

Students whose first language is not English will need to provide evidence of their capacity to research and write in English. You are expected to have what is termed 'Advanced' level English.

Identify a suitable supervisor

In order to study at UCL History you will need to identify a suitable supervisor for your proposed research. Your first step should be to review the list of academic staff members given on the People section of this website. You will notice that staff are listed by geographical area and by the historical period on which they work. Every staff profile page includes information on the types of PhD projects that the academic is willing to supervise. Take time to look carefully and identify the person whose research interests match most closely with your own.

Once you have identified your preferred supervisor, we recommend that you contact them directly. Tell them a little bit about yourself and give them an outline of your proposed research (this should be between 300 - 500 words in length). Ask them whether they would be willing to supervise your work.

Please do not contact potential supervisors unless you have a relatively clear idea in mind of the work that you wish to do. 

Drafting your research proposal

You should have a short draft of your research proposal in hand before you contact your preferred supervisor. This should be approximately 300 - 500 words long. Your formal application will include a longer proposal of 1,000 - 1,500 words.

The quality of your final research proposal is essential to a successful application, particularly if you wish to be considered for funding. As such it is strongly recommended that you contact your potential supervisor early in the academic year in order to obtain their advice on your proposal so that you can refine it before you submit your application. In most cases, your proposal will go through several drafts. You should discuss it with your academic advisors at your home institution as well as your chosen supervisor here at UCL and identify the problems that your thesis might be able to solve.

Application

In addition to your formal research proposal of 1,000-1,500 words, your application must include two academic references, from people able to comment on your suitability to undertake the research you propose. You will also be asked to supply certified transcripts of your undergraduate and MA grades (if complete).

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

• Carol Chattaway scholarship

The University College London offers various financing options for students enrolled in the History undergraduate and postgraduate programs. UK and EU students can access funding through government-supported schemes such as Student Loans, which cover tuition fees and provide maintenance loans for living costs. The UK government provides tuition fee loans up to the maximum fee level set annually, with repayment beginning once a graduate's income exceeds a specified threshold. Additionally, students may be eligible for means-tested bursaries or grants, depending on their household income and circumstances. For international students, financing options include private scholarships, external sponsorships, and personal funds, as UCL does not offer sponsored tuition support for international entrants. UCL also offers a range of internal scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, or specific criteria such as background or country of origin. These scholarships can reduce tuition fees or provide maintenance stipends. Furthermore, students are encouraged to explore external funding sources such as government or private scholarships from their home country or international organizations. The university provides financial advice and support services, helping students identify suitable funding opportunities and assist with application processes. For postgraduate students pursuing a Master's in History, UCL offers research and taught scholarships, which cover part or all of tuition fees, and sometimes include a maintenance stipend. Candidates are advised to apply early and check specific eligibility requirements and application deadlines. UCL's commitment to accessible education manifests in various financial aid offerings aimed at reducing barriers for students from diverse backgrounds. It is recommended that prospective students consult UCL's official website and financial aid office for the most current and detailed information, as funding opportunities and eligibility criteria are subject to annual updates.

Recent graduates have taken up academic posts at the universities of Oxford, Cambridge, Kent and St Andrews, whilst others have entered careers in the civil service and the cultural sector, working as archivists and curators in institutions such as the Tower of London.

Employability

As part of the degree, students are given training designed especially to help enhance their employability. The department runs a bi-weekly Research Training Seminar which includes sessions that focus specifically on skills needed for academics as well as guidance on careers outside of academia. There is also a wide variety of courses available to students via the Skills Development programme, including languages, academic writing for non-native English speakers, sessions on professional and career development, getting published and research and analysis methods. The department maintains strong links with UCL's careers service and delivers specialist sessions for research students.