College news

Experts study the past and present in new state-of-the-art Digital Humanities Laboratory

Experts are using cutting-edge technologies to study the past and present in a new, state-of-the-art digital humanities laboratory.

Film lovers celebrate 20th birthday of the UK’s foremost museum of moving image history

Film lovers are celebrating the 20th birthday of the UK’s foremost museum of moving image history.

Ancient toilet and Elizabethan illustrations among the historic treasures surviving in Exeter’s oldest buildings

An ancient toilet, Elizabethan wall illustrations and Victorian wallpaper are among the historic treasures surviving in Exeter’s oldest buildings, new research shows.

New version of Rock, Paper, Scissors with a twist at Exeter games event

A new version of Rock, Paper, Scissors, with a twist, and the chance to defeat a monster are among the games on offer at an Exeter event which will show how the past can help make sense of the present.

Bishop son of Lord Salisbury suggested political conscientious objectors faced horrors of German bombing raids to change their stance

A prominent bishop and son of the former Conservative Prime Minister Lord Salisbury suggested political conscientious objectors in World War 1 should face the full horror of German bombing raids to “bring about a sudden conversion” from their views.

Historians working to analyse legacy of World War I centenary events

Members of the public are being asked for their views on the way Britain has commemorated the centenary of the First World War by completing a new survey being launched on Armistice Day (11 November).

Lecturer transports Exeter primary school back to ancient Greece – to meet the original superheroes

Children at a primary school in Exeter were transported back to the ancient world this week and learnt how to write the name of their school in ancient Greek, thanks to a visiting lecturer from the University of Exeter.

The first witch’s cat was white and spotty – and called Satan

The black cat, now a crucial accessory for Halloween witches, was a relatively late development in the history of witchcraft, new research has found.

Sports fans invited to share memories at new Exeter City FC group

A special social group designed to encourage men over 50 to come together and talk about sports and memorabilia has been launched in Exeter.

Stories of Britain’s forgotten role in Russia’s Civil War on display

The forgotten role of British soldiers who died fighting trying to stop the Red Army seizing control of Russia can be seen at a new exhibition.

Dr Guillem Colom-Montero, new Lecturer in Hispanic Studies, interviewed about Catalonia on different BBC outlets.

Catalonia expert, Dr Guillem Colom-Montero, who witnessed the violence in Barcelona during the Catalan Referendum, has been interviewed about the recent political developments in the region on television (BBC News) and radio (BBC World Service, BBC5, BBC West Midlands and BBC Cumbria).

University of Exeter named as number one institution in the UK to study drama

The University of Exeter has been named as the number one institution in the country to study Drama in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2018.

£11.3m Lottery grant for Dorset County Museum

A museum that works closely with the University of Exeter has been awarded a £11.3m Heritage Lottery Fund grant.

Amazonian farmers discovered the secret of domesticating wild rice 4,000 years ago

Amazonian farmers discovered how to manipulate wild rice so the plants could provide more food 4,000 years ago, archaeologists have discovered.

Poet in residence at rubbish dumps publishes verse inspired by waste

A writer spent a year as a poet in residence at rubbish dumps braving vast flocks of seagulls – and their droppings – to uncover the “hideous” beauty” of landfill sites.

Unseen photos of movie stars revealed by Exeter's film museum

A unique collection of rarely seen photographs showing stars such as Judy Garland and Laurence Olivier making some of British Cinema’s most-loved films can be seen for the first time.

Professor Neville Morley to give his inaugural lecture on 'Thucydides and the Politics of Truth

In this lecture, Neville Morley, Professor of Classics and Ancient History, will explore how Thucydides can help us make sense of our own world - if we read him in the right ways.

Mining history of iconic cliff-scape at Perranporth set to be studied for the first time

Experts are studying the little-known mining history of the vulnerable cliffs overlooking the beach at Perranporth to show if the search for tin and copper in the area began in medieval or even prehistoric times.

New photographic exhibition celebrates impact of Indians on British life

Pictures of Queen Victoria with her favoured Munshi, Abdul Karim and Gandhi visiting female textile workers in Lancashire feature in a new exhibition which explores the impact of Indians on British life.

St Pauls inquiry could have prevented 1981 riots, research suggests

A full public inquiry into the 1980 Bristol riots could have prevented similar widespread violence which took place around Britain a year later, a new study suggests.

Educationalists and academics explore how young people engage with history of the two world wars

Educationalists and academics from around the world gathered to discuss the latest research and practical experiences around the way young people engage with the complex histories of the First and Second world wars, including the Holocaust.

Exeter to play host to first South West Translation Festival

Authors, language experts, a “Spectacular Translation Machine” and a typewriter called Adélaïde will be the stars of Exeter’s first Translation Festival this month.

University of Exeter named as one of the top 100 places in the world to study and research arts and humanities

The University of Exeter has been named as one of the top 100 places in the world to study and research arts and humanities in the 2018 Times Higher Education Arts and humanities subject ranking, published today.

 

University of Exeter shortlisted for five “Oscars of higher education”

The University of Exeter has been shortlisted for five Times Higher Education awards across a range of categories in arts and science, a greater number than any other university this year.

New support to put history, theology and archaeology back on the curriculum in Georgia

Teachers in Georgia are being given expert help to put history, archaeology and theology back on the curriculum and address a chronic shortage of curators and archaeologists following the fall of communism.

Exeter City Football Club to become museum thanks to National Lottery funding

Exeter City’s home ground St James Park will become a museum as club supporters and experts work together to showcase the incredible history of the football club.

First students to have studied Chinese graduate from the University of Exeter

The first students to have studied Chinese have graduated from the University of Exeter 

New Hindi / Urdu Course launch supported by visit of leading international specialist

For the first time, the University of Exeter’s Foreign Language Centre will be offering courses in Hindi and Urdu, starting in Autumn 2017. 

Men were diagnosed as infertile in medieval times – and recipes drawn up to cure them, research shows

Men could be held responsible for the failure to produce children as far back as medieval times, a new study of medical and religious texts has shown.

Experience sights of ancient Exeter using virtual reality

People can step back in time and experience what it would have been like to live among the crowded streets of Georgian Exeter thanks to virtual reality.

Exeter historian scoops book of the year award

University of Exeter academic Dr Levi Roach has won a prestigious prize for his biography of Æthelred the Unready.

Rare archaeological find could be the first time unique pottery seen in the South West

Archaeologists excavating a site where Iron Age, Roman, and early medieval communities lived for more than a thousand years have unearthed pottery believed to have never been seen before in the South West.

Exeter’s teaching excellence officially recognised as ‘gold standard’

The University of Exeter’s commitment to providing world-class teaching has been recognised with the award of a “Gold” rating in the first national Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) assessment.

Ancient Devon community had a taste for exotic food and drink

Devon farmers who made their home in the same remote location for 1,200 years had a taste for exotic imported food and drink, archaeologists have found.

Incredible lives of rural African community who speak at least six languages showcased at Exeter event

The incredible lives of people in a rural African community who speak a minimum of six languages will be showcased in Exeter this week.

The University of Exeter and the Shanghai Theatre Academy will jointly host a workshop in Shanghai.

The workshop, entitled, Cosmopolitanism, World Cities, and the Circulation of Visual Culture between China and Great Britain, will bring together scholars from China, the UK, and Hong Kong to discuss the reception of cultures across national boundaries.

First archaeological survey of Exeter Cathedral Green for a generation to take place

The first full-scale archaeological survey of Exeter’s Cathedral Green is taking place as experts try to find out what secrets still lie beneath the ground in the ancient area.

Creative Careers: A Festival for Students and a First for the University

During the first week of May, Student Employability and Academic Success (SEAS) and the College of Humanities collaborated on the University’s first Creative Careers: A Festival for Students, welcoming over three hundred students to a wide variety of employability and alumni events.

Newly discovered notes show Venetian physician had a key role in shaping early modern chemistry

Newly discovered notes show the Venetian doctor who invented the thermometer and helped lay the foundations for modern medical treatment also played a key role in shaping our understanding of chemistry.

Top 10 status for Exeter subjects in latest Guardian league table

Across the University, nine subjects have been ranked within the top 10 of the Guardian University Guide 2018

University retains global position in influential rankings

The University of Exeter has reinforced its position amongst the leading universities both nationally and internationally, according to the latest influential global rankings.

Professor Kei Miller nominated for prestigious literary prizes around the world

A novel by University of Exeter Professor in Creative Writing, Kei Miller, has been nominated for prestigious literary prizes around the world.

Celebrating 20 years of friendship at 2017 Leventis Lectures

Around 100 people attended a special event to celebrate the partnership between the University of Exeter and the A.G. Leventis Foundation.

Humanities Employability and Archaeology SSLC host Archaeology and Heritage Careers Fair 2017

The Humanities Employability team and Archaeology Student Staff Liaison Committee welcomed students and guests to this year’s Archaeology and Heritage Careers Fair. 

Professor William Higbee to give his inaugural lecture, ‘Cinéma-monde: The Transnational Reach of Moroccan Cinema’.

On Wednesday 10 May, Will Higbee, Professor in Film Studies, will be giving his inaugural lecture entitled ‘Cinéma-monde: The Transnational Reach of Moroccan Cinema'.

The Budleigh Salterton school girl who became a screen goddess

Public talk at Exeter’s Northcott Theatre will tell the tragic story of beautiful Devon film star.

History of rich Indian textiles brought to life at free event in Exeter

The history of stunning rare Indian textiles will be brought to life by experts at a free event at the University of Exeter this week.

Humanities subjects rise in latest influential rankings table

Disciplines from the College of Humanities have reinforced their positions amongst the best in the UK.

Shortage of essential diphtheria treatment drugs needs international action, experts warn

International action is needed to tackle a global shortage of medicine which could hinder the ability of doctors to treat diphtheria, experts have warned.

BBC broadcast information about Britain’s military setbacks to win hearts and minds in Germany during World War II

The BBC transmitted news about Britain’s military setbacks during World War II to Germany as part of a sophisticated operation to win hearts and minds and combat Nazi propaganda, new research shows.

Special screening of landmark film to mark 20 years of the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum

A special screening of a landmark film will be held to mark the 20th anniversary of Exeter's Bill Douglas Cinema Museum this week.

Creative Careers: A Festival for Students

This month saw the launch of the University’s brand-new Creative Careers festival on its Penryn Campus.

Humanities Success at the VP Education Awards 2017

Humanities students achieved great success at the recent Student's Guild VP Education Awards after they were shortlisted for 8 out of 12 awards, winning four.

Fans to relive Exeter City history as team battles for promotion

Forget just cheering on from the stands - football fans can explore the unique history of Exeter City through a new documentary as players embark on a promotion battle.

Shared love of literature brings generations together

A shared love of literature has brought together University of Exeter undergraduates and older city residents, who studied alongside each other in a new course.

Secrets of Powderham Castle - including Earl’s ancestor buried with Henry V - revealed in new exhibition

Family secrets uncovered by the new Earl of Devon – including an ancestor so close to Henry V that the King had him buried in his Royal tomb in Westminster Abbey – are revealed in an exhibition at Powderham Castle.

Shadow puppets and animation on offer during family fun day at the Bill Douglas Cinema Museum

Children will have the chance to create their own shadow puppets and create animations at a free fun day at Exeter’s Bill Douglas Cinema Museum.

Professor Jane Whittle conferred as a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences

A leading University of Exeter historian has been recognised as one of the most important researchers in the country.

Chess bonds literary critic and Nobel Prize-winning author, newly uncovered letters show

They often found themselves thousands of miles apart but author Sir William Golding and journalist Anthony Curtis never let that stop them pursuing one of their favourite pastimes – chess.

Cabinet Minister visits University - and gives students tips on how to become an MP

Cabinet Minister David Lidington visited the University of Exeter today and met academics who have given evidence to Parliament and students studying politics and history.

Communities to work with archaeologists to research history of Devon and Cornwall, thanks to National Lottery players

Communities in Devon and Cornwall will be able to research the history of Roman, Iron Age and medieval settlements in the region by helping experts on a major archaeological dig and associated surveys this year.

Professor Andrew Thompson appointed Chief Executive of the Arts and Humanities Research Council

Professor Andrew Thompson has been appointed Chief Executive of the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) following a term as interim chief, Science Minister Jo Johnson has confirmed.

PhD studentships available for split-site Archaeology programme with Cranfield Forensic Institute.

Two studentships are on offer - one to study primarily at Exeter's Streatham Campus, the other is based at Cranfield;s Shrivenham Campus.

Vampire Night at Exeter’s Northcott Theatre

An acclaimed Professor of Gothic horror is to come to Exeter’s Northcott theatre to reveal how Dracula was based on medical evidence of ‘real’ vampires, before a performance of Dracula itself.

Remarkable history of Exeter City FC seen in new exhibition

Rarely-seen pictures will tell the remarkable story of Exeter City FC at a new exhibition dedicated to the club’s unique history.

American Poet Laureate Visits Penryn Campus

Professor Natasha Trethewey, former American Poet Laureate, has completed a successful visit to the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus. 

Professor Kei Miller to give his inaugural lecture, ‘In Praise of Volume’.

On Wednesday 15 March, Professor Kei Miller, Professor in Creative Writing, will be giving his inaugural lecture entitled ‘In Praise of Volume'.

Exeter Humanities subjects ranked amongst very best in the world

The University of Exeter’s status as one of the best academic institutions in the world has been confirmed by new global subject rankings.

New Performing Arts Academy launched

Exeter College has launched a new Performing Arts Academy to support exceptional talent in the performing arts.

Former United States Poet Laureate to return to Cornish roots on visit to Falmouth

The 19th Poet Laureate of the United States will return to her Cornish roots as she visits the Duchy to perform and discuss her work.

Professor Michelle Bolduc to give her inaugural lecture, ‘Medieval Translatio(n), Modern Rhetoric’

A professor in Translation Studies and Director of the Masters programme, Michelle Bolduc, will give her inaugural lecture on Wednesday 8 February.

Eminent South African Theologian to Deliver Prideaux Lectures

Prof John de Gruchy, an internationally renowned South African Theologian, will be visiting Exeter on 2 and 3 May 2017 to deliver the prestigious Prideaux Lectures. 

Hidden relationship between Spain’s finest women writers uncovered by Exeter expert

The hidden close relationship between two of Spain’s finest women writers has been brought to life through letters uncovered by a University of Exeter expert.

Pioneering Spanish women remembered through new plaques in Madrid

Pioneering women in pre-civil war Spain are being remembered for the first time through new public memorials in Madrid thanks to a University of Exeter academic.

Holocaust survivor shares horror of Nazi atrocities with children and students

A Holocaust survivor who witnessed the horrors of Nazi persecution of Jewish families shared his experience with Devon pupils and students as part of a memorial event at the University of Exeter.

Hundreds of ancient earthworks built in the Amazon

The Amazonian rainforest was transformed over two thousand years ago by people who built hundreds of large, mysterious earthworks.

Real Game of Thrones brought anarchy to the UK, experts find

England’s first civil war, a real Game of Thrones power struggle between two cousins, brought anarchy to the UK in the twelfth century AD.

Defining massacres as ‘a holocaust’ diminishes Nazi persecution of the Jews

Labelling mass killing and massacres as a “holocaust” risks downplaying the scale of the Nazi plan to eradicate the Jews and Roma (gypsies), a leading expert on the holocaust says.

College of Humanities looks to the future with NIAS Partnership

Since 2012, the College of Humanities has enjoyed a successful partnership with the National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) in Bangalore. Between January 11th and 13th, a delegation from Humanities visited NIAS to discuss the progress of our relationship so far and build for the future.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer history of South West proudly celebrated at new festival

Oscar Wilde, Grindr, Chinese underground queer cinema, and the experiences of homosexual sailors in the Royal Navy during World War I will feature as part of Exeter’s first LGBT history festival.

New Professor of Translation Studies and Director of the Masters programme

Internationally recognised Translation Studies expert Professor Michelle Bolduc is now in post as the Director of the University of Exeter’s Masters programme in Translation Studies.

Exeter teachers get free tickets to ‘spectacular’ University production of Animal Farm

Exeter school children and teachers are to be offered cut-price tickets to a University production of George Orwell’s Animal Farm, which features on this year’s GCSE syllabus.

Was James Bond a Feminist? 007 admired ‘modern women’ with a 21st century attitude towards sex

James Bond was not a misogynistic dinosaur but a sensual ‘stylish commando’ who valued strong, independent women with a 21st century attitude to sex, a new book on 007 asserts.

Top Think Tank visits Exeter for Research Networking and Partnership Building

On Saturday 3 December, the University of Exeter welcomed a senior delegation from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS).