Voices of the University
To celebrate our 50th Anniversary, the Institute of Advanced Study presents an oral history project entitled, ‘Voices of the University’, a collection of over 200 interviews with current and former staff, students and local residents, revealing our rich history.
The project has unearthed a wealth of knowledge about our University, the development of Higher Education and research in the UK, the history of student life and the social and cultural history of Britain after 1945.
Our series of podcasts draws together the most interesting themes and features clips taken directly from the interviews. We'll also feature a blog post for each month to complement the podcasts, highlighting more themes and continuing the story.
Podcasts |
Blogs |
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January |
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Opening in 1965In the first episode of our series, IAS Research Fellow Grace Huxford explores the opening of the university in 1965. |
Let's start at the beginningContinuing the story of Warwick's opening in 1965, here are some more of our favourite recollections from students who were some of the first to start their studies at the University. What made Warwick so exciting? |
February |
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University DevelopmentGrace Huxford introduces extracts from the collection regarding university and campus development since 1965. |
Campus DevelopmentFebruary's podcast shows that campus is an integral part of the our "Warwick experience", but which buildings have been here the longest? In our second blog we give a rundown of the first 10 buildings to spring up on campus. |
March |
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Campus LifeWhat has campus life been like for our students over the past 50 years? |
Campus loveCampus life has been an integral part of the student experiece as March's podcast shows. But what of campus love? Nine interviewees who found their significant others on campus share their stories. |
April |
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The Students' UnionGrace Huxford introduces extracts from the collection on the University of Warwick Students’ Union. |
Warwick's SUOur first students lobbied for a Students' Union to house their administrative and social activities. Ten Warwick alumni and students describe their relationship with the building and its place as a student hub over the past five decades. |
May |
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Student ActivitiesDiscover the world of Warwick student activities, societies and politics. |
Student PoliticsWarwick’s Students’ Union has been politically active both on a national scale and in the organisation of its activities and physical presence on campus. Eight interviewees describe their political activities as students. |
June |
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VIPs at WarwickDiscover Warwick's royal and political guests. |
VIPs at Warwick - Families on CampusStudents have also had their own VIPs to welcome to campus over the last five decades - parents and families. |
July |
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Research at WarwickHow has research shaped our University? |
Student Research at WarwickPostgraduates and undergraduate students have been researching varied subjects across all faculties since 1965. Here are some of them. |
August |
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The Arts CentreWhat's the history of Warwick's beloved and pioneering Arts Centre? |
Student and staff artsDiscover the history of student and staff music, performance and art, through the decades. |
September |
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Teaching and Learning at WarwickHow have generations of Warwick students experienced teaching and learning? |
'Alternative' learning at WarwickOver the years, many students have benefited from part-time, later-life, Open Studies or spare-time learning at Warwick. Discover their stories here. |
October |
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Arriving at WarwickOur participants share their first impressions of the university when they arrived. |
"My favourite place on campus"Many ‘Voices of the University’ participants were asked to share their favourite place on campus. Here are our top 10 answers. |
November |
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Behind the ScenesNovember's extracts highlight the work of staff who perform vital and sometimes ‘unseen’ work at Warwick. |
Off-campus experiencesDiscover the off-campus experiences that have enriched the lives of both students and staff during Warwick’s 50 year history. |
December |
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Warwick in 2015What will the future hold for the Warwick? |
The best of the collectionAn introduction to seven interviews from the collection from individuals who have some of the best life-stories to tell. |
New podcasts |
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David and Reg ClaytonReg and David Clayton, who farmed Tocil Farm before it was sold to become the site of our university, recall what life was like before and after the building works began. Hear tales of uprooting trees with dynamite, haunted buildings, farm work and the growth of our campus. |