College of Humanities

College of Humanities

College news

Third year Drama students perform showcase of original work at Northcott Theatre

The University of Exeter Drama Department is teaming up with Exeter’s Northcott Theatre to bring you RAW: an emerging theatre-makers’ platform – a showcase of exciting new work by the final year drama students.

The College of Humanities deepens collaboration with Fudan University in China

Fudan University in Shanghai is ranked as one of China's Top-10 research leading universities and is ranked 90^th worldwide in the 2012 QS World University Rankings.

Humanities PGR Student Conference 2013 hailed a success

Over one hundred participants enjoyed this years’ Postgraduate Research Conference, organised by students, for students.

London Film School in Cannes to launch new Film Business Degree

LFS will host a reception in Cannes to launch its new The Masters in Indepen a programme to be delivered in collaboration with University of Exeter from September.

Humanities subjects placed amongst world’s best by influential international rankings

League tables published on Wednesday 8 May 2013 show that the University of Exeter features in the world’s Top 200 institutions in 16 of the 30 subjects featured in this year’s QS World University Rankings by Subject.

Teaching Awards success for Humanities

The College of Humanities was a big success at the Students’ Guild Teaching Awards, with four winners and two runners-up.

Humanities subject successes in the Complete University Guide

The University of Exeter moves up from 13th to 10th place in The Complete University Guide’s ranking of 124 UK universities for 2014, which was published on Monday 29 April.

Literary expertise in full effect at newly named festival

The name of a Cornish literary festival may have changed, but the involvement of University of Exeter academics literary contributions has increased.

Success at Undergraduate of the Year Awards

A University of Exeter student has been named as the Arts and Humanities Undergraduate of the Year.

Luggage tag poetry wall

A unique collection of original nature poetry printed onto handmade cards the size of luggage tags from writers around the world will be exhibited on a wall outside Reed Hall on the University of Exeter’s Streatham Campus.

“Women’s work: a historical perspective” - an inaugural lecture by Professor Jane Whittle

Professor Jane Whittle (Department of History) compares women’s work in the modern economy with those in England’s pre-industrial past

Humanities abroad: the suburbs of Bangalore

The Director of Education for English is key speaker on the ‘Changing Suburban Culture of Bangalore’, at Jain University in India

Exeter student wins American Ambassador’s Award

A national competition for the best undergraduate essay on any aspect of the American experience, from the perspective of history, literature, film, politics or any other related or inter-related discipline has been won by a University of Exeter student.

Visiting the Liberal Arts in America

Professor Andrew McRae, Associate Dean for Education in the College of Humanities, visited Kenyon College in Ohio in March.

Demons and illness in Exeter

The Centre for Medical History, in collaboration with the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, hosted an interdiciplinary, international conference on the relationship between demons and illness in pre-modern religious cultures.

Rope sculpture unravelled in exhibition on campus

Devon’s ancient pathway, the Mariners Way has been the inspiration for local artist Edward Crumpton, whose work is being exhibited at the University of Exeter from 27 April until 9 June.

Thomas Hardy the man behind the classics

Thomas Hardy is one of the West Country’s most famous writers whose novels, such as Far from the Madding Crowd and Tess of the D’Urbervilles are internationally renowned.

Exeter Teaching Awards nominees

The College of Humanities is delighted to announce that students have nominated lecturers and support staff from eight of our subjects as examples of excellence in teaching in the Students’ Guild annual Teaching Awards.

Investigating Cornwall’s political past and present

Cornwall’s political heritage and relationship with Westminster is being explored in a new research programme.

Stress - a modern day issue?

Today, many people consider stress to be part of life, yet most of us have little understanding of what the concept means or where it comes from.

University of Exeter alumnus wins US national award for his direction of ‘Vincent in Brixton’

Chris Clark, Chairman of Utah Valley University theatre department and MFA Staging Shakespeare alumnus, was honoured for Outstanding Direction of a Play at the national Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival.

“Head West” - Humanities host British Association for American Studies 58th Annual Conference

The College of Humanities is delighted to be hosting the international four-day conference at the University of Exeter, in April 2013.

Medieval Perceptions of Landscape

Academics at the University of Exeter are to host a two day conference exploring how Medieval people perceived their environment.

Historian selected to join major European think-tank

Professor Richard Overy has been inaugurated as a new member of the prestigious European Academy of Sciences and Arts.

Goddess of Easter shines light on collective Christian worship

Millions of people will be tucking into chocolate eggs this Easter, but very few may be aware of the Pagan influence on the Christian festival.

Classics Society perform famous tragedy

Featuring a cast of students and staff, Hippolytus promises to be one of the most exciting pieces of drama this year.

Visit to the University of Exeter by leading Chinese academics

The College of Humanities was delighted to host a visit by academics from Fudan University, China, earlier this month.

University of Exeter announces Medieval Studies AHRC-funded Collaborative Skills Development Programme

A unique collaboration with the University of Bristol creates an exciting series of workshops based at local heritage sites

Angry young men at the Bill Douglas Centre

Students in History have taken part in a new initiative to encourage students to think more creatively about their use of primary sources for research.

Devon's turbulent political past revealed

Today it is hard to imagine mid-Devon as a hotbed of political ferment but things were quite different a century ago when politicians risked physical assault in towns like Newton Abbot and Bovey Tracey.

Perfectly mixed up

Drama has become a regular activity for Exeter’s young people in care who have joined forces with students from the University of Exeter to stage a play in Austin, Texas.

Learning from the Ancient Greeks

University of Exeter academics captivated a crowd of over 100 with their examination of what modern society can learn from the finances and healthcare of classical civilisations.

Double life of mysterious film star revealed in exhibition

A hugely popular film star in both Hitler’s Germany and in wartime Britain, actor Anton Walbrook was famous under two different names. Of Jewish heritage, and gay in an era when homosexuality was illegal he cultivated a mysterious image.

Screen Talks at Picture House

Great films and great debates are the basis of ‘Screen Talks’, linking University of Exeter academics and the public through a programme of talks and film screenings at Exeter Picturehouse.

Buoyant bronze age boat makes history in Cornwall

Today history was made in Cornwall as a unique project to recreate a 4000 year old boat reached its dramatic conclusion as it launched into the waters of Falmouth Harbour.

Academics gather to discuss Europe in 1913

Professor Adam Watt, of the Modern Languages Department, is to host a colloquium of academics from across the Humanities in Exeter and Bristol to discuss an ‘artistic annus mirabilis’, one century on.

History student elected VP Academic Affairs

After a close-run electoral race at the end of Campaigns Week, in which five Humanities students ran overall, History student Alex Louch has been elected the Students' Guild’s Vice-President of Academic Affairs, with an impressive 2,349 to 1,770 final round votes.

Exeter and Bristol Collaborative PhD Studentships Announced

Three new scholarships have been announced for a joint PhD programme starting in October 2013.

Angus Finney appointed as Course Leader for MA in Independent Film Business

An exciting appointment has been announced for our new Masters programme run in partnership with the London Film School.

Rip roaring short stories about childhood

Once upon a time, is a classic opening phrase for children’s stories and the adventures they entail.

Mafia to visit Cornwall

Whenever organised crime is discussed, the word “Mafia” invariably turns up and conjures images of suited men with sunglasses and plenty of attitude.

Peter Crawford delivers talk and film screening to students

The College of Humanities was thrilled to welcome alumnus and documentary film-maker Peter Crawford back to campus.

The Annual Fund grant application process now open

We are pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for Annual Fund grants. The deadline for applications is 5pm Wednesday 20^th February, 2013.

Further alumni confirmed for Paddon Award judging panel

Contemporary British artist and University of Exeter Honorary Graduate, Neil Canning and award-winning author, editor of Riptide and alumna Ginny Baily will join alumnus and award-winning composer George Stiles on the judging panel for the upcoming Paddon Award.

Virtual game brings cinema collection into focus

A brand new virtual game involving a group of rebels whose quest is to regain the world of cinema from a futuristic government that has banned all films is being launched by the University of Exeter’s cinema museum.

Mystery of Laurence Olivier screenplay solved by Exeter academic

Screenplays of Laurence Olivier’s unmade film version of Macbeth, widely thought to have been lost, have been uncovered by a University of Exeter academic.

Students vote Humanities staff as inspirational researchers and teachers

A series of open lectures will commence in January showcasing the University’s research to students across other degree paths

Exciting new PhD programme in Art History and Visual Culture is launched

The College continues to invest in its Art History and Visual Culture research culture

4,000-year-old Shaman’s stones discovered near Boquete, Panama

Archaeologists working at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama have discovered a cluster of 12 unusual stones in the back of a small, prehistoric rock-shelter near the town of Boquete.

Digitisation of University museum collection expands

A new digital publication features the University of Exeter’s vast holdings of material on cinema and pre-cinema held at the Bill Douglas Centre, the University’s museum of cinema and moving image.

Why the Industrial Revolution happened explored in TV documentary

University of Exeter historian to examine one of the most extraordinary periods in British history: the Industrial Revolution in an hour long programme on BBC Two.

Exeter historian awarded American history prize

A historian from the University of Exeter has won the best essay accepted for publication in Historically Speaking, an American academic journal.

Exeter postgraduate student selected as member of International Council to aid conservation of Indian heritage

An Exeter Archaeology postgraduate research student will assist in the conservation of rapidly declining traditions in India

Medical historian shortlisted for prestigious history award

A book by a medical historian from the University of Exeter has been shortlisted for the Longman/History Today Book Prize 2013.

Medieval New Year resolutions both a blessing and a blaspheme

The custom of making resolutions for the New Year goes back to the Medieval period. As the year end approaches, a University of Exeter historian has shed light on how the future was predicted centuries ago.

Pantomime's enduring appeal put through academic scrutiny

“Oh yes it is”: Pantomime season is gathering momentum in theatres around the country.

Exciting new MA in Independent Film Business launched with the London Film School

The launch of a new MA programme in Independent Film Business was announced at the London Film School’s annual graduation ceremony held on Tuesday 11 December at the Barbican Centre, London.

The Paddon Award - an arts competition

The University of Exeter is pleased to announce that entries are now open for the 2013 Paddon Award.

What we can learn from the ancient Greeks today

In two short lectures, followed by discussion, University of Exeter scholars will illuminate the background of the current financial crisis and the contemporary usefulness of ancient Greek healthcare methods.

Research council selects Exeter academic to lead the way

University of Exeter historian Professor Andrew Thompson has been selected as one of the new Leadership Fellows for the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).

'Exploring New Frontiers in Art History and Visual Culture' lecture

The College is delighted to announce its' first talk in the Art History & Visual Culture Lecture Series. A talk delivered by noted speakers Professor Choodmani Nandagopal and Dr Soumya Manjunath from Jain University, Bangalore, India.

Close as a blade-shaving and masculinity

Moustaches from the classic handlebar to the dramatic Dali are soon to be cut short as the month of Mo’vember draws to a close, and clean shaven faces return from their period of charitable exile.

Poetry, photography, and procedures - the arts meet medicine

Preventive medicine, cancer and body image are the issues which will be explored in a creatively focused event at the University of Exeter on 27 November.

La màgia d’en Calders – a storytelling spectacle based on Pere Calders’ short stories

Storytelling lovers eager to attend a live performance are invited to attend this event on Tuesday 20 November based on the short stories of Pere Calders, a contemporary Catalan author

The past and the present: collaborative student workshops in English explore Victorian Material Culture

A series of workshops have been devised to encourage third-year students to engage with Victorian material culture in one of the most direct ways possible – by creating their own.

College professors appointed research strategy leaders

Two academics from the College of Humanities have been appointed to lead themes from the University’s brand new research strategy for Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS).

First World War poet's home reveals hidden treasure

Long-forgotten letters, papers and manuscripts detailing the life and times of a heroic First World War poet have been discovered in a house in Gloucestershire which has remained virtually unchanged for 80 years.

Project to bridge the gap surrounding Ireland and the First World War

With Ireland’s ‘Decade of Commemorations’ underway, historians at the University of Exeter and Goldsmiths, University of London have created a special website to gather information and knowledge about Ireland’s involvement in the First World War.

Medical Humanities and the Arts: Self-Portrait without Breasts

A collaborative event of poetry, photography and discussions exploring the issue of preventative medicine, cancer and our perceptions about the body, taking place on Tuesday 27 November.

Literature which connects with new writers

Literature is being used to assist vulnerable and homeless people to view their past and future in alternative and more positive ways.

Memories triggered by students reading to older people

Students from the University's English department are reading to people in residential care homes, as part of a project that uses literature as a stimulus for senior citizens.

Exeter academics contribute to Festival of Social Science

As part of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC’s) Festival of Social Science, the University of Exeter is holding several events to share their research in mental and physical health with the wider public.

New Humanities Postgraduate Study site unveiled

A comprehensive source of information and advice is now available for anyone considering Masters degree programmes and PhD studies within the College of Humanities.

New show celebrates failure through dark humour

A new performance by a University of Exeter Drama lecturer that is somewhere between stand-up comedy and theatre is being performed at the Bikeshed Theatre, Exeter 30 October to 3 November.

Theatre performance turns back the tide

A play that looks at the metaphorical connections between coastal erosion and memory loss provides the basis for the latest play by University of Exeter Senior Drama Lecturer Rebecca Loukes’ award winning company, RedCape Theatre.

PhD student awarded by the Government of Romania for contributions in the field of archaeology

Archaeology PhD student Ciprian Ardelean has won a prestigious award from the Government of Romania for his outstanding contributions in the field of archaeology.

Medieval manuscripts to get technological makeover

The world’s largest collection of Anglo-Saxon (Old English) poetry may soon be available on a smart device App, as part of a project initiated by the University of Exeter.

New initiative in English embeds peer-to-peer feedback

English students on the University of Exeter’s Cornwall Campus are being provided with one-to-one advice from their peers

International students' new route to success in BA English

Two INTO University of Exeter students have progressed to the BA English after completing the new Introduction to Film and Literary Studies module.

Rediscovering Cornwall's rural past through storytelling

A new project working with communities and primary schools to explore and rediscover Cornwall’s rural past through storytelling has been given the go ahead.

Honorary Graduate breaks Man Booker record

Hilary Mantel CBE (Hon DLitt 2011), last night became the first British author and first woman to have won the prestigious literary award – the Man Booker Prize – twice.

Humanities split-site PhD project spans across UK and India

Humanities strengthens bond with India as spilt-site PhD progresses with National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bangalore.

Public Lecture 'Lu Xun's Hard Translation: its Acceptance in China and the West'

The College of Humanities and the International Office host Professor LUO Xuanmin as our Visiting Speaker on Monday 8 October 2012, and also giving two seminars on Wednesday 10 October and Thursday 11 October.

Student Classics Society offer peer to peer Latin and Greek Tutoring Programme

Students within the Classics & Ancient History Department have created a peer to peer mentoring scheme, run by students, for students, to offer support for those studying Latin and Greek.

University celebrates Hilary Mantel

One of the country’s most distinguished living novelists, University of Exeter honorary graduate Hilary Mantel, will read from Bring Up the Bodies, sequel to her Man Booker prize-winning Wolf Hall, at the University of Exeter on 11 October.

PhD poets perform at Exeter Poetry Festival

This year’s Exeter Poetry Festival includes a bumper crop of poets and writers from the University of Exeter’s Creative Writing programme.

University launches Devon writer's collection at Exeter Poetry Festival

The archive of a West Country author Ronald Duncan, who lived in north Devon all his writing life, has been acquired by the University of Exeter.

New Appointments in the College of Humanities

The College of Humanities continues to go from strength to strength as we welcome new staff across our disciplines.

Drama graduates’ theatre company to launch production

Graduates from the University of Exeter's Drama Department are to reinvigorate Exeter’s theatre scene with their first production, Agent.

Exciting opportunities for Humanities Freshers students

Freshers’ Week will bring a showcase of opportunities with the College’s Information Fair and a demonstration of the most groundbreaking technology in the University tailored specially for Humanities students.

Students and locals to benefit from major historic library

University of Exeter students, academics and local people are set to benefit from the acquisition of the library of the Reverend Sabine Baring-Gould.

Pioneer of film technology immortalised at cinema museum

The inventor of one of the first cameras and projectors for moving images patented in the UK has been immortalised in an oil painting which has been donated to the University of Exeter’s cinema museum.

Archaeological dig in Devon unearths Roman influence

Excavations are underway to unearth the mysteries of Devon’s newly discovered settlement dating back to Roman times.

Making sense of an historic landscape

For the countryside to avoid becoming as homogenised as the High Street we need to learn from how it evolved; according to a new book by a University of Exeter archaeologist.

Marilyn Monroe exhibition uncovered at cinema museum

The 50^th anniversary of the death of Marilyn Monroe, one of the most enduring of film icons, is being commemorated in Exeter with an exhibition of memorabilia at the University of Exeter’s cinema museum.

Exciting funding opportunities for doctoral study in History at the University of Exeter

For applicants who are interested in joining our exciting research community, we are offering two doctoral funding awards

Largest analysis of public opinions at outbreak of World War I challenges popular myth

A groundbreaking book presents new evidence that challenges the way we understand British and Irish responses to the outbreak of the First World War in 1914.

Bronze Age boat project reaches milestone

The University of Exeter’s ambitious prehistoric boat building project has reached a milestone with the laying of the keel, which forms the backbone of the vessel.

English PhD student wins major UK literary prize

English PhD student Ginny Baily has won a major UK literary prize for her debut novel Africa Junction.

Exciting funding opportunities for doctoral study in French at the University of Exeter

For applicants who are interested in joining our exciting research community this October, we are offering two doctoral funding awards.

Students un-earth Archaeology Careers advice

June saw another successful student-led Archaeology Careers Fair with several alumni attending the event including Archaeologist Professor Mick Aston.

The Thomas Hardy Public Lecture Series 2012

Dorset County Museum, the University of Exeter, and the National Trust are pleased to present the 2012 Thomas Hardy Public Lecture Series.

All the World’s a Stage - Shakespeare on the Piazza

On Friday 22 June and Saturday 23 June, the Elysium Theatre Company (formed of Exeter students past and present) will be performing abridged versions of Henry IV and Richard III in the Piazza at the University.

Humanities students’ success at National Students’ Television Awards

Lindsey Harris, a second year English student, has just been ‘Highly Commended’ at this year’s National Students’ Television Association Awards (NaSTAs).

Alumnus provides insight into a career in documentary film-making

Exeter alumnus Narinder Minhas (Engineering Science, 1981) returned to campus yesterday to give a talk to students on his 20 year career in the TV industry.

Drama students carry the flame to Exeter

Drama students from the University are supporting the organisation of Exeter’s Olympic Torch Relay and have been selected to perform the main roles in the procession.

Cornwall Campus hosts creative festival

Heritage, innovation and creativity will be explored in a one-day culture festival at the Cornwall Campus, Penryn on Sunday 20 May.

A Taste of Galician Culture, Thursday 17 May

To celebrate Día das Letras Galegas/Galician Literature Day join us at 'Forever in Galicia: A Taste of Galician Culture', on Thursday 17 May from 10.30am to 2pm.

Professor Philip Schwyzer to give inaugural lecture

Professor Philip Schwyzer will be giving his inaugural lecture on Tuesday 12th June 2012 entitled ‘That was Now, This is Then: Living in the Past in Shakespeare's England’.

Hardy and Devon Public Lecture

Dr Angelique Richardson from the English department will discuss novelist and poet Thomas Hardy's connections with Devon in a Public Lecture, on 29 May.

Humanities PGR conference hailed as a success

The inaugural Postgraduate Research Student Conference, held last week at the Peter Chalk Centre, has been hailed as an outstanding success by both organisers and participants.

Hannah stars in The Voice

We chat with Hannah Berney, an Exeter Flexible Combined Honours student who made the final five in Team Danny, on BBC One's The Voice.

Exeter Teaching Awards Winners

Congratulations go to staff within the College of Humanities who have been awarded in the Exeter Teaching Awards 2012.

Drama students perform for Her Majesty the Queen’s Visit

An accomplished ensemble of actors from Exeter’s Drama department performed during the visit from Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh’s visit.

College of Humanities to hold inaugural Postgraduate Research Student Conference

Bringing together research students from across the College, the inaugural Postgraduate Research Student Conference will be held on Monday 30 April and Tuesday 1 May 2012.

Changing the way we interact with culture - REACT funding success for the College of Humanities

The University of Exeter’s College of Humanities has been awarded funding for a range of exciting new research projects by REACT (Research and Enterprise in Arts and Creative Technology).

Over 20 new academic posts advertised in Humanities disciplines

The continuing success of the College of Humanities means we are advertising over 20 new academic posts at all levels.

Humanities academics will star at Daphne du Maurier Festival and Tremough Campus Culture Festival in Cornwall

Academics from the College of Humanities and alumni will be taking part in this year’s Daphne du Maurier Festival, which includes the Tremough Campus Culture Festival at the University’s Cornwall Campus, from the 9th-20th May.

Top panel debate our Victorian legacy

Political journalist and broadcaster John Humphrys headed up a panel discussion on Great Exhibitions and Great Debates: Victorian Values and 21st-century Britain.

800-year-old farmers could teach us how to protect the Amazon

In the face of mass deforestation of the Amazon, we could learn from its earliest inhabitants who managed their farmland sustainably.

Professor Francesca Stavrakopoulou to give inaugural lecture

Professor Francesca Stavrakopoulou from Theology and Religion will be giving her inaugural lecture on Tuesday 8th May 2012 entitled ‘Waking the Dead: Religion, Secularism, and Coping with Corpses’.

English Professor develops Smart Apps with Tate galleries and Horizon

Professor Gabriella Giannachi is leading an innovative Art Mapping project with Tate galleries and Horizon Research Institute.

Highest ever nominations for Humanities in Student Guild Teaching Awards

College of Humanities staff and departments have claimed an impressive 20 nominations for this year’s Student Guild Teaching Awards.

First year scoops Paddon Award

The Grand Final saw an evening of live performances, drinks and networking.

Join the debate with John Humphrys at the RAMM to explore our Victorian Legacy

On Friday 23 March, alumnus John O‘Farrell and Dr Paul Young, will join John Humphrys at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM).

Ground-breaking new book on public attitudes to the outbreak of World War 1

Dr Catriona Pennell, Lecturer in History at the University of Exeter, has just published a ground-breaking study.

Ice Age mariners from Europe were among America's first people

Some of the earliest humans to inhabit America came from Europe according to a new book.

Humanities strengthens links with India at Royal Society seminar

The Archaeology Department is hosting a 3-day Scientific Seminar, funded through the Royal Society’s India-UK Scientific Seminar scheme, for a small group of early and mid-career archaeometallurgists and archaeologists from UK and India.

Students and locals reveal Devon’s character through story-telling

University of Exeter students, alumni and staff have contributed to a new book of short stories about Devon.

Legal drama sheds light on tribunals

Local business owners and HR managers will be able to experience an employment tribunal at first hand, thanks to a unique collaboration between leading Devon law firm Stones Solicitors LLP and the University of Exeter.

Author John O’Farrell returns to Exeter

Best-selling author and comedy writer John O’Farrell is to return to Exeter on Friday 23 March to join a panel discussion at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM), Exeter.

Alumni gather at Arts & Media event

More than 50 alumni and guests attended the annual Arts & Media networking event at the Society of London Theatre Offices.

Winter Graduation celebrations

On Saturday 21 January the University celebrated the Winter Graduation ceremonies.

University celebrates Dickens’ bicentenary

The University of Exeter is marking the bicentenary of Charles Dickens’ birth, with an exhibition exploring his influence on British culture.

The Humanities Undergraduate Writing Centre Opens

Supported by the University’s Annual Fund, ten specially trained students can now consult one-to-one with their peers on any aspect of their writing, from planning a formative essay to re-drafting a dissertation chapter.

Applications for this year’s Annual Fund

The Annual Fund is available for projects which enhance the University experience.

Exeter expert examines China on the Big Screen

The role of Chinese cinema in shaping China's image is being explored in a new project.

Unique partnership will support emerging filmmakers

Britain’s film industry is set to receive a boost as a result of a new partnership between the University of Exeter and the London Film School.

Unlocking Cornwall's Bronze Age past

A modern day boat builder is being challenged to recreate the oldest boat ever found in western Europe, dating to around 2000 BC.

Academic shortlisted for major history award

University of Exeter historian Dr James Mark’s book: The Unfinished Revolution Making Sense of the Communist Past has been shortlisted for the prestigious Longman History Today prize.

What is the real meaning of Christmas?

There are thousands of stories in the Bible and a visual artist in Exeter is currently on a 30-year mission to paint the whole lot.

Humanities academics awarded for the impact of their research

The inaugural Exeter Impact Awards, held on 7 December in the University’s Great Hall, celebrated the impact of academics at the University and their collaborators across the world.

Funded postgraduate research opportunities

The College of Humanities are pleased to be able to offer over 50 postgraduate research studentships, including full fees and maintenance, for September 2012 entry.

Mike Leigh and the London Film School

The College is holding a film screening and discussion with Mike Leigh and the London Film School on Monday 9th January 2012.

College of Humanities to develop PHDs with the National Institute of Advanced Studies in Bangalore

The College of Humanities has been awarded two UK India Education Research Initiative grants to develop split site PhDs, in Archaeology and Drama, with the National Institute of Advanced Studies in Bangalore, India.

Narrative, History and Memory: Representing World War I in African American Visual Culture

On 12th December, Celeste-Marie Bernier will give a lecture, ‘Narrative, History and Memory: Representing World War I in African American Visual Culture.

Drama shortlisted for Times Higher Education Awards

The partnership between the University of Exeter and a renowned playwright has been shortlisted for a major award.

Academic investment plans in Humanities at Exeter

The College of Humanities has been going from strength to strength since its formation in August 2010 and is pleased to announce plans to invest in its scholars and facilities, across all disciplines.

From the Archives: Installation and Performance 1990 - 2011

On 23 November Arnold Dreyblatt will give a lecture 'From the Archives: Installation and Performance 1990 - 2011', which marks the launch of Visual Culture at Exeter.

Curiouser and curiouser! said Alice

A new exhibition at Tate Liverpool devoted to Alice in Wonderland and its influence on visual culture has opened, using items from the University of Exeter’s film museum.

100 Years of cinema fan magazines

The first fan magazine for film enthusiasts in Britain was published 100 years ago this week.

Professor Paul Muldoon visits University

On 25 October, the University is pleased to welcome Professor Paul Muldoon, who will be visiting the Streatham campus to deliver a keynote lecture, ‘The University as Patron of the Arts’, to inaugurate the College of Humanities.

Visiting the past at Calstock Roman Fort

The opportunity for the public to learn more about Calstock Roman Fort in Cornwall will be possible on Saturday 8 and 15 October in the form of special open days.

British film maker celebrated at Exeter

To mark the 20th anniversary of British film maker Bill Douglas’s untimely death in 1991 a conference is being held at the University of Exeter on 23 September.

Golding centenary celebrations in home county

The centenary of the birth of Cornwall’s most famous literary son, the author William Golding, will be marked by a major international conference at the University of Exeter’s Tremough Campus, Penryn 16 – 18 September.

Exeter academics contribute to local literary festival

A fashionable coastal town in Devon is hosting a literary festival from 16 – 18 September, to celebrate great literature, support and showcase new talent, and promote reading and writing.

A bird’s eye view of heritage

Poltimore House is planning a special Open Weekend as part of the national Heritage Open Days, 10 and 11 September 2011.

Exeter leads the way in the history of medicine

The Oxford Handbook of The History of Medicine is the first large scale review of the field to be published in over twenty years.

Creative industries in £16million funding boost

The University of Exeter is to play a key part in a new Knowledge Exchange Hub which has been established to boost the region’s creative economy.

Launch of new Visual Culture Combined Honours degree

The College of Humanities pleased to announce the launch of three new BA Combined Honours degrees, enabling students for the first time to formally study Visual Culture and Art History as part of their undergraduate degree.

Roman civilisation travelled further than history books tell us

A University of Exeter archaeologist’s research has uncovered the largest Roman settlement ever found in Devon.

History of Science in the South West

The submarine telegraph cable is one of the iconic technologies of the 19th century.

Past environments and the sustainable future in Cornwall

Recent concerns about floods, drought, energy efficiency and sustainable land use have brought communities together to devise strategies to cope with environmental change.

The novel in a time of climate change

The past five years have seen a significant increase in novels focusing on climate change.

Students put film museum on screen

A group of student filmmakers have made a 10-minute documentary about the work of the University of Exeter’s museum, The Bill Douglas Centre for the History of Cinema and Popular Culture.

'Is that funny?' student writing competition final

On Friday 10th June you're invited to the final of the 'Is That Funny' student writing competition with alumnus Richard Boden (Director of Blackadder, the IT Crowd etc) and guest judge Caroline Quentin

Composers line up for Paddon Award

The seven finalists in this year’s Paddon Award competition are putting the finishing touches to their compositions, ahead of the final next week.

World Premiere made possible via unique partnership

In a time of financial austerity, leading to reduced investment in the Arts, the University of Exeter has taken an innovative approach to the challenge of getting experimental playwriting commissioned and performed on stage.

Plath in Devon

Devon seen through words, writing and literature forms part of a project called WordQuest Devon involving the development of a series of free public lectures on literary themes.

University receives generous support from Santander

The UK arm of Santander, the Spanish banking group, has generously pledged a further £315,000 in support for the University of Exeter, bringing its total funding for the organisation to close to half a million pounds.

Guild Elections 2011

The recent Student Guild elections have produced a significant number of winners from the College of Humanities.

Heritage at risk

Government spending cuts and rushed legislation within the cultural heritage sector are leading to a “devastating” loss of vital expertise, and to human activity that has the potential to “destroy” heritage irreparably, a new report by the British Academy has revealed.

Cornwall Campus hosts culture festival

The themes of fashion and place will be explored at a one day culture festival at the Cornwall Campus, Penryn on Saturday 21 May.

John Betjeman and all things Cornish

As part of the Daphne du Maurier Festival of Arts and Literature a series of special University of Exeter lecture sessions will be held at the Fowey Town Hall.

Alumnus Paul Jackson shares his experience in TV

The alumnus who brought hit television shows including Britain’s Got Talent has returned to the University to share his vast experience.

Exeter Teaching Awards Winners

Congratulations go to staff within the College of Humanities who have been awarded in the Exeter Teaching Awards 2011.

International students rate University of Exeter ‘excellent’

An independent survey by i-graduate of more than 63,000 international students from over 200 institutions, has confirmed Exeter to be one of the highest rated universities in the UK.

Exeter meets at a junction with Africa

A debut novel which moves between Exeter and West Africa forms the basis of a story written by University of Exeter PhD student, Ginny Baily.

150 birthday celebrations for Indian poet and playwright

The 150th birthday of the renowned Indian poet, playwright, philosopher and artist Rabindranath Tagore is being marked through a programme of dance and theatre.

Paul Jackson talk: The man behind the laughter

On May 9th, the University of Exeter is pleased to welcome Exeter alumnus and Honorary Graduate Paul Jackson. He will give a talk in LT1, Queen's Building, at 6.30 p.m.

Honorary Fellowship recognises commitment to American Studies

A prestigious Honorary Fellowship has been awarded to University of Exeter Professor Helen Taylor for her sustained contribution to American Studies.

Crime and the rise of modern America

Nowhere celebrates its criminals like America. In books and on film, in fact and in fiction criminals sell.

Arts, health & wellbeing in Devon

On Friday 15th April the University of Exeter will host a free public exhibition as part of a project that examines the relationship between medicine and the modern arts.

Scholarships for Cornwall MA

The College of Humanities has recently announced three new scholarships for students studying the MA in Writing, Nature and Place starting this October.

New AHRC funded research network

The AHRC have recently awarded Dr Marisa Lazarri a grant of £32,233 to create an international network.

Bible’s Buried Secrets

In a challenging three-part TV series on BBC 2 Dr Francesca Stavrakopoulou, Biblical Scholar and senior lecturer at the University of Exeter presents series of documentaries.

Exeter’s research direct to the Canadian classroom

A group of year 6 students in Ontario, Canada were treated to more than just a film on Ice Ace Columbus as part of their First Nations unit.

Happy alumnus runs Britain for charity

Andy Jackson, a History and Politics graduate who was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2003, is celebrating his survival eight years later by running from John O'Groats to Land's End - dressed as Mr Happy!

Brazil continues to celebrate after Carnival

The popular world view of Brazil may be triggered by thoughts of spectacular Carnivals and skilled footballers, yet the country is also determined to be regarded as a major global power.

An evening with poet Lawrence Sail

The University of Exeter has a rich collection of literary papers by South West writers and associated literary organisations. On Friday 4 March Exeter will be hosting an event to celebrate the publication of three new works by Lawrence Sail, whose own archive of literary papers is held in the University’s Heritage Collection.

£406,828 for research on performance archives

Researchers at the University of Bristol and the University of Exeter have been awarded a £406,828 grant from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) for research into live art and performance archives.

New funds for cultural history project

Southall is a large suburb of west London which has been a place of migration for diasporic communities, most particularly those of South Asian origin.

New world class training centre benefits Humanities

The College of Humanities has been awarded 3 ESRC studentships in History.

Exploring the Communist past

Dr James Mark, Senior Lecturer in History at the university, has launched his new book, 'The Unfinished Revolution', published by Yale University Press.

The sea, the sea

The University of Exeter is involved in the first major archaeological study focusing on the sea rather than a piece of land.

Cinema shows of Christmas past

Well before the invention of cinema, different types of moving and projected images were the height of sophistication for an evening’s entertainment.

New film centre museum guide

A new fully illustrated guide book celebrating the University of Exeter’s Museum tells the story of the development of the moving image from shadow puppets to blockbusters.

Exeter contributes to the history of the world

History experts from the University of Exeter have contributed their geographical and subject knowledge to the latest edition of the prestigious copy of The Times Complete History of the World.

Last chance to see farming heritage exhibition

A final exhibition of photographs, film and interviews, collected from the year long project, ‘Family, Farming and Tradition,’ will be exhibited in the Engine Room, at the Exchange, in Penzance, from the 23rd November- 16th December 2010.

Discovering the secrets of Stonehenge

A revolutionary new idea on the movement of big monument stones like those at Stonehenge has been put forward by an archaeology student at the University of Exeter.

The art of presenting art

A striking new exhibition looking at the current trend for setting or presenting performance work in art galleries is now on show in the Drama department at the University of Exeter.

Highs and lows of comedy writer

Best selling author and Spitting image comedy writer John O’Farrell talks about some of the hilarious highs and lows of his literary journey on Sunday 7 November at 4.30pm at the Northcott Theatre.

Stone Age humans needed more brain power for tool design

Stone Age humans were only able to develop relatively advanced tools after their brains evolved a greater capacity for complex thought, according to a new study investigating why it took early humans almost two million years to move from a razor-sharp stones to a hand-held stone axe.

'White Box Performances: Photographs by Hugo Glendinning'

Exhibition opening, talk and wine reception - 6pm Wednesday 10th November

Poetry imagines there’s a future

A premiere of a new piece of music for choirs, based on poems from young people across Devon has been specially commissioned for the EXEtreme Imagination Children and Young Peoples Literature Festival.

A good yarn and a winning tale

Writers are vying for a position as the next J K Rowling or Philip Pullman after entering a competition organised by the University of Exeter’s short story publication ‘Riptide’.

New research on Highland witch

The witchcraft confessions of Isobel Gowdie in Scotland, 1662, are widely celebrated as the most extraordinary on record in Britain.

Imagination let loose at literary festival

Awesome authors and wicked writers have been handpicked by a group of pupils to top the bill at the EXEtreme Imagination Festival of Literature for Children and Young People.

Once upon a time...reading and writing began

The future of children’s reading and writing beyond today’s literary favourites such as Harry Potter and Tracey Beaker will be explored on Wednesday 27 October at the University of Exeter.

Chronicling Stephen Fry’s film career

Stephen Fry’s new memoir ‘The Fry Chronicles’ telling the story of the rise to fame in the 1980s of one of Britain’s most famous entertainers and public figures proved an instant bestseller.

'Is that funny?' competition launch

Do you want to make a ten minute comedy film, or write a ten-minute comedy script? Would you then like to put that film or script in front of a man who directed Blackadder, won BAFTAs for best comedies in 2009 (The IT Crowd) and in 2002 (The Sketch Show), and who was Head of Comedy for Carlton?

Sex before the sexual revolution

What did sex mean for ordinary people before the sexual revolution of the 1960s and 70s? is a question that University of Exeter historian Dr Kate Fisher and Professor Simon Szreter from the University of Cambridge set out to answer in their new book.

Doctor Who writer returns to Exeter

Award-winning author Robert Shearman best known for his Doctor Who scripts is returning to his old stomping ground in Exeter.

Outstanding award for drama

A major American prize for books on theatre practice has been awarded to an Exeter drama academic.

Investigating Poltimore and its landscape

Detective work on a Grade II* listed country house and its gardens are about to begin as part of a two year research project between the University of Exeter and the Poltimore House Trust.

Lawyers laid bare

Hostility towards the legal profession for financially profiting from the recession is nothing new according to research at the University of Exeter which explores the rise of lawyers in the medieval and Tudor periods.

Celebrating Gurney in Gloucester

World War One poet and composer Ivor Gurney (1890-1937) is one of Gloucestershire’s most famous sons. His works are now becoming available to the public following three years of extensive archiving.

Revitalising the seaside prom

Seaside esplanades and the beaches of the English Riviera were once awash with popular performances, variety shows and songs such as ‘Oh I do like to be beside the seaside.’

History student brews up business idea

A student on the Cornwall Campus, is setting up a brewery with a difference. He is now looking for local businesses or individuals who might be able to help provide space for his company.

Exeter archaeologist helps uncover 900 year old agricultural secrets

The coastal savannas of French Guiana, dotted with thousands of small mounds, have given up some of their secrets, thanks to an interdisciplinary European collaborative research project.

Theology on the Menu

What we eat, how much we eat, how it is produced and prepared, and its cultural and ecological significance, has forced food sustainability onto the national news agenda.

Research reveals medieval Maundy Thursday

In the Christian faith, Maundy Thursday is the day that Christ conducted the Last Supper with the apostles; in the Middle Ages it was also the day on which heinous sinners were reconciled with the Christian community after 40 days of being ostracised from society.