What is History? Student Guide
History is the study of how past events, people, and cultures have shaped the present — helping us understand change, conflict, and human progress. At Oxford Summer Courses, students aged 13–24 can explore historical themes in Oxford or Cambridge, sharpening their research and critical thinking skills through personalised, expert-led learning.History is the study of past events, people, cultures, and ideas — and how they’ve shaped the world we live in today. It’s about more than memorising dates; it’s about understanding change, cause and effect, and the connections between societies across time.
At its heart, history is a way of thinking. It teaches you to question sources, interpret evidence, and build arguments based on analysis. From revolutions to civil rights, ancient empires to modern movements, history reveals the forces that drive progress and conflict.
In this article, we’ll explore why studying History is so valuable, the key topics you might explore, real-world applications, influential historians and figures, career pathways, and how to study History with Oxford Summer Courses.
Why Study History?
History is for those who are curious about how the world came to be — and who want to understand today by learning from the past.
- It develops critical thinking and analysis
Historians learn to question narratives, assess evidence, and form reasoned interpretations. These skills are highly transferable across careers and academic disciplines. - It connects people, cultures, and ideas
By exploring the past, you’ll gain insight into the complexities of identity, culture, politics, and belief — and how they influence global relationships today. - It sharpens communication and research skills
History students learn to write clearly, argue persuasively, and evaluate sources — essential for essays, reports, or any form of professional communication. - It provides context for the present
Understanding history helps you make sense of modern issues — from inequality and war to globalisation and democracy — by exploring their roots and development.
Key Concepts in History
1. Historical Inquiry and Source Analysis
Learn how to ask good historical questions and assess evidence. You’ll explore how primary and secondary sources are used to reconstruct events and evaluate the reliability of different perspectives.
2. Cause, Consequence, and Change Over Time
Understand how and why events happen, and how societies transform. You’ll study the long-term effects of revolutions, wars, technological advances, and shifting ideologies.
3. Power, Politics, and Empire
Explore how rulers, governments, and empires gained and lost control. You’ll study the rise and fall of political systems, colonialism, resistance movements, and the evolution of global power structures.
4. Social and Cultural History
Examine the lives of ordinary people — their beliefs, customs, and struggles. You’ll explore how class, gender, race, and religion have shaped historical experience across different societies.
5. Historical Interpretation and Debate
Learn how different historians interpret the same events. You’ll explore how history is written and rewritten — and how contemporary values influence our view of the past.
6. Global and Comparative History
Compare historical developments across regions and cultures. You’ll investigate how ideas, trade, and conflict spread — revealing both diversity and connection in human history.
Real-World Applications of History
Policy and Government
Historical analysis helps governments make informed decisions by learning from past successes and failures. Historians in policy roles advise on conflict resolution, education, and international relations.
Journalism and Media
A solid understanding of history helps journalists provide context for current events. Many reporters and editors draw on historical research to explain today’s headlines with depth and accuracy.
Museum and Heritage Work
Historians curate exhibitions, interpret artefacts, and preserve historical sites. They engage the public with the past in interactive and educational ways.
Law and Justice
Legal systems are deeply rooted in historical precedent. History students often thrive in law because of their skills in argumentation, research, and understanding of societal structures.
Public History and Documentary Work
Historians bring the past to life through writing, podcasts, documentaries, and exhibitions. They help wider audiences connect with history through storytelling and visual media.
Education and Curriculum Development
Teachers, textbook writers, and curriculum planners shape how the next generation learns about the past — choosing which stories to tell and how to frame them.
Famous Figures in History
Herodotus
Known as the “Father of History,” Herodotus was one of the first to collect and document historical narratives. His work explored the causes of war and the values of ancient civilisations.
Mary Beard
A leading British historian of the Roman world, Beard makes classical history accessible and exciting. Her work bridges academic research with public education through books and TV.
Howard Zinn
An American historian known for A People’s History of the United States, Zinn challenged traditional narratives by focusing on the experiences of workers, women, and people of colour.
Eric Hobsbawm
A Marxist historian who examined capitalism, class, and revolution. His studies of the 19th and 20th centuries reshaped how we understand modern Europe and global change.
Yuval Noah Harari
Historian and author of Sapiens, Harari brings long-term historical trends into public discourse. His work blends anthropology, history, and philosophy to explore humanity’s past and future.
What Careers Can You Pursue with History?
Historian or Academic Researcher
Work in universities or think tanks to study specific time periods, regions, or themes. You’ll conduct archival research, publish findings, and contribute to the understanding of the past.
Archivist or Records Manager
Preserve historical documents, manuscripts, and digital records. Archivists work in museums, libraries, or corporations to organise and protect valuable information.
Diplomat or Civil Servant
Use historical awareness and cultural understanding in foreign policy, negotiation, and international relations. History graduates are valued for their critical thinking and global perspective.
Lawyer or Legal Analyst
Apply research and analytical skills to legal practice. History provides excellent preparation for law school and legal careers, especially those involving constitutional or human rights issues.
Journalist or Editor
Write, edit, or report on current events with historical context. History graduates often work in newsrooms, publishing, and broadcast media due to their writing and analytical skills.
Museum Curator or Heritage Manager
Design exhibitions, manage collections, and engage the public with historical content. These roles combine scholarship with creativity and educational outreach.
Political Analyst or Campaign Manager
Advise political parties, NGOs, or advocacy groups. A background in history helps interpret political movements and connect past and present strategies.
Author, Screenwriter, or Content Creator
Create historical fiction, documentaries, or educational content. Understanding history provides a strong foundation for compelling storytelling and media production.
Explore History at Oxford Summer Courses
At Oxford Summer Courses, we offer inspiring History programmes for students aged 13–24, taught in small seminar-style groups in the academic cities of Oxford and Cambridge.
You’ll explore your chosen historical themes — from revolutions and empires to gender, race, and identity — guided by expert tutors. With no set curriculum, the course is tailored to your interests, allowing you to dig deep into the areas that matter most to you.
Whether you're passionate about medieval Europe, modern conflict, or global trade, you'll sharpen your research, communication, and critical thinking skills in an intellectually rich setting.
📍 Available Courses:
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Cambridge:
Conclusion: Is History Right for You?
If you're curious about the forces that shaped today’s world, love asking big questions, and want to develop versatile skills through exploring the past — History could be the perfect subject for you. To secure your preferred location, we highly recommend applying early. Each of our History courses has a limited number of places available, and they tend to sell out quickly. Once they are full, no further places will be available. Submit your application today to ensure you don’t miss the opportunity to study History in Oxford or Cambridge. Apply Now.
About the author
Rhys Mackenzie is the Website Marketing Manager at Oxford Summer Courses. With extensive experience in SEO and digital content management, they are passionate about showcasing the best that Oxford has to offer. Their previous role at Experience Oxfordshire gave them a deep appreciation for the city's unique cultural and academic offerings. Learn more about Rhys here.
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Summary
History is the study of how past events, people, and cultures have shaped the present — helping us understand change, conflict, and human progress. At Oxford Summer Courses, students aged 13–24 can explore historical themes in Oxford or Cambridge, sharpening their research and critical thinking skills through personalised, expert-led learning.
