Despite the belief that you need to study STEM programs to land high-paying jobs, History remains a strong choice for students interested in research, writing, evidence-based analysis, and communication. History is a fascinating subject, which is why many choose it as their major.
Studying History involves exploring the past and understanding its impact on our present. Observing social patterns also helps students understand how societies change over time. As you repeatedly try to make sense of historical sources, you will practice high-level thinking. You will develop research and communication skills and learn to write with clarity. Employers value these transferable skills, and recent graduate outcome data shows strong results for History graduates.
While some graduates become professors or pursue a Ph.D., many also work as writers, librarians, museum professionals, archivists, teachers, lawyers, policy analysts, public servants, or professionals in business, finance, and communications. Every organization needs a good researcher and communicator, after all.
Choosing a school where you can study History is a big investment, so make sure you pick the right one. Here are some of the best history schools in Europe.
Top History Schools in Europe
1. University of Oxford
The University of Oxford in the UK is one of the most prominent educational institutions in the world. It continues to be recognized in major international rankings for arts, humanities, and history.
Oxford University is among the best history schools in Europe, offering an inspiring learning environment for History students. Aside from the architectural beauty of its campuses, students have access to the Bodleian Libraries, which hold more than 13 million printed items, extensive e-resources, and special collections. Oxford’s History Faculty also offers teaching supported by around 150 professional historians.
A 3-year BA in History is available for undergraduates, which allows students to explore different places, periods, and historical approaches. Students also study historical methods and complete original research as junior historians. Postgraduates seeking a Master’s degree have a wide range of options to choose from, including MSc/MPhil in Economic and Social History, MSc/MPhil in History of Science, Medicine and Technology, and MSt/MPhil in Late Antique and Byzantine Studies. Taught graduate degrees generally range from 9 to 21 months.
2. University of Cambridge
Another prominent school based in the UK is the University of Cambridge. Because of its strong reputation for academic excellence, it is often compared to Ivy League schools in the US. The university has more than 24,000 students from over 140 countries.
The University of Cambridge is known for having one of the largest and strongest History departments in the world. Its courses cover a wide range of periods and regions, and the Faculty has around 100 academic staff. Students can also use the Seeley Library, which is currently operating inside the University Library on West Road.
Undergraduates can study the 3-year BA in History, a program that explores history across a broad range of periods and regions. Cambridge also offers History-related undergraduate routes with Politics or Modern Languages. At the Master’s level, the university offers several MPhil routes, including American History, Early Modern History, Economic and Social History, Medieval History, Modern British History, Modern European History, Political Thought and Intellectual History, and World History. These taught MPhil programs are typically nine months full-time.
3. Free University of Berlin
The Free University of Berlin, also known as Freie Universität Berlin (FU Berlin), is one of Europe’s leading research universities and is among Germany’s institutions supported by the federal and state Excellence Strategy. It offers more than 150 degree programs across many fields.
This excellent history school in Europe offers a six-semester BA in History. Students can study History with or without teacher education, including major and minor options. The undergraduate History programs are taught in German.
The university also offers Master’s degree programs in Historical Studies, Global History, and Public History. Historical Studies is research-oriented, Public History is application-oriented, and the Global History MA is a 120-credit research-focused program offered jointly with Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, with courses in English and German.
4. King’s College London
King’s College London (KCL) is a research-intensive university in London with a long-standing global reputation for teaching and research.
Undergraduates may choose the History BA, which covers every continent and all periods since 300 AD. KCL also offers related undergraduate programs such as History & Modern Languages, History & Political Economy, and History & International Relations. To support your education, you may access King’s libraries and archives, as well as London’s wider historical resources.
At the Master’s level, the Department of History offers options such as Early Modern History MA, Medieval Studies MA, and Modern World History MA. Ancient History is available through King’s Department of Classics. Many of these master’s programs are offered as one year full-time or two years part-time. Admissions requirements vary by course, but applicants are generally assessed on academic background and required supporting documents such as references, written work, and personal statements.
5. Leiden University
Leiden University in the Netherlands is a public research university founded in 1575 and is the oldest university in the country. It is one of Europe’s leading international research universities, and Leiden reports 16 Nobel Prizes and 28 Spinoza winners among its academic community.
Leiden is known to be among Europe’s strong history schools and offers a Dutch-taught BA in History, which provides students with solid skills to become professional historians. Students will find Leiden University Libraries helpful, as they include millions of book volumes and extensive special collections, including manuscripts, archives, maps, prints, drawings, and photography.
Master’s programs are also available for those seeking higher degrees. For 2025-2026, History MA specializations include Ancient History, Cities, Migration and Global Interdependence, Colonial and Global History, Europe 1000-1800, Governance of Migration and Diversity, and Politics, Culture and National Identities, 1789 to the Present. From September 2026, Leiden says three History master’s specializations will be replaced by History of Inequality and Power, Beyond Borders: Global and European History, and History of the Netherlands in the World, while Ancient History and Governance of Migration and Diversity will continue.
We hope that you found this article on the best history schools in Europe informative and helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs in Europe!
