Chelsea
Kilian

Can you tell us about your Masters project?

“For my Masters project, my ideas initially centred on continuing my research from my undergraduate degree on understandings of mental illness in seventeenth-century England. Due to further study of the early modern period, however, my research interests have shifted to familial relations, especially sibling relations. This is what I now plan to focus on in my dissertation research.”

What made you choose to study at NTU, and in the UK?

“My research interests in early modern British and European history made the UK the perfect location in which to study. I am surrounded by remnants of the history I study in architecture, historical sites, and museums, and I have access to the wealth of primary source material located here. The staff expertise in early modern history, and the overall helpfulness and supportive nature of the faculty made NTU the right choice for me.”

What do you enjoy most about your course at NTU?

“I enjoy its specific focus on the practice of making history. Other competing courses seemed to be more of a continuation of the undergraduate degree, but NTU’s course expands the field of study to consider the nature of being a historian and of history itself. It’s fascinating to study, and I feel that it’s enabling me to really develop myself as a historian.”

What do you think about the course staff?

“The course staff are pretty amazing. The administrators have helped me settle in and understand how the course and university system work as an international student. The lecturers and tutors in particular are approachable, helpful, and highly passionate about their subject areas, which is reflected in the quality of their teaching.”

What do you think about the facilities available to you?

“The facilities available are of a high quality. As a historian, I have a prime interest in the libraries. I appreciate the helpfulness of the library staff, and that the opening hours are often 24/7 during term-time. Also, as an international student, I appreciate the Global Lounge. It is a great facility that offers a place to meet other international students, and hosts many cool cultural events.”

As an international student, what do you like about studying and living in Nottingham?

“I love that I am surrounded by history and architecture which is so different from that in California. Noticing Nottingham’s interesting architecture inspired me to look into the history of its Victorian architect, Watson Fothergill. There’s always something that catches my interest when I’m out and about. I’m often wowed by my surroundings and am always learning new things.

“Additionally, as a city with two universities, Nottingham has a thriving student population and it is easy to meet lots of interesting people, especially of different nationalities studying here in Nottingham.”

Why would you recommend your course / NTU to someone looking to study MA History?

“There is a wide range of staff expertise and a varied syllabus across different periods and cultures which makes the course exciting and suitable for a range of student research interests. Furthermore, the course is tailored toward building practical skills of historical investigation, expanding the knowledge base from the undergraduate degree nicely. And, as mentioned previously, the course staff are very helpful in supporting students’ learning.”

How do you think the course, and having a postgraduate qualification, will help you to progress your career?

“The course builds upon my existing academic knowledge by introducing new concepts, new ways of thinking about history and how it interacts with other disciplines. This has helped develop a range of transferable skills that will be useful in a wide variety of applications and careers. As a prospective historian, it lays down all of the necessary base work for further academic study within the field and humanities in general.”

What has been your greatest achievement at NTU so far?

“Being awarded the Trent Institute for Learning and Teaching (TILT) Research in Undergraduate Studies Award for having created the ‘best research project’ in the department in my final undergraduate year.”

How did you find out about your international scholarship, and how did you feel when you won it?

“I found out about it after approaching the staff for advice on scholarships available for international students. I was very happy to receive it, and it helped contribute in part to my tuition.”