UNIQ+ research internships: Childhood and Inequality in Modern Britain

The Centre for the History of Childhood is offering research internships as part of Oxford University’s UNIQ+ graduate access programme.

Designed for talented individuals from disadvantaged and under-represented backgrounds at postgraduate level, UNIQ+ research internships offer research experience with supervision from Oxford academics.

Full details of available internships are on the UNIQ+ website. The Centre for the History of Childhood’s internships are on the theme of ‘Childhood and Inequality in Modern Britain’.

“Most of what we know about the past tells the story of adult actions, beliefs, and experiences. Oxford University's History Faculty has hosted the UK's only Centre for the History of Childhood since 2003. Over the last twenty years researchers have sought to find sources to include the experiences and voices of the young in the histories we write. 'Childhood and Inequality in Modern Britain' aims to expand this research agenda. Your research will focus on the experiences and perspectives of people who were marginalised not only because of their youth, but also because of their race, religion, class, gender, disability, or family circumstances. As an intern on this project, you will explore a specific archive to find out what these sources tell us about the lives of some of the most marginalised and disadvantaged children in nineteenth- and twentieth-century Britain. You will work independently to develop your own research specialism as part of a team of historians.

Project outcomes

At the end of the project, you will have a strong understanding of the principles, methods, and practices of historical research. You will write a report on the findings of your archival research which will guide future research on the history of childhood and inequality in modern Britain. You will also give a presentation to a seminar organised by the Centre for the History of Childhood and publish a blog post on the Centre's website to share your research findings more widely. You will also experience what it is like to work collaboratively within a research community who will support you to develop your own research interests and skills.

Entry requirements

Experience in history from your undergraduate degree is desirable but not essential. We would also welcome other humanities or qualitative social science applicants with an interest in modern childhood and inequality.”

The internships take place over seven weeks, from 3 July 2023, offering a stipend of £3,000 as well as free-of-charge accommodation in one of Oxford’s colleges. UNIQ+ is an opportunity to improve research skills and to find out more about postgraduate study and academic careers.

Applicants must be ordinarily resident in the UK and in their second, third or later year of study at a UK or Irish university. Applications must be submitted by the deadline, Friday 17 February 2023.

For details of eligibility criteria, available research projects, and how to apply, please visit www.ox.ac.uk/uniqplus.