The University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge are two of the most prestigious universities in the world for studying history. Both institutions have long traditions of historical scholarship and have produced many influential historians, writers and political leaders. Their history departments are internationally respected and attract students with strong academic ability and a deep interest in the past.
Although the two universities share a similar reputation for excellence, their history degrees differ slightly in structure, teaching style and the way students specialise in historical topics.
Course Structure
At the University of Oxford, the degree is called History. Students apply directly to the subject and focus entirely on history throughout the course.
The degree normally lasts three years for the BA. In the first year students study a combination of British and European history as well as an introductory course that develops key historical skills such as analysing primary sources and understanding historical argument.
In the second and third years students have increasing freedom to choose specialised topics. These may include medieval history, early modern history, modern political history, global history or the history of specific regions such as the United States or the Middle East.
Oxford students also complete a dissertation in the final year, allowing them to research a historical topic independently.
At the University of Cambridge, history is also studied as a three-year BA degree. Students specialise in history from the start rather than studying it within a broader course structure.
The Cambridge course begins with an introduction to historical thinking and methods. Students study political, social and economic history while developing skills in analysing sources and constructing historical arguments.
In later years students choose from a wide range of specialist papers covering different time periods and regions. These may include medieval Europe, the British Empire, twentieth-century global history or the history of political ideas.
Like Oxford, Cambridge also offers the opportunity for students to complete an extended research dissertation in the final year.
Topics Studied
Both universities offer extremely broad coverage of historical topics.
Students may study periods ranging from the ancient world to contemporary history. Courses often include British history, European history and global history.
Common areas of study include medieval society, early modern political change, imperial history, revolutions and modern international relations.
Students also learn how historians use evidence. This includes analysing primary sources such as letters, official documents, diaries, speeches and newspapers.
A key part of studying history at both universities is learning how to interpret these sources critically and construct well-supported historical arguments.
Teaching Methods
Both Oxford and Cambridge are known for their distinctive teaching systems based on small-group discussion.
At Oxford these sessions are called tutorials. Students usually meet weekly with a tutor in pairs to discuss essays they have written. The tutorial system encourages debate and allows tutors to challenge students’ interpretations and arguments.
At Cambridge these sessions are called supervisions. They are similar to tutorials and involve very small groups discussing essays and historical problems with a supervisor.
Lectures provide broader context and introduce new topics, while tutorials or supervisions allow students to explore ideas in greater depth.
Essay writing is a central part of the course at both universities. Students regularly write essays analysing historical questions, developing arguments and evaluating evidence.
Workload and Academic Challenge
History at both Oxford and Cambridge requires extensive reading and independent study.
Students must read large numbers of historical texts and academic articles each week in preparation for essays and discussions. They are also expected to analyse complex historical debates and understand how interpretations of the past have changed over time.
The workload can be demanding because students must develop both broad historical knowledge and strong analytical writing skills.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for history at both universities are extremely competitive.
Applicants are normally expected to achieve the highest A level grades, often including A* in humanities subjects such as History or English.
Oxford requires applicants to take the History Aptitude Test (HAT), which assesses historical reasoning and essay writing.
Cambridge may require applicants to complete admissions assessments and attend interviews where they discuss historical sources and ideas with academic staff.
The interviews focus on how applicants think about historical problems and how well they can analyse evidence and construct arguments.
Research and Academic Environment
Both universities are major centres of historical research.
Oxford’s history faculty includes specialists in a wide range of areas from ancient history to modern global history. The university’s libraries and archives provide students with access to extensive historical resources.
Cambridge also has a world-renowned history faculty with expertise across many historical fields. Students benefit from access to major research libraries and collections of historical documents.
In their final year students often carry out independent research projects using these resources.
Career Prospects
Graduates in history from Oxford and Cambridge have excellent career opportunities.
Some students continue into postgraduate study and academic research. Others move into careers such as law, journalism, public service, publishing or politics.
The analytical and writing skills developed during the degree are highly valued by employers in many different fields.
Because of the global reputation of both universities, graduates from either Oxford or Cambridge are widely respected.
Which Course Might Suit You
The history degrees at Oxford and Cambridge are very similar in academic level and reputation. Both universities offer a wide range of historical topics and emphasise critical thinking, independent research and essay writing.
Oxford is often seen as particularly essay-focused through its tutorial system, while Cambridge offers a slightly broader choice of specialised papers in later years.
For most applicants the choice between the two universities depends more on personal preference for teaching style, college environment and admissions process rather than a clear difference in the quality of the degree.
Educational Choices 