Economic & Social History

Student testimonials

"I thoroughly enjoyed studying for my degree in Economic and Social History at Glasgow, so much so that I have stayed to complete my PhD here, looking at marriage and family relations in late twentieth-century Scotland.

...enthusiastic teaching, supportive and friendly environment...

The Subject Area offers not only an extremely high standard of enthusiastic teaching and a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, but is also a supportive and friendly environment in which to take your academic career forward and, crucially, maximize your own confidence and potential. The skills I developed during my undergraduate courses, whether they relate to evaluating source material, editing my own efforts or constructing an effective argument, are ones that I still draw on whilst undertaking my own research today and no doubt will prove useful in the future.

Students in the department benefit too from regular advice not only on postgraduate opportunities but also the range of employment options that are available to ESH graduates. This guidance certainly helped me in becoming a postgraduate, my undergrad lectures and tutorials having confirmed my passion for this subject."

Andrea Thomson - now studying for PhD

 "My degree gave me so many happy memories and friends for life. The support and care shown to students is remarkable. The department is a place of study but also a fantastic environment to meet friends and lecturers who really care."

Nicola Rennie - went on to a Masters in Health History at Strathclyde and Caledonian University

"Not only did I get to study a fascinating subject, which allowed me to pick and choose according to my interests, but I also got to develop CV-friendly skills through being involved in the Society for Economic & Social History, becoming President in my final year. I helped organise social nights, employability talks and the 2009 Graduation Ball.

...a fascinating subject...

ESH was a major part of both my academic and social life during my university years - taking it as my 3rd subject in first year was probably the best decision I ever made."

Jo Evans

"If you're interested in not just what happened in history but in why and how it happened, then Economic and Social History is for you.

As a part-time mature student, a full-time worker and a trade unionist I see the benefits of the degree as being the convivial staff-student relations and the ready availability of support, in all forms, when it is required."

James McKay

"I studied Economic and Social History with German as Joint Honours and thoroughly enjoyed it. The Subject Area is very tightly knit and as a result, I was able to get to know my fellows Honours students and the Professors very well. The social side of the degree really stood out: we regularly had socials organised by the ESH Society including, amongst other things, a whisky tasting evening, several parties, interesting and insightful talks from staff in the Subject and employability evenings, where guest-speakers spoke of potential career directions.

...transferable skills have come in very useful in my job...

I learnt many transferable skills, especially as a result of writing my dissertation which, whilst intimidating to begin with, was very satisfying to finish. These skills have come in very useful in my job: as a Website Editor the ability to analyse both text and statistical data quickly and efficiently is vital for day to day work.

I cannot recommend Economic & Social History highly enough. I found everyone to be very friendly and approachable; the social side was also great fun! Couple this with the very high level of the teaching and you have a terrific place to spend two Honours years."

Christopher Hitchen