Studying history abroad

What is history?

History is the exploration of past events, societies, and cultures, seeking to understand how they have shaped the present and influence the future.

It covers a wide range of topics, from ancient civilisations and medieval kingdoms to revolutions, global conflicts, and social movements.

This study area draws from political science, economics, anthropology, and archaeology, giving students a broad view of human development across time.

As a history student, you learn how to analyse sources, interpret evidence, and uncover the stories that connect different periods and places. Your studies might take you from examining artefacts in a museum to exploring historical sites in the field.

Why study history abroad?

Learning history in another country offers perspectives you can’t always get from books alone. Studying abroad might take you to walk along the streets of ancient Rome, visit battlefields in Europe, or research archives in cities with centuries of political and cultural influence.

Experiencing history where it happened deepens your understanding and gives you the chance to study different interpretations of the same events. Working alongside local historians and international students also sharpens your ability to think critically about the past from multiple viewpoints.

What you will study

A history degree offers a mix of thematic, chronological, and regional studies. Possible areas include:

• Ancient History – early civilisations, empires, and archaeological records.
• Medieval History – societies, religions, and political structures in the Middle Ages.
• Modern History – events from the Renaissance to the present day.
• Social and Cultural History – everyday life, traditions, and cultural change.
• Economic and Political History – trade networks, governance, and diplomacy.
• Historical Research Methods – source evaluation, archival work, and historiography.
• Global History – connections between regions, migration, and international relations.

Field trips, museum visits, and archival research are common parts of the curriculum, along with opportunities for independent research projects.

Related subjects you might also like:

• Archaeology
• Politics
• Sociology
• Anthropology
• Art History

Accreditation

Undergraduate degrees are typically awarded as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in History or a related field. Some universities offer combined degrees pairing history with subjects such as politics, languages, or cultural studies.

Postgraduate study options include Master of Arts (MA) degrees in Historical Research, Public History, or specialised regional or thematic areas. A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is often required for academic or advanced research careers.

In certain countries, professional associations provide membership and networking opportunities for historians, museum curators, and archivists.

Careers

A history degree can lead to roles in education, research, heritage management, and public engagement. Graduates often work as museum curators, archivists, historical consultants, or researchers for cultural institutions.

Others move into journalism, publishing, public policy, or international organisations, where strong research and communication skills are highly valued. History graduates are also found in law, diplomacy, and business, where their ability to analyse complex information and understand cultural contexts is an asset.

The study of history not only prepares you for a variety of careers but also helps you better understand the forces that have shaped the world, equipping you to contribute meaningfully to its future.