Humanities and Social Science Conference 2023

Last week, University Centre Peterborough hosted its 8^th annual Humanities and Social Science Conference. This academic conference brought together industry professionals, lecturers, and local college students, allowing them the chance to listen to the University’s Level 6 students’ dissertation presentations.

The event, organised by University Centre Peterborough’s very own Claire Bowes, Paul Wilks, Rebecca Treston, and Claire Swales, covered many different subjects and specialties. With over 30 different presentations taking place across the morning and afternoon, the audience had the opportunity to listen to a talk about the perceptions of online nudity before finding out how bread was baked in Romano Britain.

Claire Bowes, Curriculum Leader for HE Psychology, and one of the organisers of the event, praised the calibre of work being presented by the students; “Our interdisciplinary conference brings together a broad variety of perspectives”. Claire continued, “Our students gained expert feedback on their dissertations in progress via panel members. Presenters valued the feedback and experience of presenting at an academic conference and the audience was inspired by the wide range of topics that were presented with passion and knowledge”.

This feedback proves to be invaluable to the students when finalising their dissertation. “The conference is one of the highlights and I received really useful and constructive feedback to help me with my dissertation” said Helen Waters, a Level 6 Psychology student. This feeling was also shared by Level 6 student Jameela Jaali, who stated, “The conference is an opportunity for me to get valuable feedback from academic experts, and ex-students”. And, as their deadline looms ever closer, this conference could be key in the final months of writing their dissertations.

Whilst the conference was at foremost an academic showcase, there was still an opportunity for the students to be honoured with awards for their hard work.

Throughout the day there were panels, made up of industry professionals from a range of backgrounds, including Cambridgeshire Constabulary, Arden University, Teach East, and many more, which then attended the presentations. These individuals were split into nine panels, and came together to pick their favourites, which were put forward for the ‘Panel Choice’ award.

Alongside this, each audience member had the chance at the end of the day, to vote for their favourite presentations, which were then put forward for the ‘People’s Choice’ award.

With all of the votes in and counted, the winners were…

A huge well done to not only the winners, but every Level 6 student who presented; each conducted themselves professionally and gave passionate, inspiring presentations. This conference was a fantastic opportunity for students to gather valuable insights on their dissertations, as well as gain experience presenting in front of large audiences of people. We can’t wait for next year to be bigger and better!