In September 2023, I came to the University of Liverpool to study History, and now, after May 2025, my time as a student here comes to an end. These past three years have taught me a lot, and I thought as the final weeks are approaching, it would be a perfect opportunity to share some insight, advice, and talks of future plans.
Let’s start at the beginning
My fascination with history first sparked during my time at high school when I studied the subject at GCSE. Admittedly, at first, I was a little hesitant to fully immerse myself in the world of the Tudors and the Cold War, but to my surprise, and definitely to my teachers, I became entirely ‘head over heels’ for learning it all. By the following year, I had secured a place at Greenhead College and was set to carry on my passion at A-Level. After a global pandemic, too many Zoom classes to count, and a summer of anticipation, I arrived in Liverpool to study my history degree. Predictably, I was full of nerves, excitement, and truthfully had absolutely no idea where the next three years would take me.
A testament to Liverpool
What first drew me to studying History at Liverpool was the range of historical areas the course covered. I think a lot of people assume that a history degree consists of long essays and medieval scrolls, but this degree is more than that. I have not just learnt about the past, present, and future, but have come to appreciate the importance of museum practices, public history, re-learning and re-writing, and taking opportunities.
During my second year, I was fortunate enough to participate in a short placement with National Museums Liverpool, working in their archives with professionals, and gaining insight about the world of museum work and cultural preservation- two things GCSE me would have been clueless about.
And here, in my final year, writing for the Department of History blog about my passions and historical interests. This degree goes much further than referencing and word counts it has provided me with greater communication, organisation, and a broader perspective of the world as we know it.
As I write this blog, I am currently finishing my dissertation, which is based on Second-Wave Feminism in 1970s Britain, specifically researching the experiences of marginalised women. I’ve enjoyed having the freedom to pick from a range of modules over the course of my degree, each specialising in differing areas of history. Liverpool as a city is filled with so much of its own history, from its maritime and trade history to its cultural and industrial impact. There is no shortage of historical sights and museums to fill your boots here.
Derek Harper / Across Salthouse Dock, Liverpool, at 21:53 / CC BY-SA 2.0
Life after Liverpool
Going into my final year was incredibly daunting, and beginning to think about future plans was even more so. Choosing to study a History degree has provided me with not just the ability to write a 3000-word essay in less than a week (oops), but more importantly, such a versatile skillset. Presentations gave me clearer communication skills and confidence, dynamic assessments taught me better time management and the art of patience, and learning different areas of history taught me adaptability. These new skills and experiences have truly set me up for the world of work.
Following university, I will be working as a PR and Social Media Executive for an incredible Marketing Communications agency called Source, based in Leeds. I am enthusiastic to begin my journey there, and no doubt, I’m sure that I will be expanding my skills further. Nonetheless, I know that my time at university gave me the confidence to pursue my passion.
Liverpool, if you have taught me anything during my time here, it is that change is something to be embraced and that I am capable of a lot more than I thought, especially with a looming deadline and a strong cup of coffee to hand.