Postgraduate – Postgraduate Digital Prospectus

Why I chose MA Museum and Artefact Studies

Elias Koenig on October 15, 2024

Why Durham’s course?

I chose Durham’s MA in Museum and Artefact Studies because of the ability to work with objects personally. Other courses from different universities I applied to were amazing, but there was a distinctiveness to Durham’s that stood out and drew me in.

Though many other universities have museum and cultural heritage programs, MA Museum and Artefact Studies at Durham is ingrained in archaeology rather than being solely interdisciplinary. Being a part of Durham’s archaeology department, students learn about museum management, collection principles, and debates within cultural heritage as well as how to analyze and handle artefacts.

The mixture of theory and practice is what sold Durham’s course over others.

I did something different in undergrad

Before I applied for this course, I was completing my bachelor’s at Durham in a totally separate department than my postgraduate course is in. I graduated in July 2024 with a joint honors degree in English Literature and History from Durham.

When I applied for my undergraduate course, I imagined myself going into publishing rather than doing a masters museum and artefact studies. I had always loved literature and history equally, but I had figured that a degree in both would allow me more opportunities later on. I’m grateful I did because during the length of my undergrad I realized that though I loved literature, my passions lied in history, and it was something I wanted to pursue further.

Why did I stay in Durham for postgrad?

As an international student, I sought to combat the homesickness (that a quick trip home for others provided solace to) by plunging myself into everything Durham offered. I joined a sport (shocking to my parents), societies, and made extensive use of the various public transportation options available in Durham. The activities I had become a part of and throwing myself into my course led to friendships that continued throughout the years while I made a habit of day trips to visit abbeys and monuments and hike in the countryside. If I was particularly restless, I hopped a bus to larger towns and cities.

Yet Durham always drew me back. I loved the River Wear that cut through the town, with its paths that ran alongside it. I loved the cathedral and castle, seeped in its own history. I loved the cafes and bookshops that students can always be found in. The environment of the collegiate system, always something going on.

Despite three years in Durham, by the time graduation rolled around I didn’t feel quite done with it. By the time masters applications rolled around, I knew I would apply to Durham’s museum and artefact studies course.

I seriously considered another university’s offer and though I loved the town where it resided, Durham’s course was more of what I was looking for. The breadth of knowledge offered by the course combined with its personal practices was exactly what I wanted in a masters course. Add to it the fact that I already wanted to stay in Durham? It was serendipitous.

What I hope the future holds

Despite the only thing changing being my department and course, I am trying to treat this next year as a new beginning. I plan to try new clubs and societies (while maintaining my old ones), continue my volunteering at the Auckland Project, and become immersed in my new department.

I am thrilled to start a placement in a museum during the length of the course, dive into a dissertation on a topic that fascinates me and get experience working hands on with artefacts. I hope after graduating with my master’s at Durham, to get a job working in a museum as a curator or archivist and continue my passion for historical preservation.

With the opportunities given by Durham’s Museum and Artefact Studies masters, alongside some hard work and motivation, I am certain that it can be achieved.

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Why you should attend a postgraduate open day

Elias Koenig on October 15, 2024

Why I attended

Having studied at Durham for my undergraduate and considering sticking around for an MA, I thought it would be useful to have a chat wiith some previous students and lecturers at some open days to find out more about it.

When I had originally applied to come to Durham before my undergraduate, these open days had been a big deciding factor in choosing to apply to my specific department (Music). I hoped that attending again would allow me to have some helpful face-to-face interaction to help make my mind up.

What I got out of it

Attending postgraduate open days was a really helpful opportunity to hear more casually, from students and staff, about what doing an MA at Durham could offer me in terms of experience and opportunity afterwards.

It was reassuring to hear some anecdotal information on what other students explored in their research and talk through what I could do to expand my horizons with my interests whilst at Durham. I felt much more comfortable knowing the course structure, as well as the staff members who were points of contact when it came to my admissions process.

Helping others

As I found mine so engaging as a prospective student, working the postgraduate open days has been such a joy to then speak to people who were in my position not too long ago. Speaking to people who had similar niches of interest and discussing further what their degree or extra-curricular experiences could look like for them as a student.

I have been able to take part in smaller scale and more specific discussions with students as part of tours and drop ins, where I have enjoyed welcoming prospective postgraduate students to Durham, and equally have had a blast presenting at larger and broader Q and A sessions online and in person! Showing people around departments and the campus is always a highlight, and having the opportunity to chat over respective research interests is also something that I think postgraduate open days can be good for.

Having the space to talk through your ideas with current students and staff who are enthusiastic and excited for prospective students to get stuck into the next stage of their academic career is always a joy!

My advice

For Durham open days it is also always advisable to dress for a lot of walking (and a lot of walking up hills!).

If you are considering living in college accommodation, it may be a bit of a walk from your department to where you are planning on looking around – for instance, my college (Josephine Butler) and department (Music) are around a 25-minute uphill walk, depending which direction you’re going!

Getting a sense of what the college system can offer you uniquely as a postgraduate, besides somewhere to live, is a key aspect of studying at Durham.

If you are coming along to a postgraduate open day, I would recommend checking out colleges, your department, as well as some of the wider information talks. Q and As are an excellent chance to have some of your queries cleared up- particularly when it comes to finance, funding and scholarships which is an aspect of applying for postgraduate study that can feel unclear to start off which.

I would recommend not holding back on asking those nitty gritty questions and following it up if need be to find out where you stand with money and logistics for getting yourself set up.

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Getting the most out of a postgraduate online open day

Elias Koenig on October 14, 2024

As a postgraduate student ambassador at Durham University, I’ve had the opportunity to both attend and work during online open day events, and I can say from experience that they are incredibly valuable for anyone considering further studies.

When I was making my own decision about where to pursue my postgraduate degree, what the course looks like, what Durham is like, online open days played a pivotal role in helping me make an informed choice.

How online events helped my decision

Coming from Pakistan and not living in the UK at the time, attending online events was a game-changer.

These sessions provided a platform to engage with faculty, current students, and the recruitment team without the need to be physically present on campus. It felt reassuring to be able to ask questions directly, explore courses in depth, and get a real sense of what Durham University is about. The ability to attend from home gave me the flexibility I needed to make my decision, especially when considering to have a degree from abroad.

There are two particular online events that I remember while deciding whether I would be joining Durham University or not, one was an online one-on-one with the Program Director of my course where I was able to ask in depth questions about my course, the opportunities in the university and out of it and the support all the departments in the university would provide. And the second online event was about Living in Durham, which gave me a pretty much detailed insight of the transport facilities that are available in Durham, the benefits of living in and living out and the student life Durham brings.

What I enjoy about working online events

Working at these events as an ambassador has been equally rewarding. I enjoy helping prospective students get the answers they need to make confident decisions. The enthusiasm and curiosity of those attending are contagious, and I find it fulfilling to share my experiences with others.

Many attendees seem to appreciate the accessibility and the opportunity to ask real-time questions, which is often a significant factor in their decision-making process.

My advice for prospective students

For those of you who are thinking about attending an online open day, here’s some advice from someone who has both attended and worked at them:

Come prepared: Make a list of questions in advance. Whether it’s about your course of interest, funding opportunities, or life in the UK as an international student, having specific queries will help you get the most out of the event.

Engage actively: Don’t hesitate to participate in discussions or ask follow-up questions. The people running these sessions are there to help you, and engaging in real-time can clarify things that might not be immediately obvious from a website or brochure.

Explore beyond academics: Take advantage of sessions focused on student life, accommodations, and support services. These are all important factors in creating a holistic university experience, especially for international students who may be unfamiliar with the local culture.

Take notes: With so much information available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Take notes during the sessions, particularly on key points about your course of interest, deadlines, and available support.

Final thoughts

Postgraduate online open days are more than just information sessions; they provide a glimpse into what your future could look like. Whether you’re attending from the UK or halfway across the world, these events offer a valuable chance to explore your options, get a feel for the community, and make an informed choice.

As someone who was once in your shoes, I highly encourage you to make the most of these opportunities.

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From undergraduate to postgraduate at Durham

Elias Koenig on October 10, 2024

What interested you in your chosen PG course?

The main thing was the opportunity it would give me to develop my understanding on topics covered on the undergraduate course in more depth. Themes such as gender, violence and abuse and social justice, communities, and civil society were of particular interest to me. I also loved living and studying in Durham so the decision to continue on here for postgrad made perfect sense.

Why did you decide to stay at Durham for your continued study?

I built a strong social network here throughout my undergraduate studies and I was keen to carry on being a part of those. In particular, I played rugby for my college women’s team and was keen to try out playing for the university so staying on for postgrad also gave me the opportunity to do that. Durham is such a unique place to be able to study and live and I was really keen therefore to spend another year living there.

Staying on for postgrad gave me the opportunity to significantly develop my skills and throw myself into also playing for the university, alongside my college. It was an amazing opportunity, and I met some incredibly people through the process which I am very grateful for. Rugby gave me an outlet for my studies, which were at times very stressful, and I had a lot of fun being a part of the 2XV.

I also worked at my college bar at undergrad so when I continued on for postgrad I was able to apply to be a bar supervisor which gave me more responsibility in my role.

Practical benefits

The main practical benefits were having an understanding already of the university, where all the facilities were, how to navigate the online portals such as Blackboard, already knowing some of the tutors on my course, and some of my peers on my course too. The housing market is also a big one and it was useful to have inside knowledge on estate agents and the areas of Durham to make getting accommodation an easier process.

I knew a couple people from the undergraduate course on Criminology who stayed for the postgraduate course. I think it was similar reasons to me, wanting to develop their learning and understanding on the issues and topic covered. Also to further their own academic and personal development with more independent study, another opportunity to carry out a dissertation on an area they are interested in and gain valuable critical and analytical skills in the process.

What do you believe were the benefits of staying at Durham, rather than moving to another city, for your PG study?

I’d say it’s just a lot simpler than moving elsewhere and starting again. You usually already have a peer group here, you understand how the university operates, you might have a job here or be part of a sports team, you know about housing and where you want to live, you have your favourite bars and restaurants. If you’re happy living in Durham I think it’s a privilege to be able to stay on for another year to complete your postgraduate studies.

Where do you see yourself after graduation?

I’m planning on going travelling in February 2025 so a month after graduation for about 4 months. I’m then keen to pursue a role in policy in the civil service, hopefully in London.

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Transitioning from undergraduate to postgraduate: my journey at Durham

Elias Koenig on October 2, 2024

From a bachelor’s degree to a master’s degree, the journey is full of both difficulties and rewards. One of the main differences that struck me was the higher expectations with academic output. The Master of Science (MSc programme) is more about the acquisition of knowledge; it is also about using the knowledge in real-world problems. Undergraduate studies require the students to take a more structured approach to learning, whereas postgraduate studies are orientated towards promoting critical thinking and practical application, especially in my Business Analytics field.

To begin with, the initial challenge I struggled with was the strictness of the postgraduate course. The workload was alright, but I had to be a lot more independent in learning. It wasn’t only about following instructions, but rather about thinking critically, casting doubts, and seeking new solutions. In particular, the peer-to-peer learning was the part that was the most prominent for me; projects in groups and workshops were central to the study process. When I attended lessons with my classmates, from various backgrounds, the different perspectives made lessons even better.

Standing in the Business School reception

Adapting to a new university and country

Moving from one university to another, let alone one in a different country, was a whole new world for me. When I did my Bachelor’s in India, the complete shift to the UK made me encounter a different type of delivering content to the student, as well as an academic culture that I was not familiar with. The teaching process in the UK is more orientated towards the discussion and research parts. The teachers of Durham are not only experts in their subjects but are also deeply engaged in the research that is ongoing. This is what helps to shape the content and create a dynamic curriculum. They foster a culture of critical interaction among the students – this empowers them to be more inquisitive.

The teaching method at Durham encourages collaboration between students and teachers in such a way that they not only learn in the classroom but also reveal the skills that will be of great help to them outside of the classroom. What they are trying to encourage in students is the learning of a subject without paying too much attention to the scores one gets in exams. As an illustration, I was very surprised when my professor elaborated extensively upon the subject matter that I had submitted and then invited me for a personal meeting.

Apart from education, fitting into life in Durham was a real puzzle to be solved. Different cultural and social conditions, a new town, was not all plain sailing, and it took some time to acclimatise to the rather icy weather and to understand some British social norms. However, even with the cultural mismatch, Durham, with such a thriving local community, made it possible to adapt to the new city. It has really proven to be a student-friendly city in which I have quickly made new friends, thanks to the system of collegiality.

Advice for prospective students

For anyone considering Durham for their postgraduate studies, my advice would be simple: take the leap. Durham is more than just an academic institution; it’s a place that encourages holistic growth. The curriculum is well-balanced, especially in courses like Business Analytics, where technical, business, and strategic aspects are seamlessly integrated. This not only makes you a well-rounded professional but also boosts your employability prospects.

When deciding on a university, it’s important to look beyond rankings and reputation. For me, the sense of community and the academic environment were decisive factors. Durham offers a space where you’re constantly learning – whether from professors, peers, or the vast array of resources available, both online and in the university’s libraries.

If I were to give prospective students one key piece of advice, it would be to be open-minded and embrace the student experience fully. Whether it’s academic discussions or extracurricular activities, Durham offers something for everyone, and there’s enough time for everything if you plan well.

Final thoughts

In summary, transitioning from undergraduate (UG) to postgraduate (PG), especially at a prestigious institution like Durham, has been a transformative experience. The combination of academic rigour, a supportive community, and exposure to diverse perspectives has made my time here invaluable. My goal after completing my Master’s is to return to the workforce, ideally in analytics or retail, with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of the business world.

To anyone still on the fence about applying to Durham, I can confidently say that this place has much more to offer than what meets the eye. It’s not just about getting a degree; it’s about making Durham your second home, a place where both your personal and professional growth are nurtured.

In one sentence: “Durham becomes more than just a place to study—it becomes home.”

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The Kang-Glac project

Elias Koenig on September 25, 2024

This summer I joined a group of over 40 scientists and support staff on a scientific cruise aboard the RRS Sir David Attenborough to the shelf and fjords surrounding Kangerlussuaq fjord in south east Greenland. The 3 year project aims to gather data on modern day oceanography and primary productivity in Greenland’s coastal seas, and collect marine sediment cores alongside terrestrial rock samples to reconstruct past glacier thickness and extent.

I have been working with the marine sedimentology team collecting sediment cores of up to 10 m from the seafloor in the fjords and shelf sea surrounding the Kangerlussuaq area. Sediment is continuously being deposited on the seafloor, trapping a snapshot of the biological, geochemical and sedimentological condition at the time of deposition. We can use these signals preserved in this mud to work out how the oceans near Greenland have affected the ice sheets in the past, and in turn how fresh melt water from melting glaciers has changed the oceans and our climate.

Working on the ship

We work 12 hour shifts from 8 to 8 with people working 24 hours of the day. My team were on night shift from 8pm to 8am enjoying the arctic midnight sun and some beautiful sunsets and sunrises (sometimes only an hour apart).

We have three methods to collect sediment cores, the gravity and piston cores for longer records (up to 10 m) and the multicore to collect 12 50 cm cores at one time.

Gravity core being deployed by the ice front

Once on deck, the yellow plastic liner containing the sediment within the longer gravity and piston cores needs to be cut into more manageable 1 m sections. We use a core cutter which is a blade on a ring to slice the liner open, then cut through the mud with a cheese knife. We put a cap on each end then label the sections.

On nights when there are no coring deployments we would split open a core or two to log the sediment and take a few samples. This involves cutting lengthways along the liner before cutting through the sediment with cheese wire. This gives us an initial glimpse at the sediments that we have collected, and will help us to decide which cores are best suited for further analysis.

Once the core is open, we can sample for foraminifera (tiny shells from creatures that lived and died on the seafloor). We can identify and count the species of foraminifera under a microscope. Different species like to live in different water conditions, so we can use them to reconstruct relative changes to ocean conditions at the coring site through the Holocene.

SEM image of foraminifera Melonis Bareanus

Free time

There is a fantastic community feel while on the ship which was fuelled by the weekly quiz, knot tying lessons, some small gym clubs were formed, and even a chat for the sauna (if you wanted to dump a bucket of freezing seawater on yourself first!). A lot of our free time was spent either in the bar or the day room watching movies or playing Mario Kart. If we want some fresh air we can go to the helideck or observation deck to take some pictures and do some whale or polar bear spotting. We even had the time to make up some games in the labs.

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Why I chose Durham for my postgraduate studies

Elias Koenig on September 11, 2024

How I found out about Durham

While I was looking for a master’s, a friend of mine did both his undergraduate and postgraduate studies at Durham University and recommended I study there because he enjoyed it so much. I already knew about the university because of its prestigious academic reputation as a world leading institution so I went ahead and followed his advice. And I’m so glad I did because I ended up finding exactly what I wanted to study: an MA in Environmental Humanities!

What drew me to Durham

Durham is such a picturesque city, it’s a beautiful place to visit so I was really excited at the idea of living there. I was able to get a tour of the city and I really enjoyed how close the campus was to the city centre and to walks in the forest. I really like walking to unwind from work so being close to trails was very important for me.

I liked the fact that it has both a campus with a big library and that classes took place in the city depending on which department you belong to. For example, the Theology department building is right next to the Cathedral!

I also really enjoyed how homely the city felt with its lovely coffee shops, bookshops, and walks along the river.

Beside the city and buildings, I knew that the University had great teaching and resources at hand. The course really fit my expectations with the modules it offered. I also found a professor whose work perfectly aligned with my idea for my dissertation which was really encouraging.

Why I finally choose to study at Durham

The course and the University’s reputation was definitely a big reason for why I chose to study at Durham. I really enjoy interdisciplinary studies and the MA had a really big selection of modules across most Humanities disciplines. I also felt very welcomed by the programme director who helped me with my questions during the application process. I was looking forward to meeting loads of other students from different parts of the university and getting to be taught various subjects.

How I’ve found studying at Durham so far

Although assignments can sometime be very demanding, it has not stopped my time at Durham from being anything less than great. I was able to find a work and life balance which is a priority for my mental health and productivity.

I really enjoyed making the most of what Durham has to offer. From college balls to college sports, to joining the film society and going on hikes with the hiking society and friends or travelling in Scotland – I can’t believe everything that I was able to do during my time here!

I kept being happily surprised by the opportunities made possible by the university, particularly having the chance to join a summer school in Sweden where I met many amazing people across the Humanities!

You never know what great experience is around the corner and that’s what I’ve enjoyed the most with my studies here at Durham.

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A day in the life of an MA Education student at Durham

Elias Koenig on September 5, 2024

As I live in Newcastle, and commute to the university, I wake up a bit earlier than the rest of my classmates. I don’t mind the commute, as the walk from Durham Railway Station to the School of Education is beautiful, and it helps me get my steps in! In the early hours, when the city is still fairly empty, I really appreciate Durham’s beauty, and how lucky I am. I’ll make sure to pack a tea or coffee with me, to keep me warm on my walk. Sometimes I review my seminar notes on the train, just to feel extra prepared.

Morning: Lecture and study time

My first class of the day is a lecture for my core module, Design and Methods in Education. This module has really given me the confidence to prepare me for my dissertation, as all the examples and practices we speak about are highly relevant. It also helped me brushed up on some of my research design skills, that I haven’t used as much since my undergrad.

Once the lecture is over, I either see if there are any empty classrooms in the School of Education where I could work, or head to the Teaching & Learning Centre just across the road. I really like studying up on the top floor in the individual study pods… plus the hot water tap is another bonus. I’ll either do the seminar reading in preparation for my next class, or work on any assignments coming up.

Sometimes my friends and I stick together after the lecture and have a group study session. It’s always nice to speak to other people about the work you’re doing and share progress. Likewise, our lecturer is always happy to take any questions after the session, so it’s a nice opportunity to have a smaller group of people speaking to him.

Afternoon: Lunch and stroll

Once I met my goals and feel happy with the progress I made, I pack up my things. Depending on how I’m feeling, I sometimes get lunch from Zing Kitchen, located in the Teaching & Learning Centre. They serve hot meals, with some of the best jacket potatoes I’ve ever had. I also love the mac and cheese from there.

After lunch I’ll slowly head back to the station, but I often enjoy taking a longer route along the River Wear to clear my mind and disconnect. I find that after looking at a screen for too long, my brain gets fuzzy, so taking a moment to just enjoy the surrounding really helps.

Evening: Home and logging out

As I live in Newcastle, I will head back home around 4/5pm to unwind for the day and prepare myself for the next. I check my calendar to see what classes I may have the following day and make sure I have the right books ready to go. I prefer doing everything the night before and having more time to sleep in. I’ll open my laptop again to see if there are any emails/notifications, before logging out of “school mode” for the evening. I love cooking with my sister and just chatting to her about my day, what I did at uni, and how her day was.

I am very lucky, as Durham University allowed me to transfer half of my module credits from my PGCE towards my MA. Therefore, I don’t have to redo the credits that I completed last year. It definitely helps with the workload, and it allows me to work as a supply-teacher part-time. Regardless of this, the flexibility of the MA program lets me manage my time effectively, and I’m able to balance both my studies and personal life.

Final thoughts

I would suggest you definitely get into a routine and try to stick to it. It is so rewarding seeing the progress you make into your studies, but like they say, nothing good comes too easy! Make sure you follow your schedule, connect with your peers and teachers, and most of all, enjoy it all!

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Connections, Connections, Connections! My Experience of Studying History at Durham University

Elias Koenig on August 29, 2024

Throughout my time studying History here at Durham, I’ve felt privileged to be able to engage with a multitude of vast, intertwining, and – often unassuming – connections centred on exchanges of people, objects, and ideas. In both my BA and MA programmes, I’ve appreciated global historical topics at every turn, whether tracking the nuanced developments of prestigious heraldry across late medieval England, France, and the Low Countries, or uncovering the international contexts of historical events like the Boxer War in late-Qing China. I’ve scrutinised sources on early modern Europe’s ‘Little Ice Age’ and climate change, and I’ve explored the scholarly wilderness surrounding Africa’s wildlife conservation and its problematic nineteenth-century origins.

Stretching my thinking

Both programmes, but especially my MA, have encouraged me to stretch my thinking, connecting topical, historical themes to present-day, fruitful discussions in my seminars and coursework. Weaving together a myriad historical periods, actors and geographies, I’ve tremendously enjoyed studying History at Durham –analysing the origins of phenomena from deadly diseases to Dutch delftware and tracing their subsequent historical journeys from one location to the next.

So, what’s special about studying global history at Durham?

The History Department

The Oriental Museum

Firstly, the Oriental Museum, on the university’s doorstep, has provided me the opportunity to study a wealth of visual and material culture from pith paintings to astronomical apparatus, and other institutions such as the Institute of Medieval and Early Modern Studies have organised fascinating events for history students.

The Oriental Museum

Taking the lead

Moreover, I’ve consistently pushed myself to participate in the teaching and learning of global historical topics, from organising my own group-led seminar discussion of Sam Selvon’s The Lonely Londoners and the Windrush Scandal as part of Durham University’s Decolonising History Initiative in 2022, to assisting in the smooth running of panel discussions on complex circuits of medicines, missionaries, and migrants within the Asian Connections Workshop in my final term.

Image of participants of the Asian Connections Workshop

Asian Connections: Flows of People, Medicines, Ideas, and Practices’, a workshop organized by the Durham University ‘Thinking East Asia’ Research Group.

Wide variety of topics and modules to choose from

These many enriching opportunities have been invaluable, supplementing my core learning and skills, and encouraging me to be independent and original in my thought and study. I’ve also always sought to take advantage of the History Department’s excellent teaching and expert insights by selecting an array of global topics, ranging from modules which covered the histories of British-occupied Myanmar and Weimar Germany, to modules which specifically brought separate, fascinating stories of different places and peoples together…

For example, in the final year of my BA, I studied the Mughal Empire and the Qing Dynasty respectively within a single module, Empires and States in Early Modern Asia, which allowed me to discover a variety of state-building techniques from mobile courts to imperial gardens to complex, authoritative genealogies. I developed my analytical skills most strongly through contrasting how Inner Asian legacies, post-Mongol Empire, manifested in India and China, dissecting Asian rulers’ imperial authority, political organisation, and multi-faceted identities. Not only did this allow me to appreciate the histories of both empires, but it enabled me to naturally access wider historical debates, a skill I’ve found indispensable at MA level.

Some of the text books I have used during my studies

Learning more about the world

More recently, The City in History MA module has enabled me to walk the streets of classical Constantinople, late medieval London, early modern Delhi, and colonial Khartoum, drawing comparative points between human experiences within urban history. Placing one construction – the city – in a global framework has likewise enriched my experience of studying different themes such as gender, state ritual, and ideology by evaluating multiple historical viewpoints and intersecting with an array of historiographical, sociological, and anthropological approaches.

Ancient map of Paris

Critical engagement with historical sources

Through studying the MA core module, Themes, Readings and Sources, I was able to further delve into wider historiographical questions such as archives’ nature and purpose for historians from the nineteenth century to present-day, discussing a variety of primary sources such as oral testimonies following the British Empire’s atrocities in Kenya in the 1950s. Adopting a global lens enabled me to analyse European, African, and Asian archives’ own subjective inclusions and omissions, explaining missing subaltern voices and more deeply interrogating why and how historical evidence is recorded. In summary, my History MA – especially looking to my modules with a global perspective – has fuelled and rewarded my critical engagement with all historical sources, schools, and scholars.

I have thoroughly enjoyed studying my History BA and MA here at Durham University and will continue thinking about the connections between global historical themes, events, and perspectives as I move forward into the next chapter of my life.

Me at my graduation

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My journey with RSACC: Reflections on empowering marginalised women

Elias Koenig on July 22, 2024

The most impactful experience of my 4 years at Durham university has been my Postgraduate Placement at the Centre for Research into Violence and Abuse (CRiVA). I worked with a specialist service known as the Rape and Sexual Abuse Counseling Centre (RSACC) to review their outreach strategies and suggest improvements to better serve marginalsied women. It involved analysing demographic data and annual reports, comparing it with census reports from Durham and Darlington, and examining the practices of similar counselling centres both in the UK and the US. My goal was to contribute meaningfully to their mission of supporting survivors of sexual violence, particularly those from marginalized communities. Reflecting on my journey now, I realise how transformative this experience has been, both professionally and personally.

During my research, I reviewed the media and website pages of several counselling services and was really impressed by their innovative efforts to help women of colour seeking refuge from abuse. RSASS Bradford stood out with its dedication to accessibility for women with disabilities. Their website had dictionaries to explain technical terms, making it easier for everyone, regardless of their educational background, to engage with their content. This approach to inclusivity ensured that no one felt excluded because of language barriers or complex phrases. R.A.I.N.N in the US was another standout. Their social media was a model of how to engage with diverse audiences. They tailored content specifically to their target demographics, using the languages spoken by their audiences. This eliminated the need for translators and made their resources immediately accessible. Discovering innovative strategies and successful practices from organisations filled me with excitement. I was inspired by the idea of bringing these concepts to RSACC to enhance its outreach and support services. It was invigorating to see tangible examples of how other centres effectively addressed the needs of marginalised women.

One of the most positive experiences was the reception I got from my supervisors, Nicole Westmarland and Alice Nah, and the staff at RSACC. Initially, I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension, but as I got deeper into my tasks and received their support and encouragement, my confidence grew. It reaffirmed my belief that meaningful change is possible and that with the right strategies, RSACC could significantly improve its services and reach more women in need. This sense of hope was a powerful driving force throughout my research process.

Overall, I felt a deep sense of admiration and respect for organisations like the RSACC that strive to implement thoughtful and comprehensive practices. Their commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and diversity was evident in their reception of my work and I take pride in being a part of this process.

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