First and foremost, when you choose history as your major at university, you should understand that studying history professionally demands rationality and a sense of academic rigour. Questioning, criticising, synthesising, and constructing arguments—rather than simply recounting facts—are the key distinctions between professional historians and amateur enthusiasts. This means you’ll need to engage with primary sources, such as scrolls written in ancient languages or blurry photographs of modern archives. One unique experience I’ve had in this regard is reading ancient Chinese historical records. These texts are written in the complex grammar of classical Chinese, with sentences arranged vertically on the page and no punctuation marks. This means you must break down the sentences yourself and translate them into modern language. The work can be tedious yet strangely satisfying.
You’ll also need to evaluate the reliability and authenticity of historical materials, rather than taking everything in the primary texts at face value. For instance, can you truly believe Herodotus’s account of the Greco-Persian Wars, where he claimed that the Persian army assembled five million soldiers for a single battle in the 5th century BCE? These are exaggerated examples, but you may encounter more subtle challenges in practice. It can feel difficult at first, but as you progress, you’ll become more adept at handling these issues. At undergraduate level, you might not engage deeply with such tasks too often, though there may be occasional opportunities to try.
Whether at undergraduate or postgraduate level, studying history requires substantial reading and writing. At King’s, there usually aren’t an overwhelming number of lectures or assignments, but lecturers expect students to dedicate enough time to independent study outside of class. This means that, if you wish, you can spend minimal time reading—just enough to feel prepared for your next seminar. Alternatively, you could dive deeper into the material and impress your lecturers with well-crafted questions during discussions. It’s entirely up to you, and I don’t think there’s a definitive right or wrong approach between these two extremes. Ultimately, studying history is quite a personal journey. You’ll find your own rhythm as you progress.
As a postgraduate student, I’ve had the chance to explore fascinating topics, including the Spanish Civil War. Under the guidance of Dr David Brydan, an expert in the field, I participated in a series of engaging seminars that revisited Hugh Thomas’s influential work. With new archives emerging, we examined fresh perspectives, challenging long-held conclusions. One of the highlights of this course was a visit to the Marx Memorial Library, a treasure trove of books, posters, and artefacts from communist activists in London. Among the many intriguing items, I came across the coat of Georgi Dimitrov, the former Chairman of the Bulgarian Communist Party, awaiting restoration. We also explored the relics of an England volunteer who fought in the war, hearing fascinating stories about their experiences. Interacting with these historical objects was a deeply moving experience, bringing history to life in a way that textbooks never could. At King’s, opportunities like these abound. Studying in London means you’re surrounded by a wealth of historical landmarks and resources, allowing you to engage with the past on a deep personal level.
But what about life after university? A history degree equips you with transferable skills like critical thinking, research, and writing—highly sought after in fields such as journalism, public policy, and consultancy. For those considering postgraduate studies, history can open doors to careers in law, international relations, or business. And, of course, roles in education, museums, and the civil service are classic paths for history graduates. The reputation of King’s ensures that your degree is well regarded, giving you a strong foundation for whatever career you choose. If you’re passionate about exploring the past and making connections to the present, history at King’s offers an enriching and inspiring journey.