As the CKHH team prepare to welcome external partners for the annual Stakeholder event, Claire Bartram reflects on the importance of our industry ties.

Undergraduates

The establishment of the Applied Humanities module was genuinely innovative in the sector as an employability module for students in the humanities. Our students have had amazing experiences in the heritage sector working with archives, special collections and museums and in a huge range of community projects. You can read recent Applied Humanities student blogs by Rosie and Darcie on the CCCU Library Blog.

We remain enormously grateful to the many partners who have supported industry learning opportunities. We look forward to continuing and from 2027, renewing these relationships in the context of Canterbury Christ Church University’s new Common Curriculum

Alumni

Excitingly, we also work with our alumni. Last year we welcomed former History and Medieval and Early Modern Studies BA students now at Quex Park and Ramsgate Tunnels. This year we were delighted to come full circle as our MA Heritage student Brandon set up industry experience for our students with the National Trust. Brandon works as Volunteers and Community Assistant with the National Trust and had previously completed Applied Humanities himself.

Research

We knew anecdotally, that by applying their skills and actively reflecting on their experiences students become more confident in and more articulate about the value of their skills in the graduate workplace.

After leading the module for a number of years (including during the pandemic where we moved the module online almost overnight with amazing support from our partners), I co-wrote a book chapter with Chiara Hewer Careers and Enterprise Manager at CCCU, on the employability experience of our Humanities students.

Collating anonymous questionnaire data and tracking trends in reflection, we mapped the ‘learning gain’ that the module provided. The data confirmed that students gained confidence in the job application process, a stronger awareness of the applicability of their degree skills and enhanced self-knowledge.

The opportunity to reflect on the interface between subject passion and possible career paths also promoted empowering narratives of belonging, resilience and creative agency.

Postgraduate Employability

We have also been able to offer industry experience to students on the MA Modern History and MA Heritage. We are delighted that this will continue in the new module Your Career in Practice where the 40 hour placement will run for the duration of the second trimester.

Recent MA placements include Dover Maison Dieu, Dover Castle, Canterbury Cathedral Archives, University of Kent Special Collections, Canterbury Cathedral Pilgrim’s Office and Sandwich Guildhall Museum.

Watch this space for student blogs of their experiences this year.

Claire Bartram is Steering Group Lead for CKHH and Academic Lead for the Common Curriculum: Industry, Careers and Enterprise and Postgraduate Taught Challenge Modules.