More than learning and analysing our past, history students develop important skills that make them highly employable. At the end of their degrees, they can either go on to further study, or enter professional life. Today’s history students have more freedoms than ever regarding their careers, as their analytical skills and ability to think critically are sought by numerous businesses. While many believe the logical pathway of a history student leads to a career in teaching, heritage, culture, and archives, history students have great opportunities in other fields, such as law, journalism, publishing, investment banking, and the Civil Service.
This top 10 is based on the Complete University Guide 2015 league table for history.
1. University of Cambridge
Average entry standard: 563 Ucas points
Graduate prospects: 80 per cent go on to graduate employment or further study
Since 1209, Cambridge's legacy of outstanding teaching and research excellence has made it the best university to study history in the UK. Indeed, in recent years, it reached the first position for well-structured courses, as well as tuition in small classes. In the first two years, students must choose a module on a period of British political history, and combine it with another course from a diverse range of topics. The third year allows students to focus more on the History of Political thought. The campus and the city itself have one of the loveliest and most peaceful atmospheres in Europe, making it a highly student friendly area.
2. Durham University
Average entry standard: 551 Ucas points
Graduate prospects: 82 per cent go on to graduate employment or further study
In addition to being England’s third oldest university after Oxford and Cambridge, Durham has the highest student satisfaction in this top 10, coupled with the highest percentage of graduates directly entering professional life. History students must choose at least one Mediaeval, one Early Modern and two Late Modern modules in first year, leading them to master all phases. Applying for this degree requires a A*AA at A-level.
3. University of St Andrews
Average entry standard: 520 Ucas points
Graduate prospects: 74 per cent go on to graduate employment or further study
St Andrews is famous for its original and very specific structure of degrees, which are based on students' choice of subject specialism. The range is incredibly broad: degrees in Ancient, Mediaeval, Modern, Scottish, or Arabic History are proposed. Most of the time, they are coupled with other programmes, such as Modern languages, Anthropology, or even Biblical studies. Students may spend one of their honours years in Cairo, New Jersey, or Oslo, among others.
4. University of Oxford
Average entry standard: 545 Ucas points
Graduate prospects: 75 per cent go on to graduate employment or further study
Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world, and its history faculty is at the forefront of research. In addition to British and European history modules, Oxford offers an incredibly broad geographical dimension: options on North American, Latin American, Asian and African History are available. In addition, students are encouraged to work through an interdisciplinary approach. For instance, the study of texts in foreign language from Herodotus, Tocqueville or Machiavelli, as well as quantification in history, are proposed, along with more traditional courses.
5. University of Warwick
Average entry standard: 481 Ucas points
Graduate prospects: 78 per cent go on to graduate employment or further study
The University of Warwick has been in the top 10 universities in the UK for history for eight years. History can be combined to another field of study: students may choose between politics, sociology, or philosophy. This combination allows students to broaden their historical knowledge under a new approach, thus increasing their career opportunities.
6. University of Exeter
Average entry standard: 474 Ucas points
Graduate prospects: 76 per cent go on to graduate employment or further study
The University of Exeter has three campuses, two in Exeter, Devon and one at Penryn, Cornwall. History is offered at both Streatham (Exeter) and Penryn. The programme at Streatham covers the Medieval period to the 21st century with specialisms in medical, imperial and military history to name but a few. The Penryn programme concentrates on public, local and modern history with the opportunity for work experience. All students are encouraged to get involved in extra-curricular activities and sport. Last year the University came 6th out of 153 institutions in the overall BUCS rankings (British Universities and Colleges Sport 2013/2014).
7. London School of Economics
Average entry standard: 484 Ucas points
Graduate prospects: 75 per cent go on to graduate employment or further study
While LSE is well-renowned for its social science and economics programmes, its history degree is increasingly attractive. Its strength lies in the diversity of its angles of study, as it aims to cover a great span of history while studying each period under a specific light. For instance, the first year includes a course on War and Society from c. 1500-1815 (focussing on Europe), whereas the 20th century course focuses on the extra-European world. Other viewpoints include Economic History and International Relations, and for those who are specifically interested in the latter, LSE offers degrees specifically dedicated to these areas.
8. University of York
Average entry standard: 488 Ucas points
Graduate prospects: 72 per cent go on to graduate employment or further study
York has been a leading university for history for almost 10 years, and its score in student satisfaction remains among the highest in the UK. Studying at the University of York may be tempting for those attracted by the thought of small cities with a historic presence. Indeed, its reputation as one of Europe’s most beautiful cities stems from its attractive architecture. History students are invited to do a year abroad in America, Asia or Europe, to see how history is practised in other cultures, while developing language skills.
9. University College London
Average entry standard: 504 Ucas points
Graduate prospects: 71 per cent go on to graduate employment or further study
UCL’s history department offers a variety of interesting degrees including Ancient History, Ancient World, or even Ancient History and Egyptology. However, if looking for something less specific, one can simply take history. UCL’s excellence also lies within its primary source material, as students have access to the British Museum and the British Library, which are within walking distance. Eventually, some students may choose to spend their third year abroad at an institution in North or South America, or Ireland.
10. University of Bristol
Average entry standard: 490 Ucas points
Graduate prospects: 77 per cent go on to graduate employment or further study
In recent years, the University of Bristol has been climbing the ranking for best history degrees in the UK, as it left its 15th position in 2008 to become 10th in 2015. Bristol’s goal is to teach its students to be able to conduct independent original research. This is achieved through the great variety of topics that are on offer: students may choose any module ranging from Christianity and Islam in Medieval Europe to Colonialism in South-East Asia, or from the South African War to the American West.
