What school subjects are useful before studying history?
Useful preparation for studying history includes English or another language-rich subject, which develops reading, writing and argument skills. Social sciences such as politics, sociology, economics or geography can provide context, while classics, religious studies, philosophy, languages and mathematics can also be valuable depending on your interests and the course.
Key points
- Practise analysing sources, comparing interpretations and supporting claims with evidence.
- Essay writing, independent research and clear referencing are important transferable skills.
- A language may help with studying primary sources or the history of a particular region.
- Curiosity about different periods, places and perspectives is as important as taking a specific subject.
Things to check
- Entry requirements vary by university, country and history course, so check the official requirements for the programmes you are considering.
- You do not necessarily need to have studied history before applying, unless a particular course states this as a requirement.