As a Royal Holloway graduate, you are eligible to receive a 15% discount on tuition fees on our full range of more than 100 courses. Come along to our Postgraduate Open Evening on Wednesday (21 November) from 6-8pm in the Windsor and Moore Buildings to discover more.
We caught up with Dan Wigmore who has recently completed his Masters in Medieval Studies, to discuss why he chose Royal Holloway for his postgraduate study, after studying for his undergraduate degree here.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you are currently studying?
I’m Daniel Wigmore, I’m an MA Medieval Studies student. I did my undergraduate here and I’m hoping to keep going until I have a PhD.
What encouraged you to choose Royal Holloway for your postgraduate study?
Part of what encouraged me was the course choices. I was entranced by, in particular, the skills section – learning how to read medieval documents properly I found quite interesting. I also wasn’t ready to leave my undergraduate studies, I felt I needed to learn more and to develop myself better.
How does Royal Holloway fit your research/ study needs?
Quite well to be short. We’re located very close to Kew Gardens which is a big archive centre – we have easy access into London which can help with finding sources and archive material. The lecturers and course convenors are very helpful in what they know. They’re very happy to push you in the right direction.
How do you feel postgraduate study differs from undergraduate study?
Postgraduate study is a lot more intense. It’s a lot more based on handling primary sources which is a blessing and a curse because it really enhances your learning and makes you feel a lot more connected to your work. It’s definitely a step up and quite a challenge compared to undergraduate study.
Can you tell us about your research?
My research interests primarily go on the later stages of the 100 years war. I’m interested in looking at the logistics and how the defence of England was manned. In particular during 1385 where there was a panic over French invasion.
Are you part of any clubs or societies?
I am (and was) heavily involved in the History Society. I was the Events Officer and Tours Officer for two years. It’s a society I hold quite dearly and I like being involved in the community of Royal Holloway which I think is quite important.
What do you enjoy most about being a student at Royal Holloway?
Most of all I think I like the community. It’s like a family here on campus. You get used to knowing the Professors, the Lecturers, the other students. It’s somewhere that feels like home. You really get used to being here.
What has Royal Holloway helped you to find out about yourself?
It’s definitely given me my limits. It’s pushed me to an extent to where I have learned where I can handle stress and what situations I cannot. I feel like it has developed me as a person – the person I came in as an undergraduate, compared to joining as a postgraduate and now at the end of my postgraduacy, I can tell there has been a shift in how I am and how I act for the better.