History at Oxford — Admissions Guide 2027

Typical offer: AAA at A-Level. History A-Level or an essay-based humanities subject is expected but not absolutely required. IB: 38 points with 6,6,6 at Higher Level. Around 1,237 applicants for 261 places (roughly 5:1).

Apply via UCAS by 15 October 2025. The HAT (History Aptitude Test) is sat in early November — a 1-hour essay responding to an unseen extract. Written work is submitted after the HAT. Interviews run in December: typically 2 interviews of 20-30 minutes discussing historical arguments and sources.

History interviews are discussions about historical evidence and argument. You may be given a source to read and asked to interpret it, or asked to debate a historical claim. The focus is on analytical thinking, not factual recall. Show that you can weigh evidence, consider multiple perspectives, and construct a clear argument while remaining open to challenge.

Write about what you have genuinely read and thought about in history. Discuss a specific historical debate, source, or question — not just a period you like. Show independent reading beyond the A-Level syllabus. The new UCAS format means every answer must be focused on historical thinking.

Year 1: Prelims covering a wide period of European or British history, plus introduction to historiography. Years 2-3: Finals with a wide choice of period papers, thematic papers, a thesis, and a compulsory historical methods paper. The breadth of options is exceptional.

All Oxford colleges offer History. Some have particular strengths in certain periods. Research which college fellows specialise in areas that interest you. Open application is valid.

Oxford History graduates enter law, journalism, civil service, politics, consulting, publishing, teaching, and academia. The critical thinking and communication skills are transferable to virtually any career.

International applicants are welcome. No prior knowledge of British history is required. IELTS 7.5 overall with 7.0 per component. The HAT is available worldwide.