History Degree Course

Studying History in the UK

In the UK, History is a well-established academic subject with a strong reputation. Most universities offer undergraduate degrees as BA (Bachelor of Arts) courses, typically lasting three years in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, or four years in Scotland.

UK History courses are often flexible, allowing students to focus on areas such as medieval history, modern British history, American history, social history, global empires or the history of ideas. In the first year, students usually take broad modules before specialising in later years. Some universities offer joint honours degrees combining History with Politics, Economics, Languages or Philosophy.

Assessment usually involves essays, exams, source analysis, presentations and a final-year dissertation. Lectures and seminars form the core of teaching, and students are expected to do significant independent reading.

Top UK universities for History include Oxford, Cambridge, the London School of Economics, UCL, Durham, Edinburgh, and St Andrews, but many other institutions offer excellent History programmes with different focuses and strengths.

Useful A Levels for Studying History

To apply for a History degree in the UK, History A level is often preferred or required, especially at top universities. However, many institutions are flexible and look for strong academic performance in related subjects. Other useful A levels include:

• English Literature or English Language – helps develop essay writing and critical reading skills

• Politics – useful for understanding modern history and political systems

• Economics – beneficial for studying economic history and understanding historical developments in trade and industry

• Religious Studies – provides insight into belief systems and ideologies that have shaped societies

• Classical Civilisation – helpful for ancient history modules

• Sociology or Philosophy – supports critical thinking and understanding of human behaviour and societal change

A combination of essay-based subjects shows your ability to analyse, argue, and interpret complex information - key skills for a History degree.

Career Prospects

A History degree opens the door to a wide range of careers, not limited to academic or heritage roles. Employers value the analytical thinking, research capabilities and communication skills History graduates bring.

Popular career paths include:

• Law – many History graduates go on to study law or work in legal professions

• Journalism and Media – roles in writing, editing, and reporting

• Teaching – in schools, colleges or higher education, often with additional qualifications

• Public Policy and Civil Service – especially in roles requiring historical knowledge and critical analysis

• Museums and Heritage – curatorial work, education, or collections management

• Research – within think tanks, academic institutions or private sector

• Politics and International Relations – policy development, diplomacy or advisory roles

• Business and Management – project management, strategy and consulting

• Publishing – roles in editorial, research, and content development

• Archiving and Librarianship – with further study or qualifications

Many History graduates also pursue postgraduate study, either continuing with History or branching into law, international relations, journalism or education.

Studying History in the USA

In the United States, students typically study History as a major within a liberal arts degree. This means students take a wide range of general education courses before focusing on their major, giving a broad-based academic experience.

History majors in the US explore American, European, African, Asian and Latin American history, with strong emphasis on developing research and writing skills. Programs are usually four years and may include internships or study abroad opportunities.

Studying History in Canada

Canadian universities also offer History as a major within a four-year Bachelor of Arts degree. Students often take courses in Canadian history as well as international and thematic areas like gender history or Indigenous histories. Like the US, Canadian universities emphasise both broad academic development and specialised research.

Studying History in the EU

Across Europe, the structure of History degrees varies. In most countries, a Bachelor's degree takes three years. The Bologna Process ensures that degrees are relatively standardised across EU countries. Some universities offer degrees taught in English, especially in countries like the Netherlands, Germany and Sweden.

In many EU countries, History programmes have a strong national or regional focus, but international and comparative history is also widely studied. Opportunities for Erasmus exchanges and multi-language study are common.

Studying History in Australia and New Zealand

In Australia and New Zealand, History is offered as part of a Bachelor of Arts degree, typically lasting three years. Students can major in History alongside other humanities subjects. Courses often focus on national histories (such as Australian or New Zealand history), colonialism, Indigenous histories and global history. Both countries have well-regarded universities and growing research in public history and heritage.

Final Thoughts

Studying History at university is about more than memorising dates and names. It’s about understanding how societies function, how ideas evolve and how the past shapes the present. Whether you choose to study in the UK or explore programs abroad, a History degree will give you the intellectual tools to think critically, argue persuasively and engage with the world in a meaningful way.