Robert

Hi, I'm Robert and I'm reading for the part-time MSt in Modern British History. I've lived and worked in Oxford for many years, and I knew Harris Manchester's reputation for being a small friendly College welcoming people of all sorts of backgrounds and all sorts of ages. I've spent the last 40 years as a teacher of English and school leader, but I've always wanted to study history more seriously with a view to developing new expertise as an academic writer after my main career.

Apart from being on the doorstep, Oxford – with its renowned history faculty world-class tutors and libraries – seemed the obvious place to apply. I must say putting together my application was highly demanding, especially since I hadn't written an academic essay for several decades, but the college and faculty were encouraging and I took heart from the words on Harris Manchester's Clock Tower: “It's never too late”.  Since starting the course I've continued to receive tremendous support from tutors and supervisors who all seem delighted to discuss mutual interests. The same is true of my fellow students at Harris Manchester, who are always ready with a friendly hello and are happy to share varied life experiences, perhaps over dinner in hall or at an MCR social event. And, despite the fact that I'm a good deal older than many, my contributions to college life being in the College Choir or as a rep on the green strategy group have never felt awkward. Above all it really is a great place where lifelong learning is just that; it's an opportunity I've certainly not regretted and it's well worth seizing.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/_PZltVpdpac?si=AcaKoNEND36eQoG4