Samuel Robert Wallace

Please tell us a bit about yourself and your background.

I came to Leeds after finishing my BA in History at the University of York, and was greatly interested in the War and Strategy course due to the opportunities for study it offered. In my spare time I do re-enactment, both of the Dark Ages, and World War Two, and I also enjoy playing my bass guitar and watching anime and gaming.

What made you want to apply to your MA course and to Leeds?

A combination of the course content, which focuses heavily on military history, the location of the university, and the University’s reputation.

What is it that makes you passionate about your area of study?

I’ve had an interest in history from a young age, particularly from seeing displays on weapons and armour, and I’ve carried that with me into academic life, where it developed into my passion for military history, which was a key factor in my selection of the War and Strategy course to further my academic education.

What aspects of the course did you enjoy the most?  

The focus on military theory and practice, which makes the War and Strategy course quite unique, and the ability to take a range of relevant modules from both the School of History and Medieval Studies, and which offer great variety in both the eras and the foci studied.

What would you say about the learning facilities in your School and at the University in general?

The School of History is a large department with an incredibly broad and varied range of research interests, but is still welcoming, and offers considerable pastoral support. Both within the School and across the wider University there are a range of facilities available to students for learning support, and a wealth of study spaces, particularly within the libraries, make working at university comfortable. 

What other activities are available for students to take part in outside of their studies, and which ones have you tried out yourself?

Leeds spoils you for choice with the number and variety of societies you can join, all of them with thriving membership bases. I’m part of a number of general interest societies, all of which have been really welcoming, particularly Anime & Manga and Sci-Fi & Fantasy, which run a range of activities and trips throughout the year.

What do you plan to do now you’ve finished your course, and how do you think the skills and knowledge you’ve developed at Leeds will help with these plans?

I am in fact going on to do my doctorate in history here at Leeds, a decision informed by my experience here at the University.