Karen Woods MA History

Freelance writer and broadcaster

Hi, I'm Karen Woods and I studied MA History within History at the University of Southampton.

Southampton is rightly proud of its status as a global research-intensive university. In History this means students are taught by lecturers at the top of their game who spend many hours in the archives working on their own original research, write prize-winning books and regularly publish papers in the top journals. It makes a difference.

Why did you decide to study for an MA?

When I was a teenager, I wasn’t interested in going to university, preferring to get started on my career as a journalist. But the idea grew on me later in life and I completed my BA (Hons) Humanities part time over several years at the University of Surrey, graduating in 2010. Then I found I missed the challenge of study and thought I would keep on going, this time closer to home. I have always loved history so it seemed an obvious choice.

What did you enjoy about the course?

It’s a cliché but there are so many world class historians at Southampton. To name but three, Professors Neil Gregor, Mark Cornwall and Adrian Smith are leading experts in their fields and it was a privilege to take their classes. They are genuinely interested in helping their students to succeed and always make their seminars thought-provoking, challenging and enjoyable. Out of the amazing choice of interesting modules on offer; I chose to explore new subjects in European history and histories of Empire.

What is Southampton like as a place to study?

Everyone who comes to Southampton falls in love with the green spaces and gardens; it’s a beautiful place especially in summer. The facilities are first rate, including the impressive Hartley Library with its specialist collections, reliable IT systems and a wide choice of cafés and restaurants. Everyone is friendly, from academics, administrators, librarians and coffee shop staff to our lovely car parking attendants. But, over and above these essentials, Southampton is rightly proud of its status as a global research-intensive university. In History this means students are taught by lecturers at the top of their game who spend many hours in the archives working on their own original research, write prize-winning books and regularly publish papers in the top journals. It makes a difference.

How did your course help you in your current role?

Friends were amazed when I told them I’d embarked on an MA ‘for fun’. It was a lot of hard work and many hours of reading and crafting essays, not to mention the 19,000 word dissertation, but I’m pleased I met the challenge and graduated ‘with merit’. Although I didn’t think postgraduate study would have a direct bearing on my ‘day job’ as a freelance writer and broadcaster, I now believe honing my skills in a different way, looking at subjects more deeply, analytically and critically will benefit me in future. No matter how old you are, you can always learn and develop alongside other motivated students. I am so pleased I did it.

What advice would you give to a student starting their degree at Southampton?

Do your homework. Every year people sign up for the wrong course because they’re not entirely sure what’s involved. You’ll discover postgraduate study isn’t the same as undergraduate work so find out beforehand exactly what will be required of you. I preferred studying part time because I could take it a little slower and relish each course, reading as much as I could around the topics. But if you only have a year, be disciplined and work purposefully right from the start - you don’t want to rush the dissertation at the end. During your studies, join societies, go to talks, get to know your fellow students. It wasn’t easy for me to combine work and study but I wish I’d spent more time enjoying the social side of being a Humanities postgrad. And don’t miss Graduation. It’s just as much fun the second time around!