east_kent_winter_ 2012.pdf - The Western Front Association

Military History Masters Degree at Birmingham University
For years I’ve seen the same faces, many have become firm friends and tour companions, at our
branch meetings. I have only been forced by circumstance to miss a handful of branch activities over
the last decade and it is rare to leave our Canterbury base without feeling I have acquired some new
knowledge or perspective from our speakers. But isn’t that the reason why we come in the first
place
Our members often travel to branches and seminars further afield and find the satisfaction gained far
outweighs the effort in getting there. The aim is to enhance our enjoyment of our subject of interest,
so I would strongly advise you not to dismiss the wonderful opportunity afforded by Birmingham
University just because it is far to the north of Watford. You can revel in Great War study and
research alongside like-minded people – many of whom are well past the first flush of youth and
plenty are WFA members of many years’ standing.
The British First World War Studies MA is unique in its focus on the Great War. It provides an
opportunity to study in depth this most compelling and controversial conflict. It focuses on the
challenges posed by the war to the British state, the British Army and British society and on the
evolving ways in which these challenges were met – or not met. All the benefits of the latest
research are at hand and the lecturers are hugely enjoyable to listen to. Guest speakers read like a list
of Who’s Who in the military history world and the sizeable required reading list is, because
students would not be there without an interest in all things Great War, manageable without being a
chore.
John Bourne came to speak at our branch while he was still Professor at the Birmingham Centre for
First World War Studies, describing his revisionist work on Great War generals and scotching the
old myths about ‘lions led by donkeys’. I had a chat with him then but never got round to doing
anything about it until I finished full-time employment.
By that time Gary Sheffield had taken John Bourne’s place and the military history MA courses had
expanded into Second World War and Strategic Air Power options but I applied for my first
preference and was accepted. I am now into my second year and contemplating topics for my
dissertation. I am looking forward with enjoyable anticipation to the work and must also say that the
essays along the way have not been onerous tasks but have been instrumental in getting the most out
of the course.
Have I learnt a lot Have I changed my mind about many of the things I thought I understood Has it
been worthwhile (even though I am not looking for a career change!) The answer is yes to
everything. Has it been difficult Not from a practical point of view. I can leave home just after 5am,
be at the university for a full day of enjoyable lectures and presentations and be home again by 9pm.
It is a long day, but it’s not every day – only about once a month. Also, you would expect to put in
up to 15 hours a day on a battlefield tour and that is for several consecutive days at a time, so think
of it in the same light as an overdose of enjoyable learning.
Yes, it is challenging. Frankly it would not be worth pursuing if it wasn’t. Entry requirements are a
good Honours degree in History or an equivalent discipline. Other professional qualifications
comparable to degree standard would also be considered, e.g. an Honours degree or higher degree in
a subject other than History, or professional qualifications of degree standard such as law,
accountancy, management, or published work in a relevant field. Every submission is considered on
its own merits.