Undergraduate Certificate in History

The 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. 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 nineteenth- and twentieth-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.

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.

The Certificate in History is taught in person through weekly two-hour seminars at Rewley House, Oxford. It is usually held on Monday evenings, with 28 seminars each year. If circumstances require, teaching may move partly online.

Teaching is varied and interactive. Alongside lectures from tutors, you will also have opportunities to work in small discussion groups and learn with fellow students.

The course also includes a non-residential study week, which gives you an intensive introduction to your chosen optional subject. For many students, this is a valuable opportunity for focused study, time with fellow students, and easy access to the study facilities at Rewley House and across the University.

Alongside classes, you should expect to spend at least 12 hours a week on independent study. This will include reading, note-taking, class preparation, essay writing, and revision for exams.

As a student on the Certificate, you can also attend a wide range of lectures and seminars organised by the University’s Faculty of Modern History at no extra cost.

Course structure

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 the optional subject and British History 1900–1979

The Course Director is Professor Andrew Hopper.

Along with Professor Andrew Hopper, the teaching panel includes a number of experienced tutors – not only in their subject but in teaching adult students. They understand the learning needs of students returning to education and will be able to advise you on subject-based study skills throughout the course.

The Course Director and tutors will be able to help you with academic advice and support. In addition, there are academic literacy and academic English courses available to help you develop and improve the academic skills needed for effective study.

Assessment is based on coursework, in the form of essays, and on two unseen written examinations at the end of each year.

There are no formal entry requirements for the Certificate in History, and you do not need a previous qualification in history to apply. We welcome applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, including those returning to study after a break and those exploring history at university level for the first time.

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.

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 a 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.

Fees for 2026–27 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

On 11 May 2021 the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) published new regulations and guidance to be used in assessing the fee status of students commencing courses in August 2021 and later. We will be using this guidance to carry out fee status assessments for students commencing courses in 2026/27, including students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland. If you are an EU national and do not live in the UK then you are likely to be charged Overseas fees. Students with settled and pre-settled status in the UK and some other categories of students who work in the UK can qualify for Home fee status as long as they meet the residence criteria.

Information on financial support can be found on our website here.

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.

Click the ‘Apply’ button to request the online application link. We will email you the form and application guidance, usually by the next working day.

You should allow plenty of time to complete the application form and upload any supporting documents required. You should also allow sufficient time for your referee(s) to submit their reference by the application deadline.

You will need to upload the following documents as part of your application:

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

Referee

If possible, your referee should be able to comment on your academic ability and background, but where this is not appropriate, please choose a referee who can vouch for your motivation, commitment and potential. References from friends and family members cannot be accepted.

Admissions decisions will be based on an assessment of knowledge, relevant experience, academic ability, potential and suitability for a course of study. We welcome applicants who may not hold traditional qualifications but can demonstrate relevant career experience or life skills.

Application deadlines

• 12 February 2026, 12:00 GMT
• 28 May 2026, 12:00 BST

Early application is advised. The sooner you submit your application, the sooner your place will be considered.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview, where the final decision on admission to the course rests with the Department.

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.