History and Economics
I decided to study History and Economics because I absolutely loved both subjects at A-Level. My course gives me the opportunity to focus on studying economic history, which is my favourite approach to history, and attempt to apply some of the economic theory I learned from the social sciences department. In terms of my best experience so far, I really enjoyed the paper I studied last term, which was "Industrialisation in Britain and France". My tutor, Brian A'Hearn, was fantastic!
I chose History and Economics as a course because it offered variety to my degree. Studying both history and economics means I have to switch between two different frames of mind depending on what I’m doing, which stops my work becoming monotonous – yet, because I’m encouraged to combine ideas from the two, the course still feels coherent and united. The tutorial system gives me the chance to actually apply and debate my ideas, and because my tutorials are shared with people who do other combined courses, I feel like I learn from them as much as I learn from my tutor.
History and Economics is a course based on the combination of ideas. You get to learn history and economics not just as two separate disciplines, but as two parts of a combined approach to the world. So, whilst in your first year, the course focuses on teaching you some basic ideas in both, you’re also encouraged to apply ideas from one to the other. In your second and third year, your choice of modules expands, so you can continue to combine ideas from both (and further your knowledge of each) in areas of economics and history that you’re interested in. You can even tailor the balance between the two to suit your tastes, creating a degree that plays to your strengths. In short, you’ll be able to take the lead in combining the two disciplines – the tutors will ensure you know about both, and will encourage you to seek out a new perspective that uses ideas from both.
What helped inspire your love of the subject?
So many good books! But my favourites were probably "Guns, Germs and Steel" by Jared Diamond and "Anna Karenina" by Tolstoy which made me excited to study nineteenth century history
Find out more
Make sure you read the official prospectus entry for the course which contains entry requirements, full course structure, additional interesting resources and full details of the application process.
If you're going to apply, you'll want to check which Oxford colleges offer this course.
You might also find it helpful to hear from students studying History, History of Art or PPE (or even consider applying for those courses!).