History, International Relations and Politics Outreach

We offer a range of activities, both on and off campus, that are perfect to excite your students across the breadth of History, International Relations and Politics courses that we offer. We can run activities covering any of the following areas: History, International Relations and Politics.

We also offer outreach activities in related areas such as English, Creative Writing and Publishing and Social Sciences.

Whether it's part of a campus visit, an in-person session at your school or college, or a virtual experience, we're here to inspire and engage your students throughout the year. Some of our activities are set on particular dates throughout the academic year. If you are not able to make these particular dates, but are still interested, then please let us know and we can look to arrange a bespoke activity for you.

Taster Days

Our visit days allow your students to experience Derby fully and can be tailored to your and your group. All of our taster days include subject sessions, led by our passionate academic team. These sessions are aligned to the curriculum and will help prepare your students for further study. In addition to subject-based sessions, we can run Information, Advice and Guidance talks or campus tours to give your students an insight into university life.

Based at: Kedleston Road, Derby

When: flexible to suit

Who: Year 12 or 13 students

Discipline(s) covered: History, International Relations and Politics. We can also cover sessions around other humanities based disciplines such as English, Creative Writing and Publishing, Media, Politics and Sociology

If you would like to book a visit with us, please get in touch with the team.

Masterclasses and Talks

Our talks and masterclasses are designed to be delivered when it is best for you. Aligned with the current curriculum, they will give your students an insight into our academic expertise and elevate their subject knowledge. Below are just some of the topics that our academics can deliver to inspire your students.

If you would like the team to deliver one of the below masterclasses, or have a topic in mind that is not listed then please get in touch with the team.

The End of an Era? Donald Trump's Second Presidency

In this session, students will explore challenges to US power in the world, from China's economic rise to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. We will examine the mainstream narratives of the decline of US power and the theories of international relations, and then examine how the US is responding to Donald Trump's second presidency, giving students a better evidence-based understanding of the evolving world order.

This session can be delivered either in your school or college or at the University.

Future United States President entering White House post-election, back view amidst American flags and spectators.

India and the British Empire, 1914-1948

Students will examine the role of the Indian subcontinent in Britain's Empire from the First World War to Independence. This masterclass will trace the path to independence and partition, reflect on the nature of late colonial British rule in India, and survey the many competing visions for India's future that existed at the time.

This session can be delivered either in your school or college or at the University.

Indian and UK flag

Doing History in Public

From documentaries and museums to social media and podcasts, historians are increasingly looking for new ways to share their knowledge and understanding of the past. This masterclass will explore the ways we produce and consume historical knowledge. It will think about what strategies work, what has been less effective and why. Then choosing a relevant case study, your students will design a strategy for sharing historical knowledge to a wider audience.

This session can be delivered either in your school or college or at the University.

A student handling an artefact

Mao's China, 1949-1976

Explore some of the key debates about the People's Republic of China under Mao Zedong, including it's rocky relationship with much of the rest of the world. This masterclass examines the legacies of Mao's rule left for present-day China and explores how an awareness of history can help us shape international relations in the present.

This session can be delivered either in your school or college or at the University.

Tiananmen gate in Beijing, China

International Relations and the Middle East region

The Middle East is often indicated as a 'region of conflict' but is that true? And if so, what are the external and domestic factors that create instability and conflict? From the current war in Gaza to the recent crises in Syria and Yemen, this masterclass will provide the opportunity to reflect on the complex politics of the contemporary Middle East.

This session can be delivered either in your school or college or at the University.

Digital map for the middle east region

Sport and Politics: from the local to the global?

In this session, students will explore the complex relationship between sport and politics. Can the two ever by separated? How do different actors use sport for political purposes? This question will be answered by examining several contemporary and historical examples. In doing so, they will be able to see how the relationship between sport and politics manifests itself at different levels, from the local to the global dimension.

This session can be delivered either in your school or college or at the University.

Image of a stadium with the Eifel tower

Rock Against Racism: Culture, Identity and Activism

In this masterclass, students will have the opportunity to explore and evaluate the activist practice - that mix of tactics and cultural texts - of the Rock against Racism movement as it sought to effect socio-political change in 1970s Britain. Therefore, by the end of this multi-disciplinary session, students will have a more in-depth understanding of RAR's 'repertoire of contention'.

This session can be delivered either in your school or college or at the University.

Teacher CPD

In addition to support for your students, our academic team are able to support you with being able to cover topics as part of your curriculum. From giving guided tours of our facilities to offering advice and support around practical activities, we can ensure you are keeping up to date with the latest practices and procedures.

If you would like to arrange a meeting with the team to discuss this further, please get in touch.