Adam Davis: BA Hons, MPhil, PhD History

Dr Adam Davis

BA Hons, MPhil, PhD History, 2004

"I am a Historian and Out Reach Officer in ICT at the University of Luton."

It was a big step returning to higher education as a mature student for Adam Davis - the pay was terrible for a start! Now he’s got three degrees, works in IT and builds cars in his spare time.

Adam explained: “I chose Luton because it was local and initially I thought I might have been turned down so I had not looked elsewhere. But the student life was okay. I rationed myself to going out twice a month or when there was an organised event. The undergraduate courses were well worth doing as they gave you the freedom to question key events in history and life in general.”

“My first, second and final degree were all done at Luton because at the time we had a very good History Department. To quote Victor Remington – I liked the place so much I stayed!”

“I gained a place in the careers service then progressed to my present post looking after the IT for the University’s nursing sites. It gets me out and about and I am not tied to the desk.”

“When researching for a thesis you have no life outside an archive office. I was fortunate in many respects that my research allowed me to visit New Zealand to use the archives and immerse myself in the culture. When you are looking at the early life of New Zealand it pays to be over there.”

“I jokingly say that I am now an over-qualified box un-packer but in the current climate of the closure of history departments, the future does not look too rosy for a teaching post. But I would not have swopped the learning experience for the earth.”

Adam’s interest in history extends to motors - he builds his own rally cars.

Having had success in the Manx, Ypres and national historic events while also starting on a project to re-build a 1979 MG Midget. “I’m a glutton for punishment!” said Adam.
He is also a keen runner and recently completed the Four Peaks Race in 46 hours and 31 minutes. The team he helped out finished in fourth, their highest-ever placing.

Interview took place in 2004.