Blogs, articles and websites
Alongside teaching, staff in university history departments spend a great deal of time researching and working on a variety of research projects or initiatives. History is vast and some universities like specialised areas to have their own identity through website or blog presence. Take a look at the range of articles, blogs and project websites created by universities below to get a feel for the range of work carried out and the kinds of material that you can expect to be shared with you.
Chester | Exeter | Kent | Leicester | Royal Holloway | Stirling | Warwick
Department of History and Archaeology, University of Chester
Contact: Professor Meggen Gondek history.archaeology@chester.ac.uk
About: We are a team of historians and archaeologists dedicated to providing the highest quality teaching and learning experience for our students as well as producing quality research and publications. We are passionate about sharing our knowledge and enthusiasm for our subjects and embed our research interests and expertise in our teaching. You can study for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in either history or archaeology or you can combine the two disciplines. We also offer combined degrees with a range of other subjects. We teach through a variety of lectures, seminars, tutorials, workshops and practicals in the field and in the lab. Find out more
Project blogs/websites:
- The Mobility of Objects Across Boundaries 1000-1700 project website explores the ways everyday objects contributed to historical transformations in the past and includes video and educational resources for users interested in medieval history, art history and material culture.
- Diverse Narratives contains the results of a 4-year project investigating the experiences of minorities in Cheshire during the First World War. Blog posts highlight the often forgotten history of German internees, Jewish soldiers and Belgian refugees amongst others, which can be used by both teachers and students interested in modern history.
- European Fascist Movements - an ongoing international project exploring how and why fascist groups developed in the interwar years. It already contains a useful overview of European fascist movements organised by country and as a next stage will include a collection of translated primary documents. This will provide an excellent resource for exploring modern European history for both teachers and students.
History at the University of Exeter
Contacts: Prof. Henry French, Head of Dept. H.French@exeter.ac.uk
Dr Gemma Clark, Admissions Officer G.M.Clark@exeter.ac.uk
About: History at Exeter has a global reputation for excellence in teaching and research and we are proud to be one of the leading research centres for History in the UK. Our varied research culture is one of the things which makes History at Exeter unique. We have expertise in political, economic, social, cultural, religious, medical, environmental, maritime, naval, military and diplomatic history. Find out more
Blogs and articles:
- Imperial and Global History blog - blog of the Centre for Imperial and Global History at the History Department, University of Exeter. The Centre brings together the strong research expertise of the University’s eminent imperial historians.
- Medieval Studies blog - blog for students and staff at the Centre for Medieval Studies, University of Exeter. We are an active and interdisciplinary community of medievalists with particular strengths in history, literature, archaeology and visual culture.
School of History, University of Kent
Contact: Dr Ambrogio A. Caiani a.a.caiani@kent.ac.uk
About: At Kent, we aim to use our study of history to make a difference to society today. Our intention is to foster greater public understanding of our local, national and international histories, and to help to create a more nuanced understanding of issues such as colonialism, historic environments, revolution, popular culture, war and science. All our undergraduate programmes are carefully crafted to offer a wide range of modules and the flexibility to tailor your degree programme to the areas that you are most interested in. Find out more
Articles and blogs:
- Age of Revolution - Making the World Over - Multiplatform website on modern Revolution filled with multimedia resources. The Age of Revolution resource brings together objects and artworks from museums and galleries across the UK, together with fascinating facts, information and curriculum-linked ideas to help bring this extraordinary period to life. Organised across four revolutionary themes, it provides fascinating routes to the past for learners of all ages and connects it with their own lives.
- The Age of Revolution, 1775-1848 blog - linked to the above website, with a wide variety of podcasts from some of the UK’s leading Historians on the Age of Revolution. Students are encouraged to listen to these interviews before coming to university.
History at the University of Leicester
Contacts: Dr Zoë Groves, Prof. George Lewis; email: hypir@le.ac.uk
About: Our flexible courses enable you to learn from leading academics in the field, in a vibrant and friendly environment. With experts in a wide range of topics, you will always be able to find modules that pique your curiosity and quench your thirst for knowledge. The expertise of our staff is highlighted by our strong publication record and reputation for research of outstanding quality, our work editing leading academic journals and our recent grant successes. Find out more
Websites and articles:
- Chinese History for Teachers - overviews and historical sources on some of the major events in China throughout the mid twentieth century. These topics form the core of the history component of paper four of the pre-U Mandarin Chinese syllabus for UK Secondary School students which covers the period from 1937–1956.
Department of History at Royal Holloway
Contact: Catriona Cooper Catriona.Cooper@rhul.ac.uk
About: To be a historian is to be insatiably curious and ready to question, to challenge and to learn. It is these qualities which define our community. The History department at Royal Holloway has an international reputation for teaching, research and public engagement. We are passionate about our work but equally committed to the well-being of all members of the department. Find out more
Blogs and articles:
- Resources for students and offer holders - A collection of activities, resources and recommendations for students transitioning to University to get them thinking critically about different types of sources, what they might be studying next year and how History is portrayed in different media.
University of Stirling: History, Heritage and Politics
Contact: Thomas Marsden, email: thomas.marsden@stir.ac.uk
About: Research within the division of History, Heritage and Politics has an interdisciplinary focus that cuts across all three areas and engages with the work of others, especially in the fields of global security, cultural heritage, and the history and policy of civil society. Our work makes an impact on society and government policy and focuses on challenges that matter. If you join us as an undergraduate student, you’ll explore the forces that shape the past, present and future under the guidance of expert staff. You’ll gain a deeper insight into how the world works – and acquire the skills you need to make your own mark on it. You’ll also have the freedom to combine a BA Honours in History or Politics or International Politics with more than 15 other subjects. Find out more
Blogs, articles and websites:
- History at Stirling - History at Stirling is an online resource comprising summer ‘events’ which will help you prepare to study History at University. Events are posted twice a week and include short historical lectures and podcasts, the thoughts of Stirling students on the experience of studying History, virtual tours, and articles about the relevance of History in society today.
University of Warwick
Contact: Melissa Downing melissa.downing@warwick.ac.uk
About: We’ll help you deepen your understanding of the past and encourage you to think critically about the world around you. At every turn you’ll find like-minded people who share your fascination with the past and its significance in the present. The department is home to outstanding students and historians. We pride ourselves on our supportive and friendly environment and our excellent teaching. Our 94% satisfaction score for Teaching in the National Student Survey 2016 reflects the value we place on your student experience. We will help you develop the skills needed to conduct research, including in the archives, engage critically with your sources, and support you in developing critical thinking skills. Find out more
Blogs and websites:
- Warwick History Club is aimed at 16-18 year olds who are studying History (or English, Politics, or any subject really!) and want to learn more about how historical research is done, published, and used. Every week, we’ll explore a new historical topic by looking at an academic journal article or primary source and introduce students to the skill of academic reading.