Ranking for History Degree Courses in UK

According to The Times Good University Guide 2009, a prestigious ranking system that evaluates universities across the UK, certain institutions stand out as exceptional destinations for studying history.

1. University of Cambridge

Topping the list of the best universities for history in 2009 was the University of Cambridge, a world-renowned institution that has consistently maintained its position as a leader in the humanities. Cambridge’s History faculty is one of the oldest and most prestigious in the world, offering students a rigorous and comprehensive education in a broad range of historical periods, from Ancient Greece to contemporary global history. The university’s tutorial system, in which students receive personalized attention from leading experts in the field, is a key feature of its approach to teaching.

Cambridge’s history program is noted for its emphasis on research, critical thinking, and analytical skills, providing students with the intellectual tools to interrogate historical sources and engage with historiographical debates. Furthermore, the university's extensive library resources, including the renowned Cambridge University Library, provide students with unparalleled access to primary sources and academic texts.

Beyond its academic rigour, Cambridge’s rich historical environment offers a unique opportunity for students to engage with history in a living context. The city itself is steeped in history, and students can experience firsthand the legacy of some of the most influential figures in history, from Sir Isaac Newton to Thomas Cranmer. The combination of academic excellence, resources, and historical context makes Cambridge the definitive choice for history students in the UK.

2. Durham University

Second on the list was Durham University, which has earned a reputation for providing an outstanding history program. Durham's History Department is known for its diversity and breadth of study, covering everything from ancient history to modern world history, with particular strength in medieval and early modern studies. The university’s approach to history emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, encouraging students to draw on insights from fields such as archaeology, literature, and philosophy.

Durham's campus, with its beautiful architecture and rich heritage, serves as an inspiring backdrop for studying history. The university is committed to fostering a supportive academic environment, with small class sizes and an emphasis on close faculty-student interactions. Additionally, Durham's research output in history is highly regarded, with faculty members contributing to influential scholarship in a wide range of historical subfields. The university's strong focus on international history, particularly its expertise in European and global histories, ensures that students receive a broad and balanced education.

3. King's College London

King’s College London, ranked third in 2009, is another premier institution for studying history. The university's History Department is one of the largest and most respected in the country, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in both British and global history. King’s is particularly well known for its strengths in modern history, with a focus on political, economic, and social histories of the 19th and 20th centuries.

What distinguishes King’s College London is its prime location in the heart of one of the world’s most historically significant cities. The proximity to key institutions such as the British Museum, the National Archives, and the British Library provides students with unparalleled access to primary sources and historical materials. King's emphasis on global history also allows students to engage with the histories of various regions and cultures, making it an ideal choice for those interested in the broader dynamics of world history.

King's College London also offers a diverse and intellectually vibrant community, attracting students and scholars from around the world. Its reputation for fostering critical thinking and scholarly debate makes it an ideal environment for history students looking to develop both academically and personally.

4. University of Oxford

The University of Oxford, closely following Cambridge in the rankings, has long been recognized as a global leader in the humanities, including history. Oxford’s History Faculty is renowned for its rigorous academic standards, its comprehensive range of historical periods, and its outstanding faculty. The university’s approach to history is interdisciplinary, with students encouraged to engage with related fields such as philosophy, economics, and politics. Oxford’s tutorial system, like Cambridge’s, allows for intensive, personalized academic instruction, ensuring that students receive an education tailored to their individual interests and academic goals.

Oxford’s long tradition of historical scholarship, coupled with its exceptional resources, such as the Bodleian Library, one of the oldest and most comprehensive libraries in the world, creates an ideal environment for history students. The university’s central location within a historic city also allows students to draw inspiration from their surroundings, which have shaped historical events for centuries. Oxford’s distinguished alumni in the field of history, including former British Prime Ministers and leading historians, further attest to the university’s longstanding reputation for excellence in historical study.

5. London School of Economics and Political Science

Ranked fifth in 2009, the London School of Economics (LSE) is primarily known for its expertise in economics, politics, and social sciences. However, its Department of International History has gained increasing prominence, particularly for those interested in the intersection of history and economics. LSE's history program places a strong emphasis on global history, with a particular focus on the 20th century and contemporary issues.

The university’s location in London, a city that has been at the heart of international politics, economics, and culture for centuries, offers students unparalleled access to archives, museums, and historical sites. LSE’s unique approach to history combines traditional historical methods with modern theories from economics, sociology, and political science, making it an attractive option for students interested in interdisciplinary approaches to the past.

6. University of York and University of Warwick (Joint Sixth)

Both the University of York and the University of Warwick shared the sixth spot in the rankings, and each offers a distinctive approach to the study of history.

The University of York is renowned for its strong focus on medieval and early modern history. Its History Department offers a broad and diverse range of modules, including European, British, and global histories. York’s reputation for research in history is exceptional, and students benefit from the expertise of internationally recognized scholars in a wide range of historical subfields. Additionally, York’s beautiful campus, located within walking distance of the city’s historic center, provides an inspiring setting for historical study.

Similarly, the University of Warwick has made a name for itself with a strong emphasis on contemporary history, particularly modern European history. Warwick’s history program encourages students to think critically about the interconnectedness of global history and to develop sophisticated analytical skills. The university’s focus on research-led teaching, coupled with its commitment to interdisciplinary study, ensures that students receive a well-rounded education in history that prepares them for a variety of career paths.

8. University of Exeter

The University of Exeter, ranked eighth, is another institution that offers an excellent history program, with particular strengths in British history, medieval studies, and the history of the British Empire. Exeter’s History Department is known for its collaborative research environment, and students are encouraged to engage in original research from an early stage in their degree programs. The university also offers unique opportunities for fieldwork, particularly in the context of its archaeological and heritage programs. Exeter’s focus on research and its reputation for high-quality teaching make it a strong choice for aspiring historians.

9. University College London

Ninth on the list was University College London (UCL), an institution with a long-standing reputation for excellence in the humanities. UCL’s history program is known for its emphasis on the social, cultural, and intellectual histories of both Britain and the wider world. The university offers a diverse array of specializations, from medieval and early modern history to contemporary global history. UCL’s location in London provides students with easy access to world-class libraries, archives, and museums, while its international outlook and diverse student body contribute to a vibrant academic environment.

10. University of St Andrews

Finally, the University of St Andrews, ranked tenth in 2009, offers a distinguished history program with a particular strength in medieval and early modern history. St Andrews is known for its high academic standards and its close-knit academic community, where students receive personalized support from faculty members. The university’s picturesque setting in Scotland provides a unique environment for historical study, and its focus on research-led teaching ensures that students are at the forefront of historical scholarship.

Top Universities for History Degree Courses as ranked by The Times Good University Guide 2009:
1 Cambridge
2 Durham
3 King's College London
4 Oxford
5 London School of Economics
6 York
=6 Warwick
8 Exeter
9 University College London
10 St Andrews
11 Leeds
12 Southampton
13 Queen Mary, London
14 Hull
15 Leicester
16 Royal Holloway
17 Sheffield
18 Glasgow
19 East Anglia
20 Birmingham
21 Cardiff
22 Nottingham
23 Bristol
24 Dundee
25 Essex
26 Edinburgh
27 Oxford Brookes
28 Lancaster
=28 Liverpool
30 Keele
31 Aberystwyth
32 Huddersfield
33 Central Lancashire
34 Kent
35 Portsmouth
36 School of Oriental and African Studies
37 Stirling
38 Aberdeen
39 Sussex
40 Queen's Belfas
=40 Bolton
42 Bangor
=42 Lampeter
44 Hertfordshire
=44 Reading
46 Manchester
47 Swansea
=47 De Montfort
49 Newcastle
50 Bradford
51 Bath Spa
52 Chichester
53 Nottingham Trent
54 Northampton
55 Strathclyde
56 Goldsmiths College
57 Canterbury Christ Church
58 Teesside
59 Sunderland
60 Roehampton
61 Salford
62 Glamorgan
63 Brunel
64 Kingston
65 West of England
=65 Chester
67 Sheffield Hallam
68 Edge Hill
=68 Ulster
70 Winchester
71 St Mary's College
72 Wolverhampton
73 Northumbria
74 Plymouth
75 Gloucestershire
76 Staffordshire
77 Cumbria
78 Greenwich
79 Worcester
80 Liverpool John Moores
81 Derby
82 Lincoln
83 Leeds Metropolitan
84 Westminster
85 Manchester Metropolitan
86 York St John
87 Anglia Ruskin
88 Coventry
89 Brighton
90 UWCN, Newport
91 Middlesex
Source: The Times