UK History Subject Ranking

History, a discipline that explores the events, cultures, and ideologies that have shaped human civilization, remains one of the most prestigious and sought-after fields of study in higher education. The ability to critically analyze past events, understand their historical context, and interpret their impact on contemporary society is a skill that has broad applications, from academia and journalism to public policy and heritage management. In the United Kingdom, the study of History, including the history of art, is one of the most well-established and revered academic fields.

According to the Guardian University Guide 2010, the top ten UK institutions for History are some of the most distinguished in the world, with the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge occupying the top spots. These institutions not only offer world-class education in History but also lead in terms of research, scholarship, and access to historical archives and resources.

At the very top of the list stands the University of Oxford, which has long been considered one of the most prestigious institutions for the study of History in the world. Oxford’s History department offers an exceptional program that combines a wide-ranging curriculum with unparalleled access to resources. The university’s program is renowned for its academic rigor, depth, and diversity of approaches to the subject. Students at Oxford can specialize in a variety of historical periods, from ancient civilizations to modern history, and can engage with topics as diverse as political history, social history, economic history, and the history of art. The university also offers opportunities to focus on more specific subfields, such as global history or the history of ideas, providing students with an incredibly flexible and comprehensive education.

Oxford’s status as a leader in History is underscored by its long-standing tradition of historical scholarship and its commitment to advancing the field. The university boasts a world-class faculty, many of whom are leading scholars in their respective fields. Students benefit from small tutorial groups, which provide the opportunity to engage in close, one-on-one discussions with experts in the field. This pedagogical approach encourages critical thinking and fosters an environment in which students can develop their research skills to the highest standard. Moreover, Oxford’s extensive libraries, archives, and museums, such as the Bodleian Library and the Ashmolean Museum, provide students with exceptional access to primary sources and historical artifacts, making it a hub for historical research and discovery.

Ranked second for History is the University of Cambridge, which is equally renowned for its commitment to excellence in the humanities. Like Oxford, Cambridge offers a comprehensive and rigorous History program that covers a wide range of historical periods and methodologies. The university’s History department is one of the largest in the UK, and its curriculum allows students to specialize in specific periods or themes, such as medieval history, early modern history, modern history, or the history of art. Cambridge’s approach to teaching History is also characterized by its emphasis on independent research, critical analysis, and intellectual inquiry. Students are encouraged to develop their own original ideas and contribute to the broader academic conversation on history.

Cambridge’s status as a global leader in historical scholarship is reinforced by its extensive research output and its reputation for producing influential scholars. The university’s faculty includes some of the most respected historians in the world, and students have access to a wealth of academic resources, including the Cambridge University Library, one of the largest academic libraries in the world. The university also offers specialized research centers, such as the Centre for Research in the Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities (CRASSH), which facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration and provide students with the opportunity to explore historical topics from a variety of perspectives.

The third-ranked institution in the Guardian University Guide 2010 is the Courtauld Institute of Art, which stands as a unique institution in the UK for its specialized focus on the history of art. Founded in 1931, the Courtauld has gained a global reputation as one of the leading centers for the study of art history. The institute offers a wide range of programs in the history of art, ranging from ancient to contemporary art, and is particularly well-known for its expertise in Renaissance and Baroque art, as well as its strong emphasis on the history of European and British art. The Courtauld Institute’s distinctive combination of rigorous academic training and practical experience in art conservation and curation provides students with a well-rounded understanding of the discipline.

Students at the Courtauld benefit from the institute’s close connection to the art world, including its extensive art collections, such as the Courtauld Gallery, which houses an impressive collection of Western European paintings, drawings, and sculptures. The institute’s faculty consists of leading scholars and practitioners in the field, and the small, intimate learning environment allows for personalized mentorship and close engagement with research. The Courtauld also offers a unique opportunity for students to gain practical experience in the world of museums and galleries, making it an ideal choice for those interested in pursuing careers in the arts and cultural heritage sectors.

King’s College London (KCL), ranked fourth for History in the Guardian University Guide 2010, is another prestigious institution that offers a broad and dynamic History program. KCL is known for its interdisciplinary approach to historical study, which allows students to explore connections between History and other fields, such as political science, philosophy, and cultural studies. The university’s History department has a particular strength in modern history, including political and social history, and it offers specialized programs in areas such as war studies, the history of science, and postcolonial history.

KCL’s central location in London provides students with a wealth of resources, including access to national archives, libraries, and museums. The university also has strong ties with the cultural and governmental sectors, offering students opportunities for internships and work placements. Students at KCL benefit from a diverse and intellectually stimulating environment, and the university’s History department is known for its rigorous academic standards and commitment to developing critical thinking and research skills.

The University of St Andrews, ranked fifth in the Guardian University Guide 2010, is one of the oldest and most respected universities in the UK. St Andrews offers a comprehensive History program that emphasizes both the breadth and depth of historical study. The university is particularly strong in medieval and early modern history, but it also offers a diverse range of courses in modern history, the history of art, and global history. The department’s small size allows for close interactions between students and faculty, fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment.

St Andrews is also known for its strong emphasis on research, and students are encouraged to engage with ongoing academic projects and to develop their own original research. The university’s collections, including the special collections in history and art history, provide students with valuable resources for their studies. The university’s historic setting, with its medieval architecture and close proximity to the Scottish coastline, offers students a unique and inspiring environment in which to study.

Ranked sixth is University College London (UCL), which offers an exceptional History program that covers a wide range of periods, themes, and geographical areas. UCL’s History department is renowned for its research excellence, particularly in areas such as modern history, the history of science, and the history of art. UCL’s global outlook and interdisciplinary approach make it an attractive option for students interested in exploring connections between history and other fields, such as economics, law, and cultural studies.

The university’s central London location offers students access to a wealth of resources, including archives, libraries, and museums, and UCL has strong partnerships with institutions in the cultural sector. Students benefit from exposure to cutting-edge research and are encouraged to take part in the vibrant intellectual community that characterizes UCL’s History department.

Warwick University, ranked seventh, is another highly regarded institution for the study of History. Warwick’s History program is known for its emphasis on modern and contemporary history, including political history, social history, and the history of ideas. The department’s interdisciplinary approach encourages students to explore historical topics in the context of other fields, such as philosophy, literature, and sociology. Warwick’s strong research profile and commitment to international and comparative history make it an excellent choice for students interested in global historical trends and interdisciplinary research.

The University of Durham, ranked eighth, offers a History program with a particular strength in medieval history and the history of the early modern period. Durham’s curriculum combines traditional historical approaches with innovative methods, and the university is known for its emphasis on historical research and analysis. The History department’s close ties with the Durham University Library and Archives ensure that students have access to a wealth of primary sources and scholarly resources.

The London School of Economics (LSE), ranked ninth, offers a unique approach to the study of History, with a strong focus on the history of economics, politics, and society. LSE’s interdisciplinary approach to historical study encourages students to engage with economic, social, and political theory while exploring historical contexts and events.

Finally, the University of Edinburgh, ranked tenth, offers a diverse and comprehensive History program that covers a wide range of periods and themes. Edinburgh’s History department is renowned for its research in early modern history, cultural history, and global history, and the university offers a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment for students.

Top UK institutions for History (including history of art):

League Table 2010 (the top 10 list):
1 Oxford
2 Cambridge
3 Courtauld Institute
4 KCL
5 St Andrews
6 UCL
7 Warwick
8 Durham
9 LSE
10 Edinburgh

League Table 2004:
Rank, Institution, Guardian teaching score/100
1 Oxford 86
2 Cambridge 84
3 Schl of Oriental & African Studies 81
4 University College London 79
5 London Schl of Economics 79
6 St Andrews 77
7 Durham 77
8 King's Col, London 76
9 Nottingham 75
10 Edinburgh 75
11 York 75
12 Nottingham Trent 73
13 Warwick 72
14 Sheffield 71
15 Royal Holloway 70
16 Oxford Brookes 70
17 Wales, Aberystwyth 69
18 De Montfort 69
19 Leeds 68
20 Birmingham 67
21 Bristol 66
22 Exeter 66
23 Essex 66
24 Leicester 66
25 Lincoln 66
26 Queen Mary, London 65
27 Glasgow 65
28 Derby 65
29 Leeds Metropolitan 65
30 Manchester 64
31 Liverpool 64
32 Hull 63
33 Keele 63
34 Coventry 63
35 Roehampton 63
36 Sussex 63
37 Westminster 63
38 Kent at Canterbury 63
39 Manchester Metropolitan 63
40 Canterbury Christ Church Uni Col 62
41 Ulster 62
42 East Anglia 62
43 Staffordshire 62
44 Goldsmiths Col 61
45 Queen's Belfast 61
46 Loughborough 61
47 Lancaster 61
48 Col of St Mark & St John 60
49 APU 60
50 Hertfordshire 60
51 Brunel 60
52 Glamorgan 59
53 Liverpool John Moores 59
54 Dundee 59
55 Newcastle 59
56 Wales, Swansea 59
57 Gloucestershire 59
58 Reading 59
59 Bath Spa Uni Col 58
60 St Martin's Col 58
61 Uni Col Worcester 58
62 Wolverhampton 58
63 Brighton 57
64 Liverpool Hope Col 57
65 Aberdeen 57
66 Stirling 57
67 St Mary's Col 57
68 Uni Col Northampton 57
69 Kingston 56
70 Teesside 56
71 Wales, Newport 56
72 Huddersfield 56
73 King Alfred's Col 56
74 Sunderland 55
75 Wales, Lampeter 55
76 Cardiff 55
77 Northumbria Uni at Newcastle 54
78 West of England 54
79 Southampton 54
80 Chester Col of HE 53
81 Uni Col Chichester 53
82 Edge Hill Col of HE 52
83 Plymouth 52
84 Trinity Col, Carmarthen 51
85 Portsmouth 51
86 Central Lancashire 50
87 Greenwich 50
88 Sheffield Hallam 49
89 Wales, Bangor 49
90 York St John Col 49
91 Trinity & All Saints College 48
92 North-East Wales Institute of HE 48
93 Strathclyde 45
94 Salford 44

Source: Guardian University Guide