The HAT: A Guide

What is it?

The History Aptitude Test (HAT) is a subject-specific admissions test for undergraduate History courses at the University of Oxford.

Does it apply to me?

The HAT is taken by students applying to study the following subjects at Oxford only (all Schools involving History):

History
History (Ancient and Modern)
History and a Modern Language
History and Economics – (Candidates must also sit the Thinking Skills Assessment)
History and English
History and Politics

When is it?

Entries for the HAT generally open at the start of September and close around mid-October. The test itself normally takes place in early November, but it is worth checking the HAT website to confirm the exact dates.

What do I have to do?

The HAT is a paper-based test lasting one hour, and consists of one question based on an extract from a primary source. The HAT has changed for 2018 – the best way to practice is to answer question 3 only from old practice papers on the Oxford History Faculty website.

For more information and past papers, please visit the Admissions Testing website.