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How to get a First in your undergraduate History degree

History is a challenging degree as it differs greatly from A level and IB History because it demands a much deeper level of critical analysis, independent research, and original thought. At the university level, history is less about memorising dates and events and more about interpreting complex sources, engaging with diverse historiographical debates, and developing your own arguments.

If you’d like to get First Class Honours in your History degree, you’ve come to the right place. Stay tuned for our insider knowledge, along with our tried and tested methods for success.

Serious about securing a First? Get tailored support from our expert university-level History tutors – we have tried and tested methods for success! That’s why 93% of our undergraduate students achieve a grade increase and 45% achieve a 1st in the module we assist with. 

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Understanding the importance of First Class Honours

In the competitive job market, a First sets you apart from other candidates and opens more doors as it showcases your exceptional analytical and critical thinking skills. It demonstrates your dedication, intellectual ability, and mastery of complex texts, making you a more attractive candidate for both employers and postgraduate opportunities. 

Also, as Humanities graduates often face fewer job openings compared to STEM fields, having a First can significantly enhance your employability.

Ready to make your future goals happen? Our History tutors are on hand to help.

The difference between History for A level and undergraduate 

One common mistake History students make is approaching university sources the same way they approached them at A level.

You don’t need to be an expert on every single historical event or source. Save your in-depth research and analysis for the topics or periods you plan to focus on in your essays and exams. Unlike A levels, where a small set of historical events or periods are studied in detail, at university, you’ll encounter a much broader range of topics, and not everyone will be central to your assessments. You’ll have the freedom to choose which periods, events, or sources to delve deeper into, but you’ll also need to engage with a wider range of readings, including primary sources, historiography, and critical essays, to inform your choices and build your arguments.

At A level, the focus is often on understanding key events and the most common interpretations, but at university, the study of history is much more independent and interpretive. While lectures will introduce you to various historical debates and seminars that might guide your initial thoughts, you’re encouraged to critically engage with these perspectives, challenge established interpretations, and develop your own original arguments supported by thorough research and evidence.

Top tip: Don’t rely solely on secondary sources. Incorporate a mix of primary sources, journal articles, and contemporary accounts to build a more nuanced and well-rounded argument. Diverse sources can also strengthen your analysis and provide richer evidence for your essays.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or you’d like some expert help to transition successfully into undergraduate-level History, allow our History tutors to guide you. Don’t worry, we know what works!

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Study tips: Effective strategies for History students

  • Treat lectures as a foundation, not the full picture: Use lectures as a starting point to understand key historical events and themes. Expand your knowledge by taking the initiative to independently explore related primary sources, secondary literature, and historiographical debates.
  • Engage with primary sources: For historical research, it’s essential to delve into primary sources – manuscripts, letters, official documents, or speeches. Understanding the historical context and material culture of the period you’re studying will enrich your analysis.
  • Always attend your classes: Direct engagement with lectures and seminars is crucial for grasping complex historical narratives. Relying on second-hand notes won’t provide the same depth of understanding or the opportunity to ask clarifying questions. 
  • Attend and participate in seminars and discussions: Active participation in seminars and discussions is essential. Engaging with peers and professors can help you refine your arguments and expose you to diverse perspectives. It also helps you build critical thinking and debate skills, which are vital for a history degree.
  • Be ready to rethink your approach: University-level history is much more rigorous than A levels. It’s not just about memorising dates and events but developing your own interpretations, engaging with historiography, and constructing well-argued essays.
  • Explore broader contexts: When studying a particular historical figure or event, familiarise yourself with the broader context and related events. This will help you understand the significance and impact of the topic within a larger historical framework.
  • Improve your academic writing: Strong writing skills are essential for History students. Practice constructing clear, well-supported arguments, and make sure your essays are grammatically sound and well-structured.
  • Consistent revision is crucial: Start with an overview of your lecture notes, then dive deeper into key themes and debates. Practice summarising arguments in your own words to solidify your understanding and prepare for exams.
  • Develop your own historical interpretations: Don’t just absorb information – critically evaluate different perspectives and form your own arguments. Your ability to analyse and interpret historical evidence will set your work apart. Work on honing your ability to critically analyse historical evidence, assess different interpretations, and construct well-supported arguments. Analytical skills are at the core of successful history studies.
  • Read historiography and critiques by renowned historians: Understanding how historians have debated and interpreted events over time will deepen your analysis and broaden your perspective on historical issues. Engage deeply with different schools of thought and the debates surrounding your topic. This will help you place your own arguments within the broader academic discourse.
  • Research historical context and contemporaries: Knowledge of the broader historical context and the works of contemporary historians can provide valuable insights into the period you’re studying.
  • Understand the types of historical sources: Whether you’re working with political documents, economic data, or personal letters, be able to categorise sources and recognise their specific characteristics and limitations.
  • Identify key themes and arguments: Themes like power, conflict, social change, and ideology are central to historical analysis. Thoroughly grasping these can significantly advance your understanding of historical narratives.
  • Focus on historical methodology: Pay attention to how historians construct their arguments, use evidence, and approach historical problems. Understanding these methods is crucial for developing your own research skills.
  • Take detailed notes: Note-taking during lectures, seminars, and while reading is essential for retaining information and serves as a useful reference during revision and essay writing.
  • Practice essay writing regularly: It’s not enough to just read and absorb information; your ability to articulate historical arguments in writing is what will earn you top marks.
  • Review past exam papers: Familiarise yourself with the types of questions that are typically asked in exams. This will help you focus your revision and develop strategies for answering effectively.
  • Seek help when needed: Don’t hesitate to approach your lecturers or tutors for clarification on difficult topics. They can offer valuable guidance during office hours or after seminars.
  • Combine online resources with traditional books: Use both digital archives and traditional history books to gain a comprehensive understanding of historical periods and debates. If possible, visit archives, libraries, or museums that hold primary sources relevant to your studies. Engaging directly with historical documents or artefacts can provide unique insights and enrich your understanding of the period you’re studying.
  • Utilise creative study aids: Tools like timelines, mind maps, concept charts, and visual aids can make complex historical material more manageable and enhance your retention of key information.
  • Stay informed on current historiographical trends: Keep up to date with new research, theories, and trends in historiography. Reading academic journals and following relevant scholars can help you stay informed and incorporate the latest insights into your work.
  • Attend guest lectures and conferences: Many universities host guest lectures, workshops, and conferences on historical topics. Attending these can expose you to the latest research, new methodologies, and networking opportunities with historians and scholars in your field.
  • Consider study abroad or fieldwork opportunities: If your university offers study abroad programmes or fieldwork opportunities, consider participating. Immersing yourself in the historical and cultural context of a region you’re studying can offer invaluable firsthand experience and insight.

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Coursework: Mastering the core skills of essay writing

You can’t excel in your History degree without nailing essay writing as this is how you must express yourself to win marks. You will be graded by a mix of exams and coursework, however, both will adopt an essay format and require excellent writing skills. 

History degrees often involve long-term research projects or dissertations. Start planning early, choose a topic that genuinely interests you, and set regular milestones to ensure steady progress. Effective project management is key to producing high-quality work!

Top tip: While it’s important to gain a broad understanding of history, ensure you also develop expertise in specific areas of interest. Specialising in a particular period, region, or theme can help you build a more focused and in-depth knowledge base.

Answer the question directly and specifically

One of the most common pitfalls in essay writing is drifting away from the specific question posed. To secure a First in your English Literature degree, ensure that your essay remains tightly focused on answering the exact question asked. 

Start by clearly defining the question and outlining your approach in the introduction. This will not only set a clear direction for your essay but also demonstrate to the examiner that you understand the task at hand. 

Avoid general tangents that may dilute your argument – everything you write should contribute directly to answering the question.

Engage with secondary literature and sources

Incorporating secondary literature is essential for a strong essay, but it’s not just about listing references. Aim to put different sources “in conversation” with each other, comparing and contrasting various viewpoints. 

This approach allows you to develop a more nuanced argument and demonstrate a deeper understanding of the critical landscape. Rather than simply summarising what others have said, use their perspectives to support or challenge your own argument. 

Look for innovative approaches to the text you’re analysing, and don’t be afraid to critique or build upon existing interpretations to add originality to your work.

Structure, presentation and referencing matters

A well-structured essay is crucial for achieving a First. Carefully organise your argument so that it flows logically from one point to the next. Each paragraph should contribute to building your overall thesis, with clear topic sentences and transitions. 

Additionally, pay close attention to the clarity and style of your writing. Your essay should be well-written, with a polished, academic tone that is free of errors. 

Proper presentation is also key – ensure that your work adheres to the required referencing system, uses high-quality sources, and is formatted according to your university’s guidelines. Familiarise yourself with the required citation style (e.g., Chicago, Harvard) and ensure you accurately reference all your sources. This not only helps avoid plagiarism but also strengthens the credibility of your work.

Finally, strive for originality in your analysis to make your essay stand out.

Seek feedback 

After receiving feedback on your essays or exams, take the time to reflect on it and identify areas for improvement. 

Don’t just focus on the grades; understanding where you can enhance your analytical or writing skills will benefit you in future assignments.

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Exam preparation techniques and strategies

Mastering the art of essay writing

To excel in History exams, it’s essential to develop strong essay-writing skills through consistent practice. Regularly writing and revising essays on past exam questions or potential topics will help you refine your ability to craft well-structured, persuasive arguments. 

Start by drafting an essay, then set it aside for a few days. When you revisit it, you’ll likely notice areas that can be improved—whether it’s clarity, argumentation, or evidence. This iterative approach allows you to sharpen your analysis and produce a more polished final product.

Focusing on key historical themes and debates

When preparing for history exams, prioritise understanding the key themes, events, and figures related to your study period. However, don’t just memorise facts – develop a deep analytical mindset that allows you to connect these themes to broader historiographical debates. 

For instance, if you’re studying the causes of World War I, go beyond the basic narrative and engage with different historians’ interpretations, such as the debate between intentionalist and structuralist perspectives. Drawing connections between different historical events, periods, and scholarly arguments will demonstrate your ability to think critically and place your analysis within the broader academic context.

Developing and asserting your critical voice

While it’s important to reference established historians and their interpretations in your exam essays, don’t shy away from asserting your own critical voice. Examiners value original thinking, so use your essays to offer fresh perspectives or critiques of the prevailing historical narratives. 

Even if you can’t recall the names of specific historians during the exam, focus on clearly articulating your own argument and supporting it with well-chosen evidence from primary and secondary sources. 

Remember, as a History student, you’re becoming a historian in your own right, and confidently presenting your analysis will demonstrate a high level of engagement with the material.

Structuring your exam essays

A well-structured essay is crucial for making a strong impression on examiners. Begin with a concise introduction that outlines your argument and situates the historical topic within its broader context. 

Follow this with a detailed analysis that balances the perspectives of both primary sources and historians. Use each paragraph to develop a single point, supported by evidence, and ensure that your essay has a clear logical flow. To make your essay stand out, underline or highlight key points and transitions. 

Conclude by summarising your main arguments, ensuring that your conclusion directly addresses the question and reinforces your thesis, leaving a lasting impression on the examiner.

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How can we help you?

Achieving First Class Honours in your undergraduate History degree requires a combination of the above strategies, as well as excellent understanding and the right support. 

At The Profs, we are experts in supporting students on their academic journeys so that they can achieve top grades. That’s why 93% of our undergraduate students achieve a grade increase and 45% achieve a 1st in the module we assist with.

If you’d like to get a First in your undergraduate degree, we’re who to call. We offer tailored and dedicated support for your goals and learning style. Ignite your journey to expertise with The Profs’ Online Tutors and revolutionise your career potential with their tailored guidance.

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