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History (Ancient and Modern)

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Robert, 2nd year

'Choosing to study Ancient and Modern History was, for me, a pretty easy decision. I’d just read Robert Graves ‘I, Claudius’ and I was studying some Ancient History at school and really enjoying it so I thought, why not? The Ancient and Modern History course allows a great range of options and allows me to study some of the most important aspects of European history. The lecturers and tutors are experts in their field which is a huge benefit and the variety of the libraries, including a specialist Ancient History library, the Sackler, built in true imposing neo-classical style, means I am never unable to find, or be forced to buy, a book for my course. 

One of the best things about being in Oxford is learning by talking to other undergraduates about their subject – the very fact of being in Oxford, surrounded by other Oxford students broadens the mind. You only have to spend a week here to learn that while people do work hard, it’s not all work and no play, and with the incredible variety of things to do in Oxford it would be ridiculous to think we spent our entire lives working!

I’ve loved my time at Oxford, getting involved with drama as well as student radio, a choir and my college sports teams! There is always someone doing something enjoyable in Oxford. This ensures there is an atmosphere of everyone participating as well as excellence: for example, college sports teams cater for many levels of ability – so anyone who wants to play, can play. The course here at Oxford is stimulating and the atmosphere of the University and the city exciting.'

Heather, who graduated in 2002, now works as a Lecturer in British History at the Humboldt University in Berlin, Germany. She says:   

'Learning to work independently and under time pressure as an undergraduate was the perfect preparation for an academic career. It gave me the skills I needed to teach successfully at a university level and the self-confidence necessary to publish and present my research before my peers.’