On this page, you will find some recommendations on what to watch, read, listen and do to engage with your subject. As well as feeding your intellectual curiosity, these links may provide useful material for your UCAS statement. Once you have engaged with the links, make sure that you practise putting your thoughts into words with the writing activity at the end.
Watch
The history of our world in 18 minutes
Read
So, you want to study history? Top tips from a graduate
Listen
Podcasts from the History Faculty at the University of Oxford
Podcasts from the Institute of Historical Research
The number thirteen in American history
Do
- Enrol in a free online course from a leading university. Try Professor John Merriman’s open Yale history course on European Civilization, 1648-1945, or search for a course on EdX.
- Get some archive experience. Does your local library have an archive? You can visit the National Archives in London, who run study days and summer experiences so you can get the most out of your visit. You can also virtually visit by exploring the online collections.
- Visit a museum. This interactive map is a great place to start to find museums close to you.
Write
- To apply to university, you need to demonstrate that you are well informed about the subject and have a strong interest in studying it at greater depth. To get started, practice writing about your subject interests by composing short responses to the following questions:
- What have you watched, read or listened to that has inspired you?
- Why was it interesting?
- What new issues did you learn about?
- What do you want to find out next?
- What excites you about the subject?
- Why do you think studying the subject is important?