Studying history at university
Example course modules
- Europe in the 20th century
- Vikings
- Renaissances and reformantions
- The history and culture of Ancient Greece
- Contested nation: Germany, 1871-1918
- France 1774-1794: reform and revolution
- History and politics in Latin America: 1930 to present
- The age of the plague: disease, medicine and society in Western Europe 1348-1665
- Growth of the USA
- Russia after Stalin
Teaching hours / week
Average for this subject
Average for all subjects
Average hours for this subject: 9 (Low 6 - High 12). Average hours for all subjects: 14.
The time you'll spend in lectures and seminars each week will vary from university to university, so use this as a guide.
Who studies this subject
What students say about history
What you need to get on a course
Subjects you need
A-levels (or equivalent) usually required
- Most courses ask for history
Useful to have
- Economics
- Sociology
- Politics
- English literature
- Religious studies
- Philosophy
Application checklist
Here's a guide to what to expect from the application process - also check individual university entry requirements, as these may differ.
- January application
- October application
- Personal statement
- Portfolio
- Interview
- Entry test
- Work experience
- Audition
Personal statement advice
Your personal statement is a core part of your university application, and getting it just right takes time. Before you start work on yours, take a look at our five quick tips on writing a personal statement. We'll help you past that writer's block!
Personal statement tips and advice
Career prospects
Six months after graduating
- Other elementary services occupations
Longer term career paths
Jobs where this degree is useful
- Museum archivist or curator
- Arts or heritage officer
- Newspaper or magazine journalist
Other real-life job examples
- Business analyst
- PR officer
- Subject teacher
What employers like about this subject
Studying history will help you to develop subject-specific skills including an understanding of culture and civilisations and how history has influenced them and how to examine and interpret source materials. Useful transferable skills you will gain from a history degree include communication skills, project management, critical thinking and research skills. History graduates tend to go into more general graduate jobs (for which they are well-suited) as there are not many jobs specifically designed for those who study history. Roles that require a history degree, such as work in museums and archives, are extremely competitive to get into.
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