Jon completed his undergraduate degree in Geography at the University of Leicester. He took the MA in Urban History in 2007-8 and wrote his dissertation on ‘Infrastructural Landscapes in Interwar Britain’. He started a PhD in the Centre in October 2009 but has recently been awarded an AHRC collaborative doctoral award to work on a PhD in the Geography Department at Exeter University. The thesis is entitled ‘Entwined Business and Imperial Histories: Informal Empire and Telegraph Communications in Hong Kong and China’ and is part of a larger project in collaboration with Porthcurno Telegraph Museum.

Why did you choose the MA in Urban History?

As a Geography undergraduate student I had encountered the city many times. However, I rarely dealt with the subject outside of a contemporary context. This MA provided an opportunity for me to trace ideas about the city from a more historical perspective. It also provided an opportunity for exploring the boundaries of the urban.

How did you find out about the MA?

The University Website

What has been the most interesting aspect of the course and why?

I really enjoyed the module on theory in the second semester. It was very interesting to see how different groups of academics, historiographers and geographers have adapted to theoretical challenges largely originating from outside of both disciplines. I also found it provided a richer understanding of the process of writing history, of translating past phenomenon into the written word.

What has been the most fun aspect of the MA?

A very sociable and open group of students and staff provided a great environment for work and ideas.

What parts of the MA have you enjoyed the least and why?

The main problem for me, as it was a new experience, was multiple submission days. I found it hard to manage my time in a way to enable me to write three essays in the time provided.

Are there any aspects of the MA which you would like to change?

Deadline day is a problem so perhaps space deadlines out more.

Are there any parts of the course which you feel will be of particular use for your future career choice?

As I want to continue to work in the department on a PhD all of the teaching and social interaction has been important for me to understand better a new discipline and a future working environment.

What is your most memorable moment at CUH?

Difficult question. To be honest the year went so fast it’s almost a blur.

Do you have any ‘survival’ tips for future students?

Send a note, email or phone all family and close friends and ask for book tokens for your birthday, Christmas and any other occasion you can think of. The tip is read, read and read. Then a Professor will tell you how to read.

What’s the best cake Roey has cooked this year?

The ‘Effing’ cake.