History

The study of history at Oxford combines the examination of large regions over extended periods of time with more focused work on smaller groups, shorter periods, and particular problems. It provides a distinctive education by developing an awareness of differing political, cultural, social and economic structures in past societies and their interrelationship. It combines vigorous debate over questions of interpretation with rigorous attention to the source materials. Its constant enrichment by cross-fertilisation from other disciplines leads to the asking of new questions about the past.

Oxford is celebrated for the broad chronological sweep of its courses and the enormous amount of choice offered to students. You can study options on any part of British and European history from the declining years of the Roman Empire to the present day. The geographical range is also broad: there are options on North American, Latin American, Asian and African history (see website for further details). Students are encouraged to adopt a variety of interdisciplinary approaches to their work, and the faculty is strong on intellectual and cultural history options. The Oxford History Faculty is at the forefront of research.

History graduates go on to follow careers in fields such as law, investment banking and consultancies, advertising, accountancy, the Civil Service, publishing, journalism and the media, global charity work, museums, librarianship and archive work, and teaching. Recent graduates include a civil servant at the Department of Health, an investment management associate, and a barrister.

Edward, who graduated in 1981, is now a curator. He says: ‘My degree helped me acquire a position with the Pendle Heritage Centre and then at Historic Scotland. Afterwards I became a curator for the National Museum of the US Navy.’

Brook, who graduated in 2005, is now a planning and reporting accountant. He says: ‘I decided to join Deloitte as a trainee chartered accountant in 2005 to learn the basics of finance. I focused on auditing investment banks, which put me at the forefront of the economic crisis from 2007 onwards and was very interesting. I had thought that I would move into banking as so many people do, but I decided I wanted to forge a sustainable career in an industry that genuinely interests me. My accounting background made a job in the finance department at EDF Energy an obvious choice. Where it goes from here is now completely up to me!’

Sean, who graduated in 2008, is a football development officer. He says: ‘Having graduated I took the post of Football Sabbatical Officer for the University and since then I got my current job working for the Independent Schools Football Association. Having Oxford behind me was a key factor in getting the new job. The skills I learned whilst doing my degree have helped me out greatly in terms of the application (interview and presentation) and the job as a whole – writing strategic documents and delivering presentations to teachers. The experiences I had, particularly coaching women’s football at Somerville and for the University were essential for the career path that I undertook.’

Sian, who graduated in 2008, says: ‘Since graduating I have worked as assistant brand manager on Pringles and Braun at Procter & Gamble. My degree taught me analytical skills, time management and the ability to think critically, all of which are crucial in my role.’