On the 23^rd November 2023, the University of Reading will hold its Virtual Open Day for Master’s courses. We are proud within the Department of History to have so many alumni who have either remained with us at Reading, or who have gone onto different careers. If you’re a current student, or thinking about our MA in history, read on to find out what our alumni loved about our course. 

I finished my MA in 2021. One of my favourite things on the course was the dissertation. This was worth half of my overall degree, which was daunting at first, but it really allowed me to discover digital archives for the first time, and learn more about the 1920s, which my PhD topic now focuses on. We also have a nice postgraduate room to work and socialise in, and that helped me to make new friends. My top tip for anyone thinking about an MA would be to be aware that there is a lot of independent research involved, more than undergraduate, so get comfortable now with setting your own deadlines and research parameters. 

– Abbie Tibbott 

Not knowing what I wanted to do after completing my BA in History — but knowing that I had fully enjoyed my course and the research I had done for my dissertation — I decided to do an MA at Reading. In this year I got to explore all sorts of historical fields, from the history of animals to the US civil rights movements, as well as learn about different historical theories and develop some new skills. We got to explore behind the scenes of the Museum of English Rural Life and Berkshire Record Office’s Special Collections, create a public history piece by making a blog, podcast, or video, and embark on a larger research dissertation project. The seminars were smaller, which meant more focused and intense discussions, but it also meant engaging, debating, and learning with others who were just as passionate about history. The MA is a whirlwind year, but it helped solidify various transferable skills in public engagement, project planning, presentation, teamwork, writing, research, and analysis, and is a great opportunity to explore and figure out what you’re interested in.

– Dr Aisha Djelid

While studying for a MA in History at the University of Reading, I was fortunate to be taught by an amazing team of historians who were passionate about helping students achieve their academic ambitions. Indeed, I am grateful for my supervisor, Dr Daniel Renshaw, as my dissertation would not have reached its full potential without his continual support and guidance, and for broadening my knowledge of nineteenth-century migration history across various discussions throughout the year. I continue to value my studies at the university and aim to instil a similar love of learning that I developed as a postgraduate in students at secondary education-level.

– Charlie Olsen

Being a very small MA cohort, we had great camaraderie which was essential in those later months of the MA when we were doing our independent research projects and writing throughout the summer. Meeting other students who had very different interests than me broadened my awareness of different approaches and areas in history, complemented by the variety topics covered in the modules, especially those which focused on the practices and approaches within history. My MA provided me with the core research skills necessary to complete extensive historical research, which I am now putting into practice, alongside an increased confidence in my own work, in my PhD that looks into modern British socialist-feminism and ideas of work.

– Amy Longmuir

The Masters course gives you the opportunity to discuss primary and secondary materials as well as selected readings among like-minded individuals in seminars. I was able to pursue my own passions and was encouraged to set my own questions for module essays based on my own reading and study. I especially enjoyed the module on material culture where I researched an object from the Museum of Rural Life collection. The MA thesis was an opportunity to investigate my own interests with the guidance of a supervisor. I not only gained skills for examining physical archives, but also those available online.

My tip is to go for it! Having spent many years away from academic education, it was a pleasure to return to pursuing my passion for history in a supportive and friendly environment.

– Fiona Lane

Our alumni have chosen a variety of paths after finishing their MA, and there is still time for anyone thinking of signing up to our virtual open day on the 23rd November to do so.

Please use the sign-up link here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/ready-to-study/visiting-and-open-days/postgraduate-events

Thirsting for more? Check out our featured alumni Amy and Charlie’s video.

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