Race, Gender, and Identity

Research strands

There are three major strands to our research within this cluster.

• Research on the history of the African Diaspora, with a particular interest in the transatlantic slave trade; the African roots of Brazilian Capoeira; the legal and humanitarian dimensions of the infamous Zong massacre; and diasporic identities as expressed in African biographical narratives from the era of the slave trade.
• Gender and identity in early modern Europe, with particular focus on witchcraft beliefs and witch-persecution in Germany; the gendering of space and its use in English households and communities; and the medical and healing practices in families, communities, and professions in France and Britain.
• Research into the interaction of ideas and experiences of body, mind and self in 20th-century Britain, with particular focus on the effects of post-war contraception methods on women’s experiences, understandings of bodily health, and emotional wellbeing.

Research supervision

Our expert staff are happy to supervise postgraduate research in all of these areas. Please contact them directly for more information about supervision, or explore our research degrees and what to expect from a degree in the Department of History. You can also find out how to apply for postgraduate research at Essex, or use research finder if you are interested in searching for further research opportunities at Essex.

History degrees

Are you looking to study a history degree at undergraduate, masters or PhD level? In the Department of History, we have a variety of courses to choose from which cover a broad range of subjects. These include; modern history, art history, criminology, economics, literature, human rights, international relations, politics, film, and culture and society.

A degree in history is essential in helping to shape our future. Explore our courses, or visit our subject area to find out more about the degrees and modules that Essex has to offer.