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University Degrees - History
History is a very broad area of study and can provide its enthusiast with the tools to undertake a wide range of careers � from teaching and writing to law and marketing.
Obtaining a an undergraduate qualification in this arts and humanities discipline can provide an excellent analytical basis necessary to excel in a variety of fields, while giving valuable insight into past and present human experience, ultimately allowing its student to hypothesize what the future might bring to society.
Most of the world's top 100 universities offer undergraduate degrees in history. Material covered in general history degree courses vary dependent upon which university you choose to study abroad at. The history department at the University of Edinburgh, for example, covers British, European, American and Renaissance history, amongst other topics, while Columbia University doesn't stress the genres covered but instead emphasizes the development of analytical skills, writing capabilities, and an overall appreciation for intellectual enrichment.
History expanded
For students wanting to broaden their knowledge of the humanities or apply an historical approach to studying a different subject, some top universities offer interdisciplinary undergraduate degrees. Stanford University, for example, offers two such programs. History, Literature and the Arts are designed for the student wishing to complement his or her work in history with study in the arts or literature, particularly in a foreign language. History, Science, and Medicine, according to the university, are designed for the science student who wishes to complement his or her work in science with a history major that focuses explicitly on science; for students in the humanities and social sciences whose interest in science is primarily historical and contextual; and for students contemplating medical school who are interested in a history major that allows them to study the history of medicine, biology, and allied sciences in conjunction with fulfilling the pre-med science requirements that gives them a general grounding in science. If you are looking to study abroad in the UK, the University of London offers a variety of combined university degrees, including Modern History and Politics, History with Japanese Studies, German and History, to name but a few.
Study Abroad
History is one of the most suitable and exciting subjects to study abroad. As a result, many universities offer year abroad programs or exchanges. MIT, for instance, offers undergraduate History majors the opportunity to study at Cambridge, in the UK, for their entire junior year. History students focusing on the Renaissance and Modern period at Warwick University enjoy a 40-year tradition of study abroad in Venice for a term, gaining historical insight only attainable from such an experience.
Admissions
Most universities around the world do not require the history undergraduate to have focused on the subject much before entry, making for a diverse and ambitious applicant pool. Ease of gaining admissions to a History course, as with most courses, depends on the university to which you apply. Top American universities like Harvard, Stanford, and Berkeley normally require competitive SAT scores of 1300 and above, in addition to a strong academic history and compelling personal statement. Some leading universities like Oxford may require the candidate undergo an interview, in which preparation is key. Check your prospective school's website for full details on the application process. Use our comprehensive university search to view profiles of the world's top universities.
What about distance learning?
In addition to conventional universities offering study abroad programs, online history degrees or distance learning opportunities in this field offer students from around the world the chance to gain the same academic knowledge they'd acquire from attending a traditional university. Of course, study abroad is an unmatchable experience, but online courses are good options for students not able to relocate for their degree.
