History Schools and Programs in The United Kingdom

History Studies in The United Kingdom

History is one of the most widely offered humanities degrees in the United Kingdom. Students work with primary sources and historical debate across periods from the ancient and medieval world to the present, and finish with an independent research project. This directory lists 48 schools for history in the UK: nine in London, three in Edinburgh and two each in Cheltenham, Oxford and Manchester.

How the degree is organised

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland the first degree is a bachelor's degree with honours, normally a BA (Hons), which is a level 6 qualification. It usually takes three years full time, as at King's College London, The University of Sheffield and Lancaster University; SOAS University of London lists three or four years for its BA History. In Scotland, degree-level study usually takes four years and the first arts degree at the older universities is called an MA (Hons): the University of St Andrews offers History, Ancient History, Medieval History, Modern History and Scottish History as MA (Hons) degrees, most of which can be taken with another subject as a joint degree.

Departments differ in what they cover. King's College London teaches societies ranging from medieval Europe and the Middle East to contemporary Latin America. The BA History at SOAS concentrates on Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The final year normally centres on a dissertation: at SOAS, single-subject students write one of 10,000 words, and the University of Southampton calls it a key component of the degree.

After the bachelor's degree, a taught master's (MA, or MLitt at St Andrews; level 7) usually takes one year full time; Lancaster University's History MA takes one year full time or two years part time. A doctorate (PhD or DPhil) is a level 8 qualification.

• BA (Hons): three years (four in Scotland, where it may be called MA Hons), level 6
• MA or MLitt: usually one year full time, level 7
• PhD or DPhil: level 8

Where to study

London examples in this directory are King's College London, University College London, SOAS University of London, the University of Westminster, Regent's University London and Richmond American University London, with Royal Holloway University of London nearby in Egham. In Scotland the list includes The University of Edinburgh, the University of St Andrews, the University of Aberdeen and the University of Stirling; in Wales, Cardiff University and Swansea University. Elsewhere in England there are the University of Oxford, The University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, the University of Bristol, The University of Warwick, The University of York, The University of Sheffield, Lancaster University, the University of Southampton, Newcastle University and the University of Essex in Colchester.

Admission and English level

Universities and colleges set their own entry requirements, usually stated as A levels, and many accept equivalent international qualifications. UK ENIC, the official organisation for the recognition and comparison of international qualifications, issues statements that compare a foreign qualification with the UK system. The courses cited here ask for AAA at King's College London, AAB at Sheffield and Lancaster and BBB at SOAS.

History is an essay-based subject, so the English requirement is often above the visa minimum. Sheffield asks for IELTS 7.0 with at least 6.5 in each component, Lancaster for 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component and Southampton for 6.5 overall. Undergraduate applications are sent through UCAS, with a maximum of five choices. For 2027 entry, the equal consideration date for most undergraduate courses is 13 January 2027 (18:00 UK time); for the universities of Oxford and Cambridge it is 15 October 2026. Many universities accept international applications until later in the year.

Costs and visa

Fees depend on fee status. Lancaster University lists undergraduate fees for 2027/28 of £10,050 for home students and £26,300 for international students on its History BA. Southampton lists £10,050 for UK students and £28,300 for EU and international students for a year's study, and SOAS lists £9,790 (home) and £23,780 (international) on its BA History page.

International students normally need a Student visa for a full degree. According to GOV.UK (checked on 8 October 2026), applicants must be 16 or over, hold an offer from a licensed student sponsor and prove English equivalent to CEFR level B2 for degree-level study. The application costs £558 from outside the UK, plus a healthcare surcharge of £776 per year for students. Applicants must also show living-cost funds of £1,529 per month for courses in London or £1,171 per month elsewhere, for up to nine months, and can apply at the earliest six months before the course starts.

Recognition and careers

The national qualification levels (6, 7 and 8) help authorities and employers abroad to compare UK degrees; recognition in another country is decided by that country. History does not lead to one profession. Sheffield reports that its history graduates have become lawyers, marketing executives, civil servants, accountants, teachers, management consultants, university lecturers, archivists and librarians, or work in museums, tourism and the heritage industry. After the degree, the Graduate visa allows a stay of 18 months for applications made on or after 1 January 2027.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a history degree take in the United Kingdom?

Usually three years full time in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and four years in Scotland. A taught master's normally adds one year.

Why do Scottish universities award an MA for a first degree in history?

At the older Scottish universities the first arts degree is called MA (Hons). At St Andrews, for example, History, Medieval History and Scottish History are all MA (Hons) undergraduate degrees.

How much does a history degree cost for international students?

Each university sets its own fee. Lancaster University lists £26,300 a year for 2027/28, Southampton £28,300 and SOAS £23,780 for international students.