Over the Summer Vacation last year, we had three undergraduate students working with History colleagues on discreet research projects as part of the UROP programme at Reading. Here, they reflect on what they learned from the experience and share their work. Applications for the next round of UROP projects open in February – keep up to date by completing this form.

Amy Atkins

Amy worked with Dr Ruth Salter on a project entitled ‘Researching and Reimagining Reading Abbey’s Infirmary and Infirmary Garden‘. This UROP project explored the monastic infirmary and its garden, with the focus on Reading Abbey offering the chance to learn more about local medieval history and to research and reimagine this, now lost, feature of the monastic complex that once sat at the heart of the town.

Getting to be part of a UROP project was an amazing opportunity, as it allowed me to explore the realms of independent research in a different form to that we do inside a class. Although I am a modern historian, I really enjoyed being able to research and expand my understanding of the medieval medical world within relation to monasticism. UROP allowed me to develop my independent research skills, but also to work in a more professional manner with one of my lecturers.

One part of UROP I really enjoyed was the opportunity to work with different source types. I was used to working with written sources and images, but UROP allowed me to use physical material objects from the MERL to understand contemporary material culture. Also, having access to the site of the ruins of Reading Abbey was incredibly beneficial to help understand what was lost and the true extent of influence the church held. I wish I had had longer in order to explore all the research questions I came up with and to further expand my knowledge of medieval monastic healthcare.

Being part of a UROP project allowed me to continue to explore research, it has inspired me to apply for a master’s course in History as a means to further continue my journey with independent research.

I would encourage everyone to apply for a UROP project as it helps develop your already existing skill set, but also allows you to explore research in new mediums and methodologys.

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Charlie Brooks

Charlie worked, alongside Magda Adkins, on a project entitled ‘Diverse Histories at the Berkshire Record Office [now Royal Berkshire Archive]‘ with Dr Dan Renshaw and Dr Richard Blakemore. This project investigated the lives and experiences of ethnically diverse people in Berkshire during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, bringing a new perspective by considering the previously overlooked presence of ethnically diverse people in rural communities.

My experience partaking in the UROP scheme has been enlightening. Firstly, the process of being a successful applicant was great experience that I can take forward when applying for graduate roles. The application process enabled improvement in my interviewing skills and cover letter writing skills which are both key for any application processes I may face in the future. The scheme also propelled my teamworking abilities as throughout the internship I was working alongside a partner. We had to overcome many obstacles together as a team including being able to co-write documents and effectively sieve through archival documents.

The UROP scheme also put me in unchartered territory as the scheme revolved around archival research. This is something that I had never done before but throughout the 6 weeks, my skills in this area improved vastly. The opportunity to be a part of real research is something that I will cherish moving forward and something that will hopefully enable me to stand out amongst a sea of applicants when applying for postgraduate job opportunities. The scheme was also highly useful as it gave me a taste of what it is like to work alongside professionals in the researching realm. Throughout the scheme I was open minded to the team’s way of working and the recommendations they gave to further our researching abilities. Being in and around this professional environment has been key experience for when I enter the professional world.

Overall, the UROP scheme has been an invaluable experience and an opportunity for me to expand my professionalism. I would like to thank my team and my partner for making all of this possible and I would recommend all undergraduate students to apply for UROP internships in the future as it is a great foundation for moving out of the student life and into the professional life.  

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Magda Adkins

Magda worked alongside Charlie on the Royal Berkshire Archive. Magda was the winner of the Heritage and Creativity theme for her brilliant poster that you can read, alongside Amy’s and Charlie’s at the end of this post.

Working on the UROP project over the summer was a wonderful experience and allowed me to pursue research in an area that I am passionate about. Knowing that I am eager to pursue a career in the heritage sector and community engagement, I feel that the experience I gained on the project has given me transferable skills I can bring with me into the professional sector.

My time on the UROP enhanced my critical thinking and communication skills, leaving me feeling more confident about approaching big projects in my final year of study. Additionally, the privilege of presenting my research at both the showcase and another event contributed significantly to my proficiency in delivering impactful presentations to non-specialist audiences.