Read for argument
University reading is not simply gathering facts. Identify what the historian is claiming, what evidence supports the claim and how the argument differs from other interpretations.
Write a short response after each chapter or article: the central claim, strongest evidence, one question and one point of disagreement.
Develop independent note-making
Avoid transcribing whole readings. Keep notes that distinguish the author’s argument from your own comments.
Record full references immediately. Good source management saves time and reduces accidental plagiarism later.
Research-question check
- Is the question narrow enough to answer well?
- Can you find contrasting evidence or interpretations?
- Does it invite argument rather than description?
- Can you explain why the question matters?
Practise writing without an exam formula
University essays still need a clear argument, but prompts and marking criteria may be less formulaic than school examinations.
Practise planning around a research question, defining terms and using historians in dialogue rather than as quotations to decorate paragraphs.
- Read beyond the specification.
- Follow references selectively.
- Compare interpretations.
- Record citations.
- Write short analytical responses.
- Ask questions when evidence is ambiguous.
Explore the course you will actually study
University History departments vary greatly in periods, regions and methods. Read module pages, skills guidance and any pre-arrival reading provided by your chosen institution.
If you have not yet applied, this research can also help identify which courses genuinely fit your interests.
Frequently asked questions
What should I read before a History degree?
Start with material recommended by your chosen university where available, plus accessible historical scholarship in areas that genuinely interest you.
Do I need to know how to reference before university?
You will be taught institutional requirements, but learning to record sources accurately is valuable preparation.
How different is university History from A Level?
It generally involves more independent reading, broader source engagement and greater emphasis on historiographical and research questions.