Course details
History at Homerton
The aim of studying history at university is to further your understanding and knowledge of the past and your ability to present that understanding and knowledge with clarity, insight and discrimination. The historian has to mine a large body of material efficiently; to evaluate its significance and utility in answering important questions about societies, institutions, cultures and individuals; and to order her or his thoughts on these matters succinctly, clearly, yet with sensitivity. The teaching that you will receive over the next three years is designed to develop these skills. Homerton takes between eight and 10 students for History each year.
Cambridge has one of the largest and best history departments in the world, and the course we offer reflects this quality and breadth of interest. There are a huge range of options that span three millennia and circle the globe. Our course also reflects the rich diversity of modern historical writing, with cultural, social and intellectual history figuring as prominently as political or economic history, and with global history sitting alongside British and European history. In fact, you will have the opportunity to investigate practically any period or aspect of history that interests you.
At the same time, our course has clear, tightly focused objectives. It will equip you with a broad range of historical knowledge and understanding. It will teach you to evaluate critically the significance and usefulness of primary and secondary material. It aims to instil in you the confidence to undertake self-directed learning – in other words, to define your own questions, and to go about answering them using the analytical and research skills you have picked up. And it emphasises the importance of assembling, organising and presenting your ideas clearly and coherently. Studying history will provide you with a multifaceted insight into human experience and help you to make sense of a complex, globalising world.
We are looking for students who have the academic ability and potential to succeed on the course, as well as the necessary interest in and motivation for the subject.
In order to explore History in more detail we would recommend the information and reading for prospective applicants and offer holders available here. We would also recommend familiarising yourself with the guidance on reading primary sources here.
You can also explore your chosen subject through the Homerton Resources page.
Written Work: Submit two recent, preferably marked, essays (we prefer not to receive source-based answers but if you are sending this type of work be sure also to send the sources on which the answers are based).
Admissions Assessment: There is no admissions assessment requirement for History at Homerton.
Applicants invited to interview will have two interviews, both with two specialists in the field. One of the interviews will require applicants to read some source material in advance of the interview, to be discussed.
Cambridge historians acquire a range of skills that are attractive to employers: the ability to work independently, to evaluate evidence, and to present arguments clearly and persuasively.
In the past, our graduates have secured rewarding jobs across sectors, ranging from journalism and broadcasting to teaching and research, finance, consultancy, law and public administration.