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The University of Southampton
HistoryPart of Humanities

History at Southampton in top 3 for UK research

Published: 19 December 2014

According to the UK’s Research Excellence Framework (2014) results, released on 18 December 2014, the Department of History at Southampton is ranked third in the UK for the overall quality of its research.

87% of our research is ranked 4* (world-leading) or 3* (internationally excellent), based on the quality of our publications, research impact and research environment.

Our impact case studies reflect the wide spectrum of interests within our department:

1. ‘The soldier in Later Medieval England, and the Battle of Agincourt’ (Professor Anne Curry)

2. ‘Henry VIII: Dressed to Impress’ (Professor Maria Hayward)

3. ‘Rediscovering Forgotten Landmarks in Arts Broadcasting’ (Dr Jonathan Conlin)

4. ‘Engaging with the Holocaust Today’ (Dr Shirli Gilbert, Professor Tony Kushner and Dr Mark Levene of the Parkes Institute for the Study of Jewish/non-Jewish Relations).

For a flavour of our research impact:
https://www.southampton.ac.uk/history/research/impact.page

“The selected case studies illustrate four of the key ways we have promoted our research to non-academic beneficiaries. Case Study 1 (Medieval Soldier) indicates our approach to cultural and educational impact; through a rich combination of talks, a popular website and media opportunities, we have caused a shift in public awareness of medieval warfare. In Case Study 2 (Henry VIII), we have targeted our research on the heritage industry, benefiting curators and producing pedagogic impact through the development of new museum exhibitions. In Case Study 3 (Landmarks), cultural events, both nationally and internationally, were built on systematically to influence the policy direction of public bodies (in arts broadcasting). Lastly, Case Study 4 (The Holocaust) shows our pursuit of an ethical agenda, educating the public through a combination of websites, talks and national exhibitions. Each of these case studies has honed the development of our impact strategy, underlining its primary cultural remit but indicating the potential ethical and policy dimensions to our research.” (Professor Mark Cornwall)

Our research – and our research-led teaching – covers a broad chronological range, from the ancient to the modern world. Our specialisms include: Empire and Post-Colonial Worlds; Cultural and Social History; Sexuality and Gender; Jewish History, Ancient and Modern; Conflict and War – from the Medieval World to the War on Terror; Genocide and Holocaust Studies; Political and National Histories; Migration and Maritime History; and American and Transatlantic History.

“Every one in the department has contributed to this remarkable achievement, underpinned by our collective commitment and efforts in the years leading up to this moment”
(Head of History, Professor Sarah Pearce)

Warmest congratulations too to all our colleagues in Archaeology, English, Film, Modern Languages, Music, Philosophy, and Politics.

For further information on the REF, see: http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/features/ref-2014-results-by-subject/2017594.article

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