Top UK Universities For History - Ranking & League Table
Here’s our full guide on the top universities for History in the UK. We have curated a list of high-ranking universities which offer affordable, globally-recognized qualifications for History.
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UK University League Table for History (Updated 2022)
The University League Table for History below displays the top-ranking universities for studying History in the UK. We’ve compiled a list of universities you should look out for, based on UK and global rankings, as well as entry requirements.
| University | Course Name | Fees (£) | Duration | Subject Ranking | UK Ranking | TEF Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Cambridge | History BA (Hons) | £22,227 | 3 years | 1 | 2 | Gold |
| University of Oxford | History BA (Hons) | £31,230 | 3 years | 2 | 1 | Gold |
| University of St Andrews | History BA (International Hons) | £19,400 | 3 years | 3 | 4 | Gold |
| Durham University | History BA (Hons) | £21,730 | 3 years | 5 | 6 | Gold |
| University College London (UCL) | History BA (Hons) | £ 21,260 | 3 years | 6 | 8 | Silver |
| University of Leeds | History BA (Hons) | £20,250 | 4 years | 14 | 20 | Silver |
| University of Birmingham | History BA (Hons) | £19,740 | 3 years | 15 | 19 | Gold |
| University of Southampton | History BA (Hons) | £17,560 | 3 years | 16 | 15 | Silver |
| University of Bristol | History BA (Hons) | £19,500 | 3 years | 17 | 17 | Silver |
| University of Strathclyde | History BA (Hons) | £15,300 | 4 years | 18 | 30 | N/A |
What do you Study in History?
History is more than just learning about past events – it lends you a greater understanding of the past and present through the study of humanity through the ages. Depending on your course, you will study key historical events in specific regions that have shaped the past as well as the present.
Careers for History Graduates
What can you do with a degree in History? Many graduates find employment taking on various roles such as:
- Archivist
- Building inspection officer
- Cultural/Heritage manager
- Lecturer
- Museum/Gallery curator
- Researcher
Top History Schools In The UK
The top university for History in the UK is the University of Cambridge. According to 2021 rankings, Cambridge is ranked as the number one university in the UK for Bachelor’s programmes in History. You could read more about the University of Cambridge’s History course on their website here or read more about the application process via UCAS here.
Ranked in the sixth place in the UK for History courses is University College London (UCL). UCL has 12 courses in history, which allows students to choose subjects such as languages, cultural studies, philosophy, politics, and economics for joint honours. In 2019, the university was ranked 6th in the world for Arts and Humanities, making UCL one of the top destinations to study subjects such as History.
Need advice about applying to a UK university? We are here to help. Book a free appointment with us now!
Recommended History Schools In The UK
The University of Bristol is ranked 17th in the UK for history and it offers ten programmes in History. Studying at Bristol allows you to enjoy your student life as the programme is taught in the Clifton campus, a well-connected university with the nearby cultural hub, shopping district, and the airport for those who would like to travel.
Located in Glasgow, the University of Strathclyde is a great choice for history majors. The university offers 15 courses for history which allow students the option to undertake joint honours in history and other arts and humanities subjects. The university is among the top 30 universities in the UK and has a great reputation for its research output and graduate prospects. Strathclyde’s programmes in history are among some of the more affordable options, priced at £15,300 a year for international students.
The University of Southampton is an excellent choice for those interested in historical studies. With fifteen programmes to choose from, you are given great flexibility to choose subjects that pique your interest. Subject choices range from joint honours with Ancient History, English, Film, Philosophy, and a language. Southampton’s programmes also allow you to opt for a year abroad as part of your programme to broaden your horizons. The university has a diverse student body and organises welcome programmes for international students every year.
2021 History League Table
Looking for the 2021 League Table for UK Universities offering History? Find it here:
| University | Course name | Fees (Per Annum) | Duration | Subject Ranking | UK Ranking | TEF rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Cambridge | History BA (Hons) | £22,227 | 3 years | 1 | 1 | Gold |
| University of Oxford | History BA (Hons) | £31,230 | 3 years | 2 | 2 | Gold |
| Durham University | History BA (Hons) | £21,730 | 3 years | 3 | 7 | Gold |
| University of St Andrews | History BA (International Hons) | £19,400 | 3 years | 4 | 3 | Gold |
| University College London (UCL) | History BA (Hons) | £ 21,260 | 3 years | 5 | 10 | Silver |
| University of Leeds | History BA (Hons) | £20,250 | 4 years | 11 | 16 | Silver |
| University of Birmingham | History BA (Hons) | £19,740 | 3 years | 14 | 13 | Gold |
| University of Strathclyde | History BA (Hons) | £15,300 | 4 years | 18 | 35 | N/A |
| University of Bristol | History BA (Hons) | £19,500 | 3 years | 19 | 14 | Silver |
| University of Southampton | History BA (Hons) | £17,560 | 3 years | 23 | 17 | Silver |
How To Apply To Study History In The UK?
Step 1: Choose A University
The first step is to look for popular and high-ranking Universities in the UK that offer courses you are interested in. Refer to the table above to start your search. Here are some things to consider when applying:
- Location
- Employability/Graduate prospects
- Fees
- Entry requirements
- University Ranking
Step 2: Preparations
Once you have narrowed down the search to your top five universities, the first step is to prepare necessary documents and forms. This includes school leaving certificates, exam results, the UCAS application form and a written Personal Statement, among other documents that may be required.
Step 3: Submit UCAS Application
The application process for UK universities differs from other countries as applications go through an organisation known as UCAS, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service. UCAS handles all admission applications to UK universities, including those submitted by international candidates like you.
To ensure a better chance of getting accepted, it is important that you prepare all the necessary documents and fill out all forms correctly. We also recommend that you apply for multiple universities simultaneously to ensure that you get your preferred offers. Read our full guide on UCAS here.
More about UCAS
The entire application process might be daunting and lengthy for some, so let us help you. Make a free appointment with us today for professional assistance in submitting applications to your prefered UK universities.
UK History School Entry Requirements
Here are some of the common entry requirements and tests a student has to pass before being accepted at a UK university to study History.
- English Language Test requirement – such as IELTS or TOEFL.
- Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland for Scottish Universities)
- Health checks.
- Entrance interviews.
- Personal statement. This is a supporting document and part of your application to a UK university. Usually, you will write about what you hope to achieve studying at the course, what you plan to do after graduating and why you are applying for this specific university.
Frequently Asked Questions
History is the study of humanity through the ages. Depending on your course, you will study key historical events in specific regions.
The number one university for History in the UK is the University of Cambridge, according to 2022 rankings.
The common entry requirements for studying History in the UK include English language tests, criminal record declarations, health checks, entrance interviews and submission of a personal statement.
The tuition fees for History degrees in the UK range between £15,000 to £32,000 per annum for international students, depending on the university. The ranking and location of a university might also affect tuition fee costs.
The UCAS deadline for History programmes is 15 January on the year of admission. The deadline for applying to Cambridge and Oxford is 15 October.
Get Free UK History Course Application Assistance
If you would like a free consultation on any step of the application process, contact us today or come visit us at our office in Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur. Book an appointment with us now!