Postgraduate Certificate in Historical Studies

This course is well suited to graduates from any discipline who want to deepen their understanding of history in a structured and rewarding way. It may appeal to you if you are returning to study, looking to sharpen your research and writing skills, or hoping to build towards further postgraduate study. It is an ideal route if you want to:

• gain a structured introduction to medieval and modern British and European history
• deepen your understanding of historical processes, including continuity and change, comparative perspectives, and the investigation of historical problems
• learn the methods needed to interpret visual arts as historical evidence
• evaluate and interpret historical evidence critically
• develop your interest in history as a discipline and explore its specialist areas
• strengthen the analytical and communication skills needed to present historical arguments in writing and discussion
• prepare for progression to Master’s-level study.

The course has five taught elements which are delivered in weekend units of two, three or four days’ duration.

• Unit 1: Princes, States and Revolutions 3–5 Oct 2025
• Unit 2: European Court Patronage c.1400 15–16 Nov 2025
• Unit 3: Religious Reformations and Movements 10–11 Jan 2026
• Unit 4: Memory and Conflict 21–22 Feb 2026
• Unit 5: Special Subject 10–13 Apr 2026

The induction session for Unit 1 will commence at 10.30am. Thereafter teaching will normally commence at 9.00am and finish by 5.00pm or 6.00pm for all units. Teaching for the special subject is spread over four days in order to incorporate private research time. The course provides 70 hours of seminar tuition which will be supplemented by tutorials and three 5-hour online self-study modules.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• demonstrate a broad knowledge and understanding of the themes and methodologies studied
• demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of key topics, the historical interpretations surrounding them, and the relationship between local case studies and wider national perspectives
• use the appropriate critical and technical vocabulary associated with the disciplines, periods, and themes covered
• identify underlying historical processes, make comparisons across countries and periods, and explore historical problems
• assess the relationship between the visual arts and the cultural contexts in which they were produced
• evaluate and analyse texts and images as historical evidence, and use them to support and develop an argument
• develop, sustain, and communicate historical argument orally and in writing
• reflect on the nature and development of the historical disciplines and their contribution to national culture
• demonstrate the skills needed to conduct an independent research project and present it as a dissertation within a set timeframe.

The course will be taught by the Course Directors Professor Yasmin Khan and Dr Philippa Byrne, alongside other members of Oxford Lifelong Learning’s teaching staff. Some special subjects may be offered by visiting lecturers.

The programme is assessed entirely through coursework. This includes four essays of 2,500 words each, two source-based exercises of 1,500 words each, and an 8,000-word dissertation.

You will complete one essay after each of the first four units, and the dissertation after Unit 5. The two source-based exercises follow the second and third online modules. After the first pre-course online module, you will also be asked to write a non-assessed book review.

There is a wide choice of assignment topics for each unit. With guidance from the course team, you will also choose a dissertation topic related to your special subject. Assignment titles, submission deadlines, and reading lists will be provided at the start of the course.

Degree-level qualifications

Applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in any discipline.

This might include candidates who have studied history in the past and wish to update and hone their historical skills and knowledge, broaden their approach to the discipline or enhance their level of qualification. Preference may be given to those who have previously studied in an historically related subject.

If your degree is not from the UK or another country specified above, visit our International Qualifications page for guidance on the qualifications and grades that would usually be considered to meet the University’s minimum entry requirements.

English language proficiency

This course requires proficiency in English at the University’s higher level. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement. Further information on English language requirements can be found here.

IT requirements

This course has a substantial IT element. You will need to access course information online, send and respond to emails, use the electronic library catalogue and your online library account, complete online study modules, word process coursework, and submit assignments online.

Detailed guidance is provided, but you will need regular access to a computer and the internet. This includes being able to use Microsoft Word or a similar word-processing package, manage an email account, and use internet search tools such as Google.

A Postgraduate Certificate will be awarded on completion of the course. You will be invited to celebrate at the annual Awards Ceremony, held at Oxford’s Sheldonian Theatre.

The syllabus and teaching of the course are aimed at first-year postgraduate level (FHEQ Level 7). Students who successfully complete this course will be credited with 90 CATS points at FHEQ level in the Department’s Qualifications and Credit Framework.

Learn more about the Credit Accumulation and Transfer Scheme (CATS points).

Please visit the Postgraduate Certificate in Historical Studies page on the University of Oxford Graduate Admissions website for details of course fees and costs.

Please see our funding page for help and information with regard to funding postgraduate studies. We further recommend that applicants search for funding opportunities via the online Fees, Funding and Scholarship search tool.

In order to be considered for many scholarships, applicants are required to apply by the January deadline. However, applicants should note that some scholarships require additional application materials and may have different deadlines, so applicants should make sure they check the application process for each scholarship carefully.

Applications for this course should be made via the University of Oxford Graduate Admissions website. This website provides information on fees and entry requirements, along with help on preparing and submitting your application.

Application deadlines

12:00 midday UK time on:

• Stage 1: Friday 14 November 2025 (Applications more likely to receive earlier decisions)
• Stage 2: Wednesday 28 January 2026 (Latest deadline for most Oxford scholarships)
• Stage 3: Tuesday 3 March 2026

When to apply

Early application for the programme is strongly advised. After the March deadline, the course will only stay open for that year’s entry if places are still available.

Remember that it can take a number of weeks to obtain all of the documents you need and to prepare a competitive application. You should also allow your referees plenty of time to submit your references. We therefore recommend you apply as soon as possible.

Interviews are normally held as part of the admissions process within six weeks of the application deadline.