We take around 5 students a year for the History main school. Including joint school History students we currently have a thriving cohort of just over 30 undergraduate historians.

The study of History at Oxford ranges over two millennia and an increasingly diverse array of global history. At Regent’s, our outstanding team of tutors help students to develop essential skills throughout their degree, but we also seek to offer the full range of choice provided by the History syllabus, and encourage our students to take any papers reflecting their interests.

Regent’s is one of the most academically successful colleges for History within the whole university: an average of 40% of students gained a First Class degree in their final exams over the last three years. We have achieved this while at the same time promoting an inclusive and socially aware approach to undergraduate admissions. Over 80% of our current cohort were educated at state schools.

When applying are students asked to submit written work?

Yes, one essay answering an historical question. This should be a piece of school work marked by your teacher.

Do I need to sit a test?

Yes, all candidates for History must take the History Aptitude Test (HAT), normally at their own school or college.

How are students taught in History?

Students are mostly taught in pairs or individually in a weekly tutorial, though some papers are taught in classes of between 4 and 8. Our tutors also offer a range of study skills support.

How close is Regent’s to the History Faculty and the faculty libraries and resources?

10 minute walk.

What can a first year student expect to study?

In the first term, you will study a period of British History; in the second, a period of European History; and in the third term, an Optional Subject. You also study ‘Approaches to History’, which looks at how historical study has been influenced by other academic fields, such as art history, sociology and gender studies.

What proportion of the teaching in History is done by Regent’s tutors?

One of the great strengths of History at Regent’s is our core team of tutors: Dr Leif Dixon (Director of Studies, early modern history), Dr Juliana (Julie) Dresvina (medieval history), Dr Yvonne Cornish and Dr Aurelia Annat (modern history). We are committed to the academic development of our students, and seek to create an excellent balance between an environment which is pastorally supportive and intellectually testing, as well as (often) great fun!

We maintain excellent links with the college welfare team, taking an holistic approach to the development and wellbeing of our students. These efforts have been recognised by the students themselves, whose nominations have secured the following recent accolades at the Oxford University Student Union Teaching Awards for our Director of Studies: Outstanding Tutor in the Humanities 2016 (won), Outstanding Pastoral Support 2017 (shortlisted), Outstanding Tutor in the Humanities 2018 (shortlisted).

What do the students say?

“The whole experience of reading history at Oxford is made easy and enjoyable by Regent’s Park College. The College organises and selects some of the best tutors Oxford has to offer from various colleges within the University, provides a non-stressful, encouraging and friendly environment in which to work.”

“If you’re looking for a fun, stimulating, challenging and inspiring education (and life experience!) you could not do better than reading history at Regent’s Park.”