History
UK history degrees offer unparalleled access to primary sources, archives, and historical sites spanning millennia.
Notable History Programmes
A curated selection of top-ranked, distinctive and interesting history programmes across UK universities.
History (Historical Tripos)
World-leading history department with unmatched archival access and the supervision system
Cambridge's Historical Tripos is one of the broadest and most rigorous history degrees available. Students study British, European, American and world history from antiquity to the present. The supervision system provides weekly personal feedback on essays. The University Library, Fitzwilliam Museum and countless college libraries offer extraordinary primary source access for those who want to pursue original research.
History
The gold standard — tutorials, the Bodleian, and a degree that trains exceptional thinkers
Oxford's history degree covers British and European history, with options ranging from ancient history to the present day. The tutorial system develops analytical writing and independent thinking to an exceptional level. Access to the Bodleian Library's manuscript collections means undergraduates work with genuine primary sources. Oxford History graduates are found at the top of journalism, law, politics and finance.
History
Broad four-year Scottish MA with Scottish, British, European and global history strengths
Edinburgh's history programme allows subject combinations in the first two years before specialising. The department has particular strengths in Scottish and British history, intellectual history and the history of science. Edinburgh's National Library of Scotland, National Museum and the city's own rich history create an immersive learning environment that extends well beyond the classroom.
History with Study Abroad
Year abroad option at universities across North America, Europe and Australasia
Exeter's history programme is consistently top-10 in UK rankings. The study abroad variant includes a year at a partner university, broadening historical perspectives. The core programme has notable strengths in medieval, early modern and environmental history. Exeter's proximity to Dartmoor, the South West coast and rich local heritage sites enhances hands-on historical study.
44 universities offer this subject
University of Oxford
Oxford · England · UK Rank #2
University of Cambridge
Cambridge · England · UK Rank #3
University College London
London · England · UK Rank #4
King's College London
London · England · UK Rank #5
University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh · Scotland · UK Rank #6
University of Bristol
Bristol · England · UK Rank #8
London School of Economics
London · England · UK Rank #9
University of Warwick
Coventry · England · UK Rank #10
University of Birmingham
Birmingham · England · UK Rank #11
University of Glasgow
Glasgow · Scotland · UK Rank #12
University of Leeds
Leeds · England · UK Rank #13
University of Southampton
Southampton · England · UK Rank #14
University of Sheffield
Sheffield · England · UK Rank #15
Durham University
Durham · England · UK Rank #16
University of Nottingham
Nottingham · England · UK Rank #17
Queen Mary University of London
London · England · UK Rank #18
University of St Andrews
St Andrews · Scotland · UK Rank #19
Newcastle University
Newcastle upon Tyne · England · UK Rank #21
University of Liverpool
Liverpool · England · UK Rank #22
University of Exeter
Exeter · England · UK Rank #23
Lancaster University
Lancaster · England · UK Rank #24
University of York
York · England · UK Rank #25
Cardiff University
Cardiff · Wales · UK Rank #26
University of Reading
Reading · England · UK Rank #27
Queen's University Belfast
Belfast · Northern Ireland · UK Rank #28
University of Aberdeen
Aberdeen · Scotland · UK Rank #31
University of Surrey
Guildford · England · UK Rank #32
University of Sussex
Brighton · England · UK Rank #33
Swansea University
Swansea · Wales · UK Rank #35
University of Leicester
Leicester · England · UK Rank #37
Oxford Brookes University
Oxford · England · UK Rank #38
University of East Anglia
Norwich · England · UK Rank #39
University of Essex
Colchester · England · UK Rank #43
University of Kent
Canterbury · England · UK Rank #43
University of Dundee
Dundee · Scotland · UK Rank #44
Royal Holloway, University of London
Egham · England · UK Rank #46
University of Stirling
Stirling · Scotland · UK Rank #49
University of Hull
Hull · England · UK Rank #51
Bangor University
Bangor · Wales · UK Rank #54
Goldsmiths, University of London
London · England · UK Rank #61
Aberystwyth University
Aberystwyth · Wales · UK Rank #63
Keele University
Keele · England · UK Rank #66
Bournemouth University
Bournemouth · England · UK Rank #70
University of Winchester
Winchester · England · UK Rank #97
Career Pathways
Where a UK History degree can take you — typical graduate starting salaries: £24,000–£38,000
Subject Overview
Featured
BA History
One-to-one tutorials and access to the Bodleian Library — the gold standard for history education.
Compare Universities
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Compare Tool →Programs at Top UK Universities
39 programs across 39 universities
Covers British, European, and world history from antiquity to present. Tutorial-based teaching with primary source focus.
Covers global history from medieval to modern. Supervision-based teaching in college setting.
Covers global history with strengths in public history, digital humanities, and transnational approaches.
World-renowned history department specialising in war studies, medieval history, and modern British history. Access to exceptional London archives and museums.
Four-year Scottish MA covering British, European, and global history. Access to National Library of Scotland.
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Covers medieval to modern history with strengths in social history and public humanities.
Covers medieval to modern history with strengths in slavery, empire, and public history.
Focuses on economic and international history. Small cohort with research-intensive approach.
Covers European and global history with strengths in comparative and transnational approaches.
Covers British, European, and global history. Strong medieval and early modern research clusters.
Four-year Scottish MA covering Scottish, British, and world history. Hunterian Museum research access.
Covers medieval to modern history with International History Centre research strength.
Covers British and global history with maritime and imperial history specialisms.
Covers British, European, and global history. Strong in social and cultural history.
Durham History is among the strongest in England, with world-leading expertise in medieval, early modern, and modern periods. The university's proximity to Durham Cathedral provides a unique historical context.
Covers British, European, and world history. Strong in public history and heritage studies.
Covers modern British and global history with East London heritage connections.
Medieval and early modern history specialisms in a town steeped in Scottish history. Small seminar-based teaching.
Covers British, European, and world history with North East England heritage links.
Covers British and global history with strengths in maritime and Atlantic world history.
Exeter History has particular strengths in medieval, American, and early modern history.
Covers British and global history with regional North West heritage links.
Renowned medieval and early modern history department. Proximity to York Minster and city archives provides unique resources.
Covers British and global history with Welsh heritage and public history strengths.
Covers British, Irish, and global history. Strong conflict and peace studies links.
Four-year Scottish MA covering Scottish, British, and world history.
Covers British, European, and world history with primary source analysis.
Covers British, European, and world history with primary source analysis.
Covers British, European, and world history with primary source analysis.
Covers British, European, and world history with primary source analysis.
The Ancient History programme at University of Huddersfield offers an engaging curriculum designed to prepare graduates for diverse career paths.
Covers British, European, and world history with primary source analysis.
Our Ancient History programme provides a rigorous foundation with opportunities for independent research and professional development.
Covers British, European, and world history with primary source analysis.
Covers British, European, and world history with primary source analysis.
Covers British, European, and world history with primary source analysis.
Our Ancient History programme provides a rigorous foundation with opportunities for independent research and professional development.
Join our History programme and benefit from University of Winchester's research-led teaching and supportive learning environment.
Gain in-depth knowledge of Ancient History through our comprehensive programme, featuring expert teaching and modern facilities.
Scholarships for North American students
Many UK universities offer fee discounts and bursaries for international applicants — create an account to explore.