Katie Slane

Why did you go on to postgraduate study?

By the time I’d finished my undergraduate degree, I’d really engaged with the topic and had started to feel more like a historian. That made me realise that I wasn’t quite finished with my studies. After my Master’s, I’d like to take my studies further, onto a PhD. A Master’s was a good way of testing if I want to do that. 

What do you particularly enjoy about your programme?

It’s a taught Master’s but, because it includes the dissertation, I’ve been able to include French as well: it’s good having that freedom to mix my interests.

I also feel more confident to talk in seminars. That’s partly because I’ve chosen this programme so I find the topics particularly interesting and also because it’s easy to interact with the academic staff. I like that we get to study the history of History on the core taught module. That’s something that we covered on the undergraduate degree, but not in much detail.

What are the main differences between undergraduate and postgraduate study?

There’s a lot more reading to do and a difference in how much more engaged the students are with history. You feel like you’re on a more level playing field with the academics: it’s not so much that you’re being taught, as involved with debates and you feel more a part of things. That’s the most noticeable difference and it’s something that I really like.

What is the postgraduate community like at the School, and at the University in general?

One of the really nice things about the Imperial History course is that there’s only a small number of other students on the course, so it’s a close-knit community and a support base.     

How does the School support you in your studies? And the University?

Seminar leaders are always approachable and open to giving you advice and support whether that’s by email or in a meeting. There are extra lectures and events you can go along to: The Centre for the History of Colonialisms puts on lectures and the School has optional lectures and PhD seminars.

What are your career options?

I’m considering doing a PhD, but I’d like to try going out to work first, especially as I’ve been studying for five years. If I go on to a PhD then I’d like to stay in academia or within the heritage sector; working in museums or archives.

Have you had any employability support from the University?

I’ve been doing the Global Skills Award Programme which includes lectures on subjects outside your discipline and workshops to improve your skills such as presentations and interviews, which will help me in the future.

What have you gained from postgraduate study?

I’m definitely more confident than I was as an undergraduate and I’m now more comfortable with sharing my ideas. That’s partly because one of my seminar leaders really encourages us to come to the extracurricular seminars and get involved and engaged.

What advice would you give to a prospective postgraduate history student?

Make sure you do all your reading and are well prepared. Get involved with as many things as you can, including the extra seminars outside your specialism. There are so many things to get involved in – so soak it all up!