Alumni Testimonials

• Maisie Clark, BA Classical Studies, Bristol
• Ivana Kuric, BA Classical Studies, Bristol; MSt Greek and Latin, Oxford
• Sophie Johns, BA Classics, Bristol; MSt Greek and Latin, Oxford
• Sanjana Idnani, BA in English, Bristol
• Evelyn Heis, BA English; MA Comparative Literatures & Cultures, Bristol
• AJ Birt, BA History; MA History, Bristol
• Alex Brown, BA History, Bristol
• Cicely Walmsley, BA in History, Bristol
• Amy Burnett, MA in History, Bristol
• Joseph Maspo, MA in History, Bristol
• Jamie Jewkes, BA Philosophy & Theology; MA Philosophy, Bristol
• Eleanor Lynch, BA Religion and Theology, Bristol
• Jasmine Sayany, Religion and Theology BA, Bristol

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Amy Burnett, MA in History, Bristol

When I decided to change careers at 28, the first step was to do a MA in History. I needed to do it part-time so I could continue to earn, and I'm pleased to say the department was really supportive of this. They allowed me to do supervised independent study, in which I chose a topic to research and worked with a supervisor to create my own reading list and project scope. Working independently in this manner gave me the confidence to apply for PhD funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council. I have now completed that PhD and am working at Historic England as a Policy Advisor in the Listings team. I use the skills I first gained during my MA every day. Today, for instance, I am analysing the bibliographies in some of our publications and am looking for opportunities to make these more inclusive. Tomorrow, I am producing a literature review on Victorian windows, which will help senior figures in Historic England and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport consider options for national policy. 

Having an MA in History is an absolute essential for the role I'm in, but I'd say the department at Bristol gave me something extra. As soon as I started the MA, I was treated like a colleague and an equal by the lecturers I already respected and admired. The people in the History department aren't just excellent, world-class researchers; they are decent human beings who really care about their students. The sheer number of opportunities to prepare for careers in and beyond academia exemplifies this. Importantly, though, they treated me with kindness, and my ideas with enthusiasm. That gave me a boost of confidence, without which I don't think I would have landed the job I love.

For more information about my work and projects, please visit my website: www.amy-burnett.co.uk