Following retirement I wanted to become more actively involved in local history, once again.
I saw a flier about the MA course in a local magazine and decided to pursue it. I felt it would offer me a way back into identifying sources and improve my dated academic background as regards research.
I have not regretted my decision to join the course in any way. It has proved to be more than I hoped. It has given me a good grounding in the history of the West Midlands, opened my eyes to the wealth of material available for history and broadened my perspectives, particularly in terms of what is available on the internet.
My involvement has also enabled discussion and interaction with like-minded course members. The modular structure of the MA enables students to focus on a particular time in history and its sources. The essay each term, although at first appearing daunting and challenging, has broadened my ideas and concepts.
The tutors give good support and advice and find time to discuss problems and anxieties with you. For anyone looking for a course to enhance their knowledge of local history in a challenging way I would thoroughly recommend the MA in West Midlands History.