Paul is from the USA and studied history as an undergraduate at Florida Atlantic University. He has won an award from the Economic History Society (UK) for £500 to pay for travel and research costs for his MA dissertation. This will examine the nature of child labour in the industrial sector in colonial Bombay, particularly the cotton-textile industry.

While there have been in-depth studies focusing on industrial capitalism in colonial Bombay, child labour is a neglected area of research. Paul is hoping to study for a PhD when he returns to the USA but in the meantime is planning on doing a cookery course in Strasbourg after he has finished the MA.

Why did you choose the MA in Urban History?

"I chose the MA in Urban History at the University of Leicester for three reasons. First, I wanted to study urban history at the graduate level after becoming interested in it while doing my undergraduate course work and thesis in Florida, USA. Universities in the United States do not offer urban history as an MA discipline. A study of the urban environment in the US would constitute a contemporary approach to urban development and urban planning. I am much more interested in looking at the urban environment from a more historical, philosophical angle, which the MA in urban history is more about.

"Second, the reputation of the Centre is outstanding. I am in the process of applying to PhDs in the United States and have been received enthusiastically by a number of academics, either affiliated with the Centre directly or indirectly through their own interests in urban history.

"Finally, while other options were available, certain members among the faculty at the Centre (ie. Roey Sweet) met with me in person to discuss the MA course and consistently contacted me throughout the year to ensure that I was still on track to attend. The persistency, personal attention, and care exemplified by these acts fully sold me on doing the MA in urban history at the University of Leicester. I am extremely happy that I made this choice."

How did you find out about the MA?

"I learned about the Centre for Urban History’s MA program during my search for graduate programs in urban history. As stated before, urban history programs in the US do not exist as independent disciplines. I then looked internationally. In searching for urban history MAs, the Centre for Urban History was listed first by a very popular internet search engine. I was then impressed with the Centre's home page and the courses outlined. I immediately contacted Roey Sweet for more information."

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

"The most interesting aspects of the course have been the academic rigour expected by the faculty [Centre] members during the taught section of the MA and the wide array of topics and ideas discussed during the fortnightly seminars."

What has been the most fun aspect of the MA?

"The most fun aspects of the MA course have been the post-seminar bi-weekly tea and cake socials (delicious cake provided by Roey Sweet!) as well as the weekly Friday afternoon trips to the Marquis for drinks and conversations. These events, while facilitating a fun and rich social environment, represent the heart and soul of the Centre for Urban History as more than just a school, but an intellectual community."

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

"I have two recommendations. First, I think that the course work could have been spread out a little more evenly and that the 'Ancient to Modern' module could have been more focused. Second, I think there should have been more preparatory work in the archives, although the assignment on biographical research in the archives was very satisfactory indeed."

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

"I will answer this in three parts.

"First, my dissertation is proving to be invaluable as a tool to get into a PhD program. Not only has it allowed me to focus on and become an expert in a single, unique topic, it has broadened my eyes to wider historical transformations and has allowed me to really hone-in my research and analytical skills — which I learned during the taught section of the MA at the Centre for Urban History. I am, unfortunately, unable to do a PhD at the Centre for Urban History because of financial restraints.

"Second, the ‘Social Theory’ course has made me think seriously about history as not only an interesting intellectual endeavour but as a serious professional path. Moreover, this course has helped me to think critically about the role of the historian and the role of history in the academic community and society. Because of this course I have gained confidence in the way I approach and think about history. Also, the two additional modules that I chose — 'Urban Topography' and 'Colonial cities' — have broadened my mind to areas of interest I have never before known. While both comprised a difficult and challenging curriculum, they never fell short of being informative and interesting. 'Urban Topography' was particularly useful in helping me to read and understand various representations of the urban form and to gauge reasons behind physical changes in the urban fabric. This course was useful for the particular attention it paid to primary source material.

"The 'Colonial Cities' module has proven to be very useful for my current work on child labour in Bombay, circa 1875 to 1925. Not only did it introduce me to colonial history in general, it has allowed me to understand the many reasons and factors involved in colonial urbanisation and their consequences. I highly recommend this course to anyone interested in being challenged in something not Anglo-centric.   

"Finally, the entire faculty of the Centre for Urban History has been very helpful in many ways. They have helped me to improve my writing skills, to draft letters to potential PhD supervisors, and to think through complex essay questions. I not only owe them for helping me to improve my practical skills, I owe them for boosting my self confidence by letting me know that I am capable of moving forward in historical studies."

What is your most memorable moment at CUH?

"There is no single most memorable moment at the Centre for Urban History. I enjoy all of the social events, from seminars to dinner parties, as a collection of very unforgettable moments."

Do you have any 'survival' tips for future students?

"I would recommend that new students entering the program should not hesitate to ask questions, hundreds of questions, and not to shy from talking with the faculty members for any reason."

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

"I definitely loved the lemon cake."