History at the University of Cambridge offers an intellectually challenging and comprehensive exploration of the past, designed for students who are passionate about understanding how historical events, cultures, and ideas have shaped the modern world. This undergraduate program provides a broad and flexible curriculum, allowing students to study periods ranging from ancient civilizations to the 21st century, as well as thematic and regional topics. Students have the opportunity to delve into diverse fields such as political history, social history, cultural history, economic history, and history of ideas, developing a nuanced understanding of complex historical processes. The course emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to interpret primary sources, equipping students with the skills necessary for a wide range of careers, including academia, journalism, public service, and the arts.

Students benefit from access to world-class libraries, archives, and seminars, engaging with leading historians and participating in vibrant academic communities. The program's structure combines lectures, seminars, and independent research, culminating in a substantial dissertation that fosters original research capabilities. With a strong emphasis on international and interdisciplinary perspectives, students are encouraged to relate historical knowledge to contemporary issues, fostering a deeper awareness of global interconnectedness and cultural diversity. Students are also supported in developing skills in written and oral communication, critical analysis, and argumentation, which are highly valued beyond the academic environment.

Graduates of the Cambridge History program leave with a thorough understanding of historical processes, a sophisticated set of research and analytical skills, and a broad outlook on the world’s past. This program not only cultivates a love of history but also prepares students for careers in academia, education, government, NGOs, journalism, and many other fields that require rigorous intellectual engagement and a comprehensive understanding of the human experience through time.

The PhD in History is entirely research based and students are expected to do a lot of independent research. However, the PhD also aims to give students experience of different historiographical methods as well as professional skills relevant to both a career in academia or elsewhere. 

Feedback

Students will receive regular constructive feedback throughout the course of their PhD.

Students can expect to receive:

• Regular oral feedback from his/her Supervisor, as well as termly online feedback reports,
• Oral feedback from peers during graduate workshops and/or seminars

Assessment

Thesis

The primary purpose of PhD study is the preparation and presentation of a substantial piece of original research.  From the very beginning of the PhD course the student focuses primarily on the writing of the doctoral dissertation. 

A successful PhD dissertation in Cambridge must meet the following examination criteria:

• It must represent a significant contribution to learning through the discovery of new knowledge, the connection of previously unrelated facts, the development of a new theory or the revision of older views.
• It must take due account of previously published work on the subject.
• It must be clearly and concisely written and must not exceed a maximum of 80,000 words (excluding footnotes and the bibliography)

The student’s original contribution to knowledge is assessed in the light of what it is reasonable to expect a student to complete within three years, or five years if part time.

Essays

At the end of the first year all PhD students will complete a Registration Assessment Exercise. This involves the preparation of an essay of up to 10,000 words (not including notes or bibliography) and a meeting with your Supervisor and Advisor to discuss your work in progress. 

Students may also complete a second assessment exercise in the third year, on request by either the Supervisor or the Student. 

Practical assessment

All students will defend their PhD thesis in a viva voce examination. 

• Magistr (Master's Degree) at Pass level. Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of good or 4/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 4/5 Bologna Bachelor's from other institutions with an overall grade of 5/5, Excellent
• Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of Excellent or 5/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 5/5
• IELTS (Academic) 7.5
• TOEFL Internet Score 110
• £50 application fee
• First Academic Reference
• Second Academic Reference
• Transcript
• Research Proposal. 600 – 1,000 words 
• Sample of Work. Applicants should provide a sample of written work, in English. This is usually a thesis or one or two long essays. There is no set minimum or maximum word count for the writing sample(s), we simply recommend that students select one or two pieces of work that best represent their writing style. It is sensible (but not obligatory) to choose a piece of work which is at least roughly in the subject area in which you plan to do research.
• Personal Development Questionnaire 
• Personal Reference

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Tuition fees for the History program at the University of Cambridge vary depending on whether the student is classified as a UK, EU, or international student. For UK students, undergraduate tuition fees are typically around £9,250 per year. International students generally pay higher tuition fees, which can range from approximately £25,000 to £30,000 annually, depending on the specific course and year of study. Postgraduate fees for master's programs related to history, such as the MPhil in History, usually start from about £18,000 for UK students and can go upwards of £30,000 for international students. Funding opportunities are available through a variety of sources. Cambridge offers numerous scholarships and bursaries, such as the Gates Cambridge Scholarships, which cover full tuition and living expenses for outstanding international students. Additionally, there are college-based scholarships and country-specific awards that can significantly reduce financial burdens. For UK students, government-based loans are generally accessible, including the Student Loan for Tuition Fees through the Student Loans Company. International students are encouraged to seek external funding sources, including national scholarships from their home countries, private sponsorships, and external organizations. The university also provides financial advice and support via its Student Registry and Financial Support Office to help students plan and secure funding for their studies. Living expenses in Cambridge, including accommodation, food, transportation, and personal costs, are estimated to be around £12,000 to £15,000 per year. Students are advised to consider additional costs such as books, supplies, and health insurance. International students should also factor in visa application fees and healthcare surcharges. Overall, studying History at Cambridge involves considerable financial investment, but numerous funding options are available to assist students in covering tuition and living costs. Carefully researching each funding source and early application can maximize the likelihood of securing financial support.

History at the University of Cambridge offers a comprehensive and rigorous exploration of the past, covering a wide range of periods, regions, and themes. The programme is designed to develop students' analytical skills, critical thinking, and deep understanding of historical processes. It provides a solid foundation in historical methods, primary source analysis, and historiography, enabling students to evaluate evidence and construct well-supported arguments. Students have the opportunity to study a diverse array of topics, including ancient history, medieval history, early modern history, modern history, and contemporary history, often with options to specialize in specific geographical areas such as Europe, the Middle East, Asia, or the Americas. The course structure typically combines lecture-based learning, seminars, tutorials, and independent research projects, fostering an interactive and personalized educational experience. Cambridge's Department of History boasts world-renowned faculty members and access to extensive archives and libraries, supporting high-quality research and learning. The programme duration is usually three or four years, depending on the course variant, with options for joint degrees in collaboration with other disciplines. Graduates of the programme are well-equipped to pursue careers in academia, education, public history, journalism, or related fields. The university emphasizes a high level of academic support and encourages participation in conferences, workshops, and research seminars, enhancing students' professional development. Additionally, Cambridge's rich history and vibrant student community offer an inspiring environment for studying the past and engaging with current academic debates. Overall, the History programme at the University of Cambridge is distinguished by its academic excellence, diverse curriculum, and the opportunities it provides for deep engagement with historical scholarship.