Undergraduate Certificate in History

Course details

Uncover the events, choices and conflicts that shaped modern history.

Online info session: Thursday 23 October, 12:00-12:45 BST

Join us online for 45 minutes to learn more about our Certificate in History. Led by Course Director, Professor Andrew Hopper, this will be your chance to learn more about the programme and have your questions answered by our friendly team.

► Register your place

Quick links

• Who is the course for?

• How you will study
• The course in detail – including course content, structure and assessment
• IT requirements
• Teaching staff and contact information
• Application details – how to apply, fees, award and credit transfer
• Funding

• English language requirements

Who is this course for?

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. While formal qualifications and recent study are helpful, they’re not essential. If you haven’t studied or taken exams in a while, don’t let that hold you back. We’re interested in your potential, your enthusiasm for history, and your readiness to study in a structured way.

If you'd like to gain a BA in History, the Certificate can be a valuable stepping stone, with many students progressing to second-year entry at other UK universities or an Oxford college. While completing the course doesn’t guarantee admission, it provides a strong academic foundation and helps you compete effectively for a place.

How you will study

The Undergraduate Certificate in History course consists of weekly two-hour seminars (28 per year), usually held on Wednesday evenings.

We use a variety of teaching methods. In addition to lectures by the tutors, you will have the chance to work in small discussion groups.

There is also a non-residential study week, during which you receive an intensive introduction to your chosen optional subject. For most students, the study week provides a valuable chance for full-time study, socialising with fellow students and easy access to the wide range of study facilities at Rewley House and within the University.

Essay writing is an integral part of the course. During each year of study, our students write six essays and receive written feedback and tutorial support.

As well as attending classes, you are likely to need to undertake at least 12 hours of independent study per week. This will involve reading, making notes, preparing for class, writing essays and revising for exams.

In addition to attending the Undergraduate Certificate’s own weekly seminar programme, you can, for no extra payment, experience the wide range of lectures and seminars organised by the University’s Faculty of Modern History.

Teaching delivery

This course is expected to be taught in person at Rewley House, 1 Wellington Square, Oxford, OX1 2JA. Should circumstances dictate, the teaching can be moved online (either fully or partly).

Course content

The Undergraduate Certificate in History consists of five elements:

1. British History 1485–1603

The sixteenth century was a period of turmoil and uncertainty but saw the emergence of the powerful Tudor dynasty, the birth pangs of the modern state, the establishment of a national Protestant church, an upsurge in economic growth and a flowering of the arts. Students examine the major political and religious developments of individual reigns and explore long-term changes in relations with Europe, the role of Parliament, economy and society, attitudes towards family and women and the use of culture to promote the image of monarchy.

2. British History 1900–1979

During this period Britain experienced profound political and social change: the themes studied include the impact of the two World Wars, the arrival of the Welfare State, and the end of the Empire. Students also look at specific topics such as the Suffragette movement, the political extremism of the 1930s, and the debate over the post-1945 'consensus' in British politics.

3. European History 1815–1914

The nineteenth century saw the emergence of the European nation-states amidst war, revolution and social conflict. This comparative course charts the major political developments of the period, but the main focus is on broad themes such as industrialisation, urbanisation and the growth of class and gender consciousness.

4. An optional subject

The optional subjects provide the opportunity for more detailed study of a specific topic using original source materials.  Options previously offered include The Nobility and Gentry in England 1558-1642, The Age of Bede and themes in 19th and 20th century European history. 

5. Approaches to History

What is history? Why do societies record and preserve their past? Students look at the evolution of history and at what historians can learn from other related disciplines such as art history, sociology and gender studies.

Course structure

Classes meet once a week, usually on Wednesday evenings, starting with a pre-course induction meeting in September. There will be ten classes in the autumn and spring terms and eight classes in the summer term. There is also a study day at the start of the autumn term of the first year.

Year 1

• Pre-course induction session

Michaelmas term

• Historical skills day
• Introduction to History (Week 1), British History 1485–1603 (Weeks 2–10)
• 2 assessed essays

Hilary term

• British History 1485–1603 (Weeks 1–3), European History 1815–1914 (Weeks 4–10)
• 2 assessed essays

Trinity term

• European History 1815–1914 (Weeks 1–6), Revision and exam preparation (Weeks 7–8)
• 2 assessed essays
• Examination in British History 1485–1603
• Examination in European History 1815–1914

Year 2

• Study week (optional subject) - September 2027 (dates to be confirmed)
• 1 assessed essay

Michaelmas term

• Optional subject (Weeks 1–5), Approaches to History (Weeks 6–10)
• 2 assessed essays

Hilary term

• Approaches to History (Weeks 1–5), British History 1900–1979 (Weeks 6–10)
• 2 assessed essays

Trinity term

• British History 1900–1979 (Weeks 1–6), Revision and exam preparation (Weeks 7-8)
• 2 assessed essays
• Examinations in optional subject and British History 1900–1979

Assessment

Assessment is based both on coursework (essays) and on written examinations held at the end of each of the two years.

Examinations: at the end of each year there will be two unseen written exams.

IT requirements

To study at this level you are expected to have some IT skills, and access to a computer and the internet. Your course requires you to engage with the Virtual Learning Environment for course materials and uses the Department’s online assignment submission system. Students need to have regular access to a computer and the internet, and some level of experience and skill including the use of Microsoft Word or similar word-processing package, email and internet browsers such as Firefox or Google Chrome.

The computer you use should meet our recommended minimum computer specification.

Teaching staff

Contact information

If you would like an informal discussion on academic matters before applying you may contact: 

Professor Andrew Hopper: andrew.hopper@conted.ox.ac.uk

For general guidance, application and admissions advice, course specific information, or credit transfer: undergraduate@conted.ox.ac.uk, +44 (0)1865 270380.

How to apply

• A written statement of about 300–400 words stating why you wish to undertake the course
• Your CV
• Proof of English language ability if a non-native English speaker. Further information on English language requirements can be found here
• Contact details for one referee.

Selection criteria

Even if a course has no specific academic entry requirements then: (a) assessment of an applicant’s academic ability and suitability for the course of study will still take place and (b) since applications for many courses often significantly exceed places available, each application will be judged against the gathered field of applicants for each course each year.

The University is committed to promoting diversity, equality, inclusion, and widening access, including during the admissions process. We fully endorse the Equality Policy and our admissions procedures are kept under regular review to ensure compliance with this policy.

Short-listed applicants will be invited for interview.

The final decision on admission to the course rests with the Department.

English language requirements

Please check the information on the specific English language requirements for this course. Applicants are required to have the higher level scores.

Award and credit transfer

Fees

Fees for 20256-267 will be £4,095 (Home, Islands, and Republic of Ireland students) or £7,025 (Overseas students). 

Please be aware that fees will usually increase annually. 

Information for applicants from the EU, EEA and Switzerland

Financial Declaration

All undergraduate offer-holders are required to complete a Financial Declaration Form (FDF) to demonstrate how they will meet the financial conditions of admission.  If you are offered a place on this course, you will be asked to complete this form. It demonstrates that you can, or are likely to be able to, afford the course, and must be accepted before you can be considered to have met the conditions of your offer.

Funding

Specific non-repayable bursary funding is available for this course for students from lower-income households; you will be automatically considered for this if you apply for a Departmental Bursary.

Information on other forms of financial support can be found on our Funding pages.

Overseas students

This course is not suitable for overseas students who do not already live in the UK before the course begins. For information, refer to www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration. 

Pathways

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