History

History at the University of Oxford offers an intellectually stimulating and comprehensive exploration of the past, designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of historical processes. This undergraduate degree provides students with the opportunity to study a wide range of historical periods and geographical areas, from ancient civilizations to modern history, across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The programme combines rigorous academic training with the flexibility to tailor the curriculum to your specific interests, whether they lie in political, social, cultural, economic, or intellectual history.

Throughout your studies, you will engage with primary sources, scholarly debates, and methodological approaches to understanding history, supported by world-class resources and expert faculty. The course structure allows for a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, and independent research, encouraging active participation and critical analysis. Students are advised to select optional papers that deepen their understanding of particular regions, time periods, or thematic topics, culminating in a dissertation that showcases their research skills and subject expertise.

The History degree at Oxford also emphasizes the development of transferable skills, such as effective communication, analytical reasoning, and data interpretation, which are highly valued in many career paths including academia, journalism, public policy, museums, and international relations. The university’s vibrant academic community provides a stimulating environment for discussion, debate, and collaborative projects, fostering a global perspective on historical phenomena. Additionally, being part of one of the world’s most renowned universities ensures access to extensive archives, libraries, and digital resources, supporting innovative research and comprehensive learning experiences.

Graduates from Oxford’s History programme go on to succeed in diverse fields, leveraging their historical knowledge and critical skills to make meaningful contributions in their chosen careers. The programme is designed not only to impart factual knowledge but also to cultivate a nuanced understanding of how history shapes the present and influences future developments. Whether you are passionate about understanding cultural transformations, political revolutions, economic change, or social movements, Oxford’s History degree provides an excellent foundation for intellectual growth and professional achievement.

If studying full-time, you are expected to submit your thesis three, or at most four, years from the date of admission. If studying part-time, you are expected to submit your thesis six, or at most eight, years from the date of admission.

You will be supported by a supervisor or supervisors who will help you develop a programme of research and writing.  You will also benefit from the advice and support of other members of the faculty who will be involved in your progression through the transfer and confirmation stages of the degree, and you will be able to draw on the expertise of scholars and colleagues throughout the faculty and University.

You will be expected to attend and to contribute to the wide range of research seminars, conferences and workshops organised by the division and faculty. You will also have access to specialist training courses offered by the Bodleian Libraries and IT Services.

Further information about studying part-time

The faculty is able to offer the DPhil in History in full-time as well as part-time mode of attendance. Please note that any published statistics as regards acceptance rates are not an indication of applicants having a better chance of acceptance in part-time mode. All DPhil applications are assessed together and compared with each other, irrespective of the mode of study.

The faculty's research degrees are not available by distance learning. Although there will be no requirement to reside in Oxford, part-time research students must attend the University on a regular basis (particularly in term-time: October and November, mid-January to mid-March, and late April to mid-June) for supervision, study, research seminars and skills training.

The faculty appreciates that part-time research students will have non-standard attendance and work patterns. To ensure a comprehensive integration into the faculty's and University's research culture and with their full-time peer groups a pattern of attendance at training events and research seminars would form part of the general part-time study agreement as well as the individualised arrangements between supervisor and student. If you need a visa to study in the UK you cannot register for the part-time course.

Applicants are expected to be predicated or to have completed a master's course at a distinction or high pass level before starting the DPhil.

When assessors judge that a formally qualified and otherwise promising applicant requires strictly limited further training to embark on a doctoral programme, a doctoral place may be offered but only on the stipulation that the student successfully complete relevant elements of one of the faculty's master's courses before attempting 'transfer' to full doctoral status, meaning that the student may be asked to attend seminars or classes intended for master’s students.

Applicants are also normally expected to have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in history or cognate disciplines.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.75 out of 4.0.

However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a cumulative GPA of 3.8, a first-class degree or the equivalent.

Applicants without a prior degree in history or history of art should be aware that competition for a place on the DPhil is extremely tough and that even some of Oxford's own master's students are not able to secure a place on the DPhil. You should consider that most of your competitors will have a solid background in the discipline and the appropriate training for academic research in a historical context, with a first class or distinction grade. If you decide to apply without a prior master's degree in history, please ensure that you link your proposed thesis topic with your previous expertise when you present it in your application. You should also show that you have already done a considerable amount of background research into the topic. Your submitted written work should show your writing and research skills in their best light as it will be important to show that you have the necessary skills for historical research and writing. 

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Research proposal: 500 to 1,000 words, typically two to four pages double spaced
• Written work:Two essays of 2,000 words each or one essay of 4,000 to 5,000 words
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

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

• Global Education
• Hill Foundation Scholarships
• Ertegun Scholarship Programme 

The History undergraduate degree at the University of Oxford offers a comprehensive and rigorous exploration of history from ancient to modern times. The program provides students with the opportunity to study a wide range of historical periods, regions, and themes, allowing for specialization in areas such as medieval history, early modern history, modern European history, or history of the British Isles. Students develop critical analytical skills, learn to interpret primary and secondary sources, and engage with complex historical debates. The degree is structured to include both core modules that introduce key themes and skills, as well as optional modules that enable students to tailor their studies according to their interests.

Throughout the course, students benefit from the supervision system, where small-group tutorials led by expert academics encourage in-depth discussion and personalized feedback. The program emphasizes both breadth and depth of knowledge, encouraging students to contextualize historical events within broader social, political, cultural, and economic frameworks. Assessments typically include essays, examinations, and a final dissertation, fostering both written communication skills and independent research capabilities.

The University of Oxford’s Department of History is renowned for its distinguished faculty, extensive library collections, and vibrant intellectual community. Students have access to a wealth of resources, including archives, special collections, and digital databases, which support their research projects. The program also emphasizes the development of transferable skills such as critical thinking, argumentation, and academic writing, which are highly valued in a range of careers.

Graduates of the History program at Oxford have gone on to excel in diverse fields, including academia, journalism, public history, government, and consultancy. The degree’s emphasis on analytical rigor and research skills equips students to interpret complex information and contribute meaningfully to contemporary debates. The program’s reputation for academic excellence and its rich historical tradition make it a compelling choice for students passionate about understanding the past and its influence on the present and future.