History Degree Entry Requirements

All universities have different entry requirements for their courses. Some universities have been known to favour certain aspects of a student’s UCAS application more than others. Some prefer students with higher grades, while others may prefer students with industry-related work experience.

What is a History degree?

A history degree is a degree that looks at what came before and how the past affects the future. History doesn’t just focus on the past; it also looks at the impact certain situations have on the future, what lessons there are to learn from and what we can expect based on historical data.

Typically, you will cover a wide range of modules. These generally include research skills, archive evaluation, economics, geographical understanding and holocenes.

What are the History degree entry requirements?

The university entry requirements for a history degree will vary depending on where you are applying. Not all universities require the same things. Some universities have been known to prefer students with industry work experience, while others may require higher grades.

The most common entry requirements for history courses are:

You will need to see which universities accept specific qualifications. For example, T Levels may be accepted at one university but not at another. You must speak to the university beforehand to see which qualification types are accepted.

A Levels

A Levels are accepted by all universities. This is the most commonly required qualification when applying for a history degree. You must have an A Level in history or a related humanities subject. Some universities have also been known to accept general studies and critical thinking subjects.

BTECs

BTECs will generally be accepted. You will need to have studied a history BTEC. However, universities may accept other subjects as long as you have a history qualification elsewhere.

GCSEs

GCSEs are not always asked for when applying to university. Or, more accurately, they are seldom taken into account when you have other grades alongside them. That being said, some universities have been known to ask students to have a history GCSE before applying for their course.

IELTS

The IELTS are purely for international students. Your overall score will need to be high. However, universities have been known to focus specifically on the scores you get for certain sections. In this instance, your score may be low but high in one section, and that section alone could be what sways things in your favour.

International Baccalaureate

The International Baccalaureate is also only for international students. You will need to have a Higher Level in English and a level 6 or higher at Higher Level for humanities or history.

T Levels

Not all universities currently accept T Levels. For this, you will need to have studied a relevant humanities subject. You will need to check that this qualification type is accepted by the university you are attending for a history degree.

What are the best universities to study a History degree at?

It may sound cliche, but the best university to study at is the one that meets your needs. Of course, certain universities will focus on humanities subjects or specialise in history specifically, but you will still need to pick the best one for you.

The first thing to do is to ask yourself what you want from a university. Do you want a university that specialises in the subject? One that focuses more on teaching? Or the one that has better industry connections and ties? All of these are valid reasons to study at a specific university.

How to write a History personal statement

When writing a history personal statement, it is important to focus on yourself and your love of history. That can often be a somewhat challenging line for students to walk, as these things can be difficult to sum up in 4,000 characters.

From a personal standpoint, it’s best to talk about your hobbies and interests. Personal achievements are another important aspect to include, and if you can in some way relate them to your love of history, then even better. This is not a requirement, but universities want to know what makes you unique and why you would be a welcome addition to their university society.

Let your passion flow through the statement when speaking about your interest in history. What is it, specifically, about history that makes you want to study this subject at university? Is there a book, film, or TV show you read or watched that sparked your interest? Is there a specific period of history that intrigues you in some way? All of these are relevant ot your statement and will help to sell your passion for the subject.

What jobs can I get with a History degree?

Not all jobs related to a history degree are necessarily in the world of history. You’d be surprised by just how many different sectors can potentially open up to history graduates. This is mainly because history is a broad subject encompassing many different skills and abilities.

The main jobs you can find with a history degree are:

• Academic researcher
• Accountant
• Archaeologist
• Archivist
• Civil servant
• HR officer
• Heritage manager
• Marketing executive
• Museum curator
• Solicitor

It is also possible to become a teacher. However, to become a teacher or lecturer, you will also need to have a PGCE degree or a Masters in Education.

Do History courses enter into Clearing?

Typically, you will be able to find Clearing history courses. This is a very popular subject, so chances are that they will be dropping into Clearing at some point.

The advantage of this is that the entry requirements may be lower. They will not drop drastically, but they may drop just enough to be able to make the course more accessible for students who are looking for courses in Clearing.