History

The School of History is a vibrant, welcoming and stimulating environment in which to carry out your historical research at doctoral level. We pride ourselves on the high quality of support and supervision delivered by our distinguished academics whose own excellence in research drives their teaching and inspires our sizeable postgraduate community. We nurture an inclusive atmosphere engendered by a research community with a great diversity of interests and approaches. During your time at the School of History you will have the opportunity to take part in the numerous and lively research forums supported by the school. The Postgraduate Seminar Series is run entirely by and for our research students. The Centre for Renaissance and Early Modern Studies runs a renowned series of seminars with an international cast of speakers, as does the Centre for Eighteenth-Century Studies; the Mile End Institute (MEI) seminar series provides an unparalleled forum for the study of issues in contemporary British history. The new interdisciplinary Centre for the History of the Emotions, offers a rich array of seminars, colloquia and workshops, as well as Studentships. The Raphael Samuel History Centre, a research and outreach centre based in Queen Mary and two other London universities, provides our postgraduates with opportunities for public debate and engagement. Most members of the School are involved in running research seminars at the Institute for Historical Research, an essential part of the postgraduate experience in London. An impressive group of postdoctoral researchers offers inspiration and support to those embarked on their postdoctoral work.

Students travel to QMUL from some 150 countries around the world, creating a truly global community. Their website contains country specific information as well as information for students before they apply to the university. Once students are in London, there are various resources to help them adjust to their new life including a blog focusing on international students and their requirements. This is all run through the International Office who also offer help on matters such as immigration advice, scholarships and funding and help with accommodation during their stay. The Queen Mary Students’ Union (QMSU) is the heart of student life and is based in the newly refurbished Students’ Hub. It operates a range of services including a bar, café, shop and student media including a newspaper, magazine, radio station and TV station. Students can also use the facilities at the Student Central in Bloomsbury, 15 minutes away by tube, the former University of London Union. They also offer support and representation services for students as part of the National Union of Students (NUS). There are over 190 different societies and clubs on offer for students ranging from sports to theatre and everything in the middle. There are also a number of volunteering opportunities for those who wish to give something back to the community. There is a health and fitness centre called QMotion as well as various sports facilities and team take part in the BUCS leagues. A busy social calendar means there are plenty of performing arts opportunities for students and the Drapers Bar is one of the best entertainment venues in the country.