Oxford and Cambridge are internationally renowned universities with excellent programs in history. However, there are several other universities in Europe that are also highly regarded for doctoral studies in history. Here are some universities in Europe that are considered prestigious for doctoral students in history:

1. University of London (United Kingdom) – The School of Advanced Study at the University of London is home to several research institutes and centers dedicated to history, such as the Institute of Historical Research and the Warburg Institute.

1. University of Paris (France) – Paris is known for its rich historical and cultural heritage, and the University of Paris, particularly the Sorbonne, is highly regarded for history studies. The École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales (EHESS) is another prestigious institution in Paris for history research.

1. University of Edinburgh (United Kingdom) – The University of Edinburgh has a strong reputation for history research and offers a range of specialization areas within the field.

1. Leiden University (Netherlands) – Leiden University is one of the oldest universities in the Netherlands and has a long-standing tradition of excellence in history research, particularly in the areas of Dutch and European history.

1. Humboldt University of Berlin (Germany) – Located in the vibrant city of Berlin, Humboldt University is renowned for its humanities and social sciences departments, including history.

1. University of Bologna (Italy) – The University of Bologna is one of the oldest universities in the world and has a strong reputation for historical studies, particularly in medieval and Renaissance history.

1. Central European University (Hungary/Austria) – The Central European University, with campuses in Budapest and Vienna, is known for its interdisciplinary approach to history research and its focus on Central and Eastern European history.

1. University of St. Andrews (United Kingdom) – Although relatively small in size, the University of St. Andrews in Scotland has a distinguished history department and offers excellent research opportunities for doctoral students.

These are just a few examples of universities in Europe that are renowned for history research. It’s worth noting that the choice of the best university for doctoral studies in history ultimately depends on the specific research interests and specialization areas of the individual student. It’s important to thoroughly research the faculty, research centers, funding opportunities, and academic resources available at each institution to find the best fit for your research goals.