Hi, I’m Grace! I study history. Within that, I study philosophy, literature, music, architecture, sociology, religion, politics, environmentalism, technology, warfare, masculinity, empire and womanhood.
History. A subject which is alive and well, never more so than at York. I suspect even STEM students learn about York’s history without realising it. Here, history is an undercurrent humming beneath every aspect of daily life.
At York, I have the added power of being myself a Yorkshirewoman, having grown up in this city. When I came to study at the University, it was easy for me to take my surroundings for granted. I suppose we all do that a bit, but studying history has really opened my eyes to the ways that in York, everyone is looking at history all the time.
Archives Galore
As someone who has an interest – obsession – with social and religious history, York is an outstanding environment. From ecclesiastical courts at the Minster, to many records from parish churches in the area, we have access to hundreds of years of records in the many archives in York. Some of these include the Borthwick Institute for Archives, The University Rare Books Library, the York Minster Library partnership and the Explore York archives. I feel rich.
I didn’t always feel rich though, at first I was intimidated by the archives. They loomed large in my mind and it looked like ‘serious work’. However, the Research Training module walked me through navigating the archives step-by-step. It also gave me a safe space to ask questions and voice any of my worries. More than anything, the module emphasised the power of community – ask your librarian for advice, talk to the archivists, consult your professors, supervisors and peers.
Honest conversation with the experts (or people who are just as stressed as you) is an excellent way to conquer your fears, particularly in academia. If that isn’t quite your communication style, or you’re overwhelmed and can’t even think of the right question, that’s okay too! York provides so many digital resources (like a digital self-guided tour of the library) and accessible online support services that however you’re feeling day-to-day, help is there. And not only help, but inspiration!
Variety and Interdisciplinary Study
The other particularly luxurious part of my existence at York is the wealth of disciplines at my disposal. My particular MA is built on the intersections and relationships between disciplines (it’s run jointly with York’s Centre for Renaissance and Early Modern Studies). For me, being able to study Early Modern material culture alongside religious social change and scholarship about sound during the period, became achievable and really fun. The combinations of this kind of work are endless. You could study war poetry (literature) alongside masculinity (sociology) during the First World War (history and politics). The best part is that the University will encourage you to find the connections you enjoy. Then, support you while you explore them.
Due to this focus on interdisciplinary variety, my course allows me to choose modules from all across the humanities. One of my choices has been to study public history. I chose this module to boost my employability after university and I ended up absolutely loving it. Public history encouraged me to see everything as history. In York, that isn’t too difficult. I wonder how many students have walked down the Shambles just as I have. Or how many prayers for good results have been whispered when passing the Minster. Even as someone born here, I see and study new histories at this university all the time.
When it comes to history, York really is exceptional. If you’re going to undertake an MA, do it somewhere beautiful and do it somewhere that will support you with excellent, engaging teaching. York ticks all of those boxes. It’s a huge privilege to do history surrounded by history, and here that privilege is seen and felt every day.
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