You are in:  Churchill College » Admissions » Undergraduate Admissions » Courses » History

The Courses: History: Getting Out

Possible undertones of post-custodial rehabilitation are unintentional here, although, at the same time, the relative luxury of being wrapped up in this pleasantly enclosed environment for three years — reading, talking, writing, making friends, acting, playing sport and music, and expanding your horizons in so many ways - can make it hard to think about the life that lies ahead once you graduate. When you apply to study History here, we do not expect you to have clearly defined ambitions: it's enough that you feel ambitious; and more often than not it's healthy that your ideas take shape in parallel to your education. But in the end comes the moment of truth. And every year I have the pleasure of standing outside the Senate House and watching people I have taught, and whose studies I have directed in College, jumping the final hurdle and going out into the world to do something which may well have been unimaginable or impossible had they not worked hard here for three years. It really is something, both for them and for me.

I'm sure you know already that the range of careers open to History graduates is vast and varied. Some of Churchill's recent History graduates have secured management training contracts or have taken law conversion courses after graduation; others have gone into teaching, and at least one has stayed on to further his historical research at doctoral level. Yet three years studying History at Churchill is about much more than just gaining a degree. The effects the experience will have on your thinking, your personality, and your outlook on life are likely to be profound and will last forever.

As Director of Studies in History at the College, I like to feel that we set the highest standards, expect the greatest degree of commitment from our students, and provide the best quality teaching and guidance. At the same time, this is a friendly and relaxed environment in which to live and learn, where you will feel enthused and energized into studying, not stressed and intimidated. If you think you may have got what it takes — and do trust the judgement of teachers and others who know you well - then my colleagues and I urge you to consider Cambridge, and, in the first instance, to consider Churchill College.