MA History, 2015
“The Brookes course offers the chance to study both medical and regular history modules. As part of my course, I choose to take a self-directed Independent Study Module – an exciting opportunity to craft my own module and specialise in something I was particularly interested in”
After completing his undergraduate degree in History at York St John University, Simon Harris came to Brookes to study MA History.
I chose to study history further because I wanted to gain a higher qualification to stand out from all the BA History students out there as well as further build on my transferable skills.
The Brookes course offers the chance to study both medical and regular history modules. As part of my course, I choose to take a self-directed Independent Study Module – an exciting opportunity to craft my own module and specialise in something I was particularly interested in.
The members of staff who we engage with at postgraduate level have been truly amazing. It’s been great to be able to engage in academic conversation and work with the lecturers at a higher level.
Alongside my studies I’ve also joined the horse racing society, become involved in the Brookes Students Union as a course representative and also run a successful election campaign to become the Postgraduate Officer. These positions have allowed me to get involved more with the SU and so far have enhanced my year beyond my academic work.
In general the more I have got involved in university life, the more I have had to communicate with various members of staff and organise my life accordingly. This year I’ve made great progress in the quality of history assignments I have been submitting and I’ve developed my analytical, communication and organization abilities - skills which will prepare me well for the future.
Oxford is truly a unique city to live in. When you’re walking amongst some of the old colleges or studying within the Bodleian Library you begin to realise what a special city this is. Initially I was a bit put off by the fact that the Brookes student accommodation is not located right in the centre of the city but honestly this hasn’t been a problem as the free Brookes Bus pass is so useful and you can easily access the city without a car.
The access I have had to various libraries has been particularly useful to me. In addition to the Bodleian library, the regular bus service to London means I can access places such as the British Library and the National Archives. The close proximity and shared transport links with London are a huge plus point for any student studying history at Oxford.
In the long term I hope to pursue my passion for history further by completing a PhD. After that I’d like to either become a history lecturer or use my transferable skills to build a career for myself at the university.
On the whole, the Brookes experience has been very rewarding and I would certainly recommend the course here at Brookes to anyone wishing to pursue a postgraduate degree.