After graduating from my MSc in 2015, I took up an AHRC-funded PhD at the University of Manchester. I'm currently writing-up my thesis entitled, 'Physicians, Priests and Possessed Patients: The medical culture of bewitchment and demonic possession in early modern England', to submit for examination in September 2019. Not only was my MSc integral to my application and funding success for the PhD, it has contributed to my methodological thinking and enhanced my doctoral studies. Although an early modernist, the exposure in this course to approaches to gender history across time and geography, including oral history and social science, has had a large impact in how I have analysed over 1,800 cases of supposed bewitchment as treated by the 17th century astrologer-physician Richard Napier. In particular, it has helped me to analyse the importance of gender and the life-cycle in medical consultations and approaches to bewitchment across age groups. The MSc in Gender History also contributed to my personal development, helping to open my eyes to a broad range of historical and contemporary issues and the importance gender and its study. On completion of my PhD, I am planning to enter the Civil Service as a researcher and I am currently applying for jobs, including one at the Policy Lab, part of the Cabinet Office. I intend to use the research skills and knowledge acquired throughout my PhD and MSc in Gender History to help shape future policy. 

First published: 16 February 2021

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