Being in the “Loughborough bubble” was a great experience. After graduating and leaving, I’ve realised just how close-knit the student community is. Everyone knows everybody.
I chose my course because it let me focus on modern history. I like having an abundant range of primary sources to explore which older time periods of time don’t always offer.
I really enjoyed the modules about cultural history. It became the branch of history that I grew to love the most. My standout option was Dr Matthew Adams’ American Century module. From the first lecture, it took me on a very exciting journey.
Another aspect of my course that I liked was the flexibility to choose modules from other subject areas. I did a few from the English Department. Surprisingly, they were among my favourite options.
For my dissertation, I chose to explore British media history, relating to the Second Red Scare and how it was covered in the United States just after World War II.
Growing up as a Gen-Z Brit, American culture is something I’ve always been exposed to. It was interesting to explore the Anglo-American dynamic during a period I particularly enjoyed learning about. I also wanted to choose a topic that would be relevant to the world of advertising and media, the industry I am entering as I begin my career.
The strategic use of emotion and social concern has long been a central tool for engaging audiences. Understanding the context of how contemporary media sources weaponise the anxieties of the day in their coverage remains highly relevant to communications. I thought studying this from a historical angle would give me greater perspective on how consistent the media’s MO has always been.
The University’s Humanities teaching and facilities are excellent. The staff are highly experienced in their respective fields, and deeply dedicated to their craft. Learning with academic experts who have a real passion and curiosity for their subject was incredibly cool.
My degree has helped me to hone capabilities relevant to my career. I have developed strong research and analytical skills, as well as a clear understanding of how media messages are created and how audiences respond to them.
I’ve learned how to construct narratives and tell engaging stories, drawing out the all-important crux that underpins the key message. My studies also ingrained in me the importance of context in framing my ideas.
Being exposed to so many viewpoints on global issues has opened my eyes to how different and yet how similar people from various backgrounds, ethnicities and cultures are. These insights are essential not only in my chosen field but also in my personal growth.
So, my degree has been about more than simply supporting my future career. It has given me the opportunity to develop my natural curiosity.
My advice for anyone thinking of studying history at Loughborough is just get stuck in and dedicate a lot of energy to your studies.
The world of history is a fascinating place to let your mind wander. Let yourself experience it fully.
Also, don’t be intimidated by the workload. Some great advice I received was that essay writing is just sophisticated storytelling. Building a narrative and supporting it – at the end of the day that’s all it is, providing you prepare well.