Katie Glover

Katie returned to study after nearly a decade away from academia, enrolling on the MSt in Historical Studies at Oxford Lifelong Learning. Now a graduate, her research into Victorian governesses in colonial New Zealand has developed into a national exhibition supported by New Zealand’s Ministry for Culture and Heritage.

‘Having completed my undergraduate degree nearly ten years earlier, I’d assumed the door to further study had quietly closed. But the MSt in Historical Studies at Oxford Lifelong Learning was set up so well for people like me: people ready to return to learning, but unsure where to begin. The course opened a door I didn’t realise was still open.’

‘I’ve always been drawn to social history, especially the kind that sits just beyond living memory. That’s what makes the Victorians so compelling. They lived through immense social change and their lives still echo through the memories of older generations. They’re both distant and familiar.

‘When choosing a dissertation topic, I wanted to explore women’s migration to New Zealand through a social history lens. Victorian governesses were particularly concerned with preserving their class status. Their experiences of migration offer rich insight into how social structures were stretched and reassembled in colonial settings.’

About her time at Oxford Lifelong Learning, Katie reflects: ‘The teaching weekends were a highlight. They brought us together to learn from brilliant tutors and each other. As we moved into the dissertation phase, it was inspiring to see the range of directions other students were taking.

‘I worked part-time and lived in Oxford, which meant I could take advantage of many of the “extras” our tutors encouraged, such as attending seminars, focus groups and events across the University. These enriched the course and made me feel part of a wider academic community.

‘The course took us through a wide range of topics and approaches. I was lucky to have a fantastic supervisor whose expertise aligned with my research, but I also benefited from tutors outside that area. I came away with a broader sense of how to write history in new and meaningful ways.’

‘After completing the MSt, I received a grant from Manatū Taonga, New Zealand’s Ministry for Culture and Heritage, to transform my research into a public exhibition: The Victorian Governess in Colonial New Zealand. The grant allowed me to explore new archives and collect the visual materials featured in the exhibition.

‘My hope is that visitors leave with a new curiosity about New Zealand’s past, particularly women’s experiences of migration. These women were not passive participants in history. They were active players in colonial projects, seizing opportunities, reshaping their lives and navigating all the risks and complexities that came with that.

‘The MSt gave me the time, skills and confidence to invest in topics I care about, and to share my learning with wider audiences. I came away with pieces of original research that continue to grow. The exhibition is one example. There may be others still to come.’

'My advice for those considering the MSt in Historical Studies would be to think carefully about your potential dissertation topics. Are they workable within the research and writing timeframe? Is there enough scope to adapt or adjust the topic as you gain new knowledge and consider alternative perspectives? I’d also recommend dedicating time to being physically present in Oxford. Make the most of the resources, use its incredible libraries and archives, attend talks and workshops, and soak up as much as you can!’

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• MSt in Historical Studies