Discontinued test
History Aptitude Test - Discontinued
The HAT is no longer in use. Below: the active test that replaced it, the discontinuation context, and the next steps for current applicants.
The HAT was discontinued in 2024 (last sitting for 2025 entry).
Oxford last set the HAT on 21 October 2024, for 2025 entry. Single-honours History has had no admissions test since. History and Economics and History and Politics moved to the TARA from 2027 entry.
Now replaced by: No central pre-interview test for Oxford History in the official 2027 admissions-test list.
01Section 01
Overview - what changed and the test you sit now
Section 01
Overview - what changed and the test you sit now
The History Aptitude Test (HAT) is no longer a current Oxford admissions test for 2027 entry. Oxford History is not in the official 2027-entry admissions-test list (ESAT, TMUA, TARA, UCAT, LNAT). Verify the current Oxford History admissions process directly with the department.
The History Aptitude Test (HAT) is no longer a current Oxford admissions test for 2027 entry. Oxford History is not in the official 2027-entry admissions-test list (ESAT, TMUA, TARA, UCAT, LNAT).
If you are applying for Oxford History or a joint History course, check the official Oxford admissions page for the current pre-interview requirements - submitted written work and the personal statement remain part of the shortlisting process even when no admissions test is required.
Past HAT papers may still be useful as historic close-reading practice, but they are not preparation for a current admissions test.
Historical / past-paper site: www.history.ox.ac.uk - past papers and pre-retirement guidance are still hosted here for reference.
We do not offer a HAT question bank or 1-to-1 sessions for HAT preparation - the test is no longer in use. For the active replacement test (or to confirm whether your course requires any admissions test at all), contact us or open the replacement guide linked at the top of this page.