Ben White

History gives you a healthy curiosity about things. The analysis and research that goes into studying History spills over into everyday life, it makes you want to find out more about the stories behind everyday things.

You don’t just see a beautiful building, you start wondering when it was built, who built it and why. History opens your eyes to the impact that people and events have around the world, giving you the ability to compare the past with the present.

The History degree at Edge Hill is a good mix of traditional teaching methods with innovative aspects too. The way the lecturers help you apply what you learn, almost having a bit of fun with it, is really good. For example, after one lecture we played the board game Diplomacy and applied our knowledge to it. So, you feel not quite like you’re living the history, but applying what you learn in an interesting and memorable way.

I’ve had so many opportunities to develop academically and personally at Edge Hill. In my first year I went to Zaragoza in Spain with the Erasmus scheme. It gave me the chance to see another culture, go to lectures at a foreign university and spend time with students from other courses.

I also took part in a history-based community project with the Playhouse Theatre in Liverpool. This involved looking at the local history of Williamson Square. It was fascinating to get first-hand experience of local history in the North West and feel connected to the community. I then did a placement with Morecambe Fringe Festival, working on a local history feature for their programme. I wouldn’t have the chance to do any of these things if I wasn’t at Edge Hill.

The lecturers are fantastic and genuinely lovely. They’re open and helpful and always happy to talk to you or answer questions after lectures.

University helps you discover what education can lead to and what you can really push yourself to do. Since being at Edge Hill, I’ve discovered so many things that I’m able to do that I doubted originally. I’m so much more confident now.