The Minds Underground™ History Essay Competition 2026
The Minds Underground™ History Essay Competition invites students in Year 12 – though younger entrants are also warmly welcome – to explore historical questions, sources, and debates through independent research and critical analysis. This competition provides an opportunity to develop university-level essay writing and argumentative skills, while engaging with the themes, ideas, and methodologies that underpin History at Oxbridge and other leading universities.
Entrants must choose one question to answer.
The 2026 Minds Underground History Essay Competition questions are now live. Submit by 3 April 2026!
2026 History Essay Competition Questions
01.
Do you think it is useful to study ‘women’s history’?
02.
Is history written more for the present than the past?
03.
Can empires ever be ethical?
Are you in Year 11/12 & Thinking of Pursuing History at Degree Level/ Oxbridge?
We offer a range of exciting opportunities for students aspiring to a degree in History at a leading university:
Research Projects in exciting current fields with subject experts
History Summer School for university/ Oxbridge applicants
Long-term Oxbridge History mentoring: Boosting knowledge beyond the curriculum, preparing for personal statement and interviews - visit our on-curriculum site, U2 Tuition for more information: https://www.u2tuition.com/university-applications
Interested in a History Competition Mentor? Looking for specialist support researching & writing? Our Oxbridge-educated masterminds are here to help! Sessions from £75/h + VAT. Enquire here
History Essay Competition FAQs
Why enter our History Essay Competition?
Our History Essay Competition offers a fantastic opportunity to enrich your university application by demonstrating your curiosity and independent engagement with historical studies. Participating will sharpen your research, critical thinking, and essay-writing skills—all qualities that admissions tutors highly value.
When is the deadline for the History Essay Competition?
Entries must be submitted by 11pm UK time on April 3, 2026.
Who can enter the History Essay Competition?
This competition is open to all UK and international students! It’s particularly suited to Year 12 students or gap-year students reapplying to university, though younger students with a passion for History are encouraged to participate.
Can I get support for the History Essay Competition?
Yes! Our experienced History mentors can guide you through the process, helping you interpret essay questions, carry out research, and craft a compelling argument. They’ll also provide detailed feedback on drafts. Many of our mentors have studied History at Oxbridge and can offer additional guidance on university applications. Sessions start at £75/h + VAT. Enquire here.
Can I submit more than one entry?
You may submit one entry per subject category but are welcome to enter essays in other categories too!
Useful History Essay Competition Resources
Past Questions
01.
What is, or should be, ‘global history’?
02.
Some languages, for example French and Italian, do not distinguish clearly between 'history’ and ‘story’. Should we be warned?
03.
Is there a place for emotion in the study of History?
N.B. You may be interested in undertaking one of MU’s online History masterclasses with our experts to give you ideas and help direct your research. Some examples are listed below:
This masterclass looks at differing approaches to the study of history over the last 250 years, picking up central theoretical questions along the way (prominently; the nature of facts, time in history, historical narratives, ideology and history - Whig, Marxist and feminist approaches, changing historical subjects from class to empire to the environment, approaches to historical sources, history of political thought, history and technology). It is designed as a series of masterclasses, which would bring about a greater understanding of historiography over time (including an awareness of the big names, like Ranke etc), but also be broad enough for you to apply your own examples and studied periods to theoretical questions.
Host: Oscar is a current Oxford History student and Scholar, who has taken multiple modules in political philosophy, modern political history and international relations. These include: 1) Political Thought 1780-1920, 2) Remarking the World: 1919 (International Relations), 3) Britain in the 1970s.
Suitability: Minds Underground™’s online World Literature & History masterclasses are aimed at, but not restricted to, students looking to study degrees in: English, History, English and History, Social Science courses.
Duration: Suggested 1-2 hour sessions dependent on the level of detail desired. This is designed as a series of masterclasses to ensure depth, but can be taken in 1.
Arguably one of the grandest and most luxurious empires of its time, the Mughal Empire had money that few competitors could rival. Art and patronage was the natural outlet, yet was there deeper meaning than simple creation for creation’s sake? How does art and politics interact? And how carefully did rulers monitor their artistic production?
Host: We have a range of masterclass hosts, all Oxbridge-educated historians with a wealth of teaching experience. The host will be confirmed upon booking.
Suitability: Minds Underground™’s online World Literature & History masterclasses are aimed at, but not restricted to, students looking to study degrees in: English, History, English and History, Social Science courses.
Duration: Suggested 1-2 hours dependent on the level of detail desired.
The term ‘Fall of Rome’ has long mislead and confused historians of late antiquity. Most argue that it was more of a steady decline, with some questioning whether Rome fell at all! The historiography surrounding this topic is rich, with historians debating both why and how ‘The Eternal City’ fell from grace.
Host: Annabelle is a graduate of History from the University of Oxford. She is a mastermind on a multitude of historical figures and topics particularly related to China, the Tudors and empires during the early modern period.
Suitability: Minds Underground™’s online World Literature & History masterclasses are aimed at, but not restricted to, students looking to study degrees in: English, History, English and History, Social Science courses.
Duration: Suggested 1-2 hours dependent on the level of detail desired.