History

Why study History at Emmanuel College?

Emmanuel is a beautiful college with a rich history and a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Each year we aim to admit a diverse group of six to seven History students, as well as three to four students doing joint degrees involving History. Emmanuel has a strong team of History fellows whose expertise covers many periods and places (e.g. British and continental medieval history, early modern Britain, the eighteenth century and modern Africa) across a variety of fields (e.g. social, cultural and religious history, history of political thought). Each of our students receives tailored attention – including arrangements with colleagues from other colleges who teach subjects outside of our expertise. We run classes on methodology and historiography. Each year group has their dedicated director of studies who arranges teaching and helps students make the most of their studies. We also hold social gatherings to foster connexions within our community of historians. A dedicated fund, the Whitaker Fund, provides generous academic support to our students.

 

What might a typical day be like studying History at Emmanuel College look like?

In your first year, a typical week would have four lectures and two supervisions. Supervisions are either individual or small-group sessions with experts in the field; during an engaged conversation you will be discussing the the week’s topic , the reading that you will have done and your essays.

The bulk of your working hours will be dedicated to preparing for your supervisions – reading, taking notes and drafting essays. This way of working is a step up, in terms of independence and self-motivation, from work at school; it is also intellectually rich and often exciting. Directors of studies are there to support students to make the most of it.

 

What qualities do successful history students have?

We are looking for people with the potential to grow and thrive as Cambridge history students, people who can make the most of what the degree has to offer - not encyclopaedic historical knowledge or well-honed polish.

Unsurprisingly we seek people who already love history. Our applicants are often passionate about specific topics or questions, which is wonderful. Building on this, successful students approach the broad range of history offered at Cambridge with curiosity and an appetite for new and challenging topics.

Independence of mind, an ability to articulate your ideas and think conceptually, and a readiness to be challenged, are  much needed qualities to thrive here – We are looking for people who show the potential to develop those skills as they progress in the degree.

 

Where could a history degree lead?

Our history graduates go on to a wide range of fields and career paths beyond professional history. The skills that history graduates acquire during their studies – knowing how to analyse and critique data, an ability to understand unfamiliar material and its context, writing skills honed to a high degree – are highly valuable to and valued by employers in many fields. Former Emmanuel historians have become lawyers, civil servants, journalists, teachers, researchers, consultants but also have work in film, in publishing, in museums, in public relations and advertising, in human resources, etc.