Why do History teachers take part-time qualifications from the University of Cambridge?

We all tend to have our own reasons for approaching each course we take and each additional qualification we work towards.

Some courses can cover an aspect of a syllabus that one is teaching and which has not been central to one’s studies in the past. Some allow participants to study elements of their subject they have not studied before, and some involve original research.

And then the status and credibility of the awarding body is also important, not just for the quality of the teaching and the work, but also in terms of how the qualification will look on our CV should we wish to apply for a new post at some time in the future.

This coming academic year the University of Cambridge is offering a range of part-time courses in archaeology, historic environment, international development, local history, and the study of medieval England.

The Certificate in Local History opens by providing participants with the key skills and concepts used by local historians before considering early modern communities (c.1500 – c.1750) and their cultures.  The final unit examines the impact of the First World War on churches and church-going at the local level.

The Certificate in International Development introduces the various actors in international development and discusses how development is shaped by the interactions among these actors. We also examine approaches to sustainable development using case studies from across the world.

The Certificate in Archaeology II starts with research on the development of the state, of urbanisation, and of the world’s progressive integration illustrated by discoveries in ancient Iraq and Mexico and in Britain. It also includes a term-long case study in Egyptology and concludes by examining the Greeks and the Romans, focussing on their interaction and the influence they had on the emergence of Western civilisation.

The Diploma in Archaeology I covers the theoretical and practical aspects of osteoarchaeology alongside sessions examining its integration into field and research archaeology and funerary studies and the ethical aspects of working with human remains.  It also considers the Aztec and Inka cultures and Neolithic Britain.

The Certificate in the Study of Medieval England course looks at contemporary assumptions and how they changed across time, considers English social and economic history in medieval rural settlements, and considers the period from 1000-1530 which saw a flowering of the arts.

The Diploma in International Development examines how a variety of separate issues translate into sustainability challenges. We also examine the different facets of globalisation and how it shapes and is shaped by economic, cultural, and social changes worldwide.

Finally, we offer four advanced diploma courses:

These are part-time, research-based courses which offer those involved the opportunity to undertake supervised independent study over two academic years, culminating in a dissertation of 10,000-12,000 words. Students choose their own research topic and the research proposal is considered when they apply.

The advanced diplomas provide a good foundation in research methods for those who wish to continue with their research at a higher level, either through a postgraduate course or on their own initiative.

Alternatively, if you’d like to dip your toe in the water or explore a specific topic, we also offer a range of short courses throughout the year.

You can find out more about all of the above courses and apply online by 5 September on our website

Or you can contact me directly with specific enquiries on 01223 746 417 or email me at enquiries@ice.cam.ac.uk.

Paul Ireland
Institute of Continuing Education, University of Cambridge
Madingley Hall, Madingley, Cambridge, CB23 8AQ