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Experience Applied Humanities at a Taster Day

Want to experience our university as an individual?

While our Taster Days are aimed at school and college groups. We also encourage individuals interested in our courses to get in touch. Where possible, we can arrange for you to attend an existing lecture or a suitable session.

Join a guest speaker session

We invite you to join a live module session where current students hear from external guest speakers. This gives you a chance to experience what it would be like to study our course.
 
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Please select the sessions you wish to attend from the options below:

What's Your Community Story? 
Guest: Tom Snape, Citizen's UK

🗓️ Friday 13 March 2026, 9 - 11am

In this session we will welcome Tom Snape from Citizen's UK to explore the stories that are told about the communities we live in, and how we can shape the narratives for positive social change.  Interested in careers in politics, social work, public service, community development or advocacy? This session will help you see how storytelling and collective action can drive change. Learn how to identify the issues that matter most to you, craft powerful community narratives, and use your voice to influence policy and build stronger, fairer communities.
 
Please select if you would like to attend this session

From Local to Global: Building a Career That Makes Change
Guests: Shahin Ashraf MBE, Head of Global Advocacy at Islamic Relief Worldwide

🗓️ Monday 16 March 2026, 12 – 2 pm

In this session, Shahin Ashraf MBE will share her career journey, reflecting on the key moments, decisions and values that have shaped her work across public service, global advocacy and community leadership. Drawing on her role as Head of Global Advocacy at Islamic Relief Worldwide, alongside her recent experience as Mayor of Solihull and as Deputy Leader and elected Councillor with responsibility for policy and strategy, Shahin will explore how personal experience, professional skills and civic responsibility come together in real-world careers.

The session will also address contemporary political and social issues, including advocacy and policy-making, international relations, community cohesion, climate action and social justice. Students will gain insight into leadership pathways, working across sectors, and the practical realities of creating change at local, national and global levels.
 
Please select if you would like to attend this session

What can you do with a degree in Applied Humanities? 
Guests: Applied Humanities graduates

🗓️ Monday 13 April 2026, 12 - 2 pm

In this session we will be joined by a panel of Applied Humanities graduates working in a wide range of fields including psychology, healthcare, teaching, and more.  Come along to find out how Applied Humanities can unlock your potential and help you connect your passions, values, and life experiences to meaningful career paths. You’ll hear honest reflections, practical advice, and inspiring stories about how our graduates are using the skills developed on the course to make a real difference in their communities and beyond.
 
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Can We Disagree Better? Robust and Respectful Political Debate
Guest: Dr Hannah Phillips, Jo Cox Foundation

🗓️ Monday 20 April 2026, 12 – 2 pm

In this session we will welcome Dr Hannah Phillips, a policy professional and researcher at the University of Oxford and The Jo Cox Foundation. Drawing on her experience working in the House of Commons, the United Nations, and across UK and international governance, Hannah will explore how we can foster robust yet respectful political debate in an era of polarisation and online hostility.
 
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Telling Different Stories: Women, ADHD, Autism and the Health Humanities
Guest: Chloe Figget, Educational Mental Health Practitioner, NHS

🗓️ Monday 27 April 2026, 12 – 2 pm

In this session we will welcome Chloe Figget, an Applied Humanities graduate now working as an Educational Mental Health Practitioner in the NHS. Drawing on her own experience of a late ADHD and autism diagnosis, she will discuss the gendered diagnosis gap, the importance of lived experience in healthcare, and how the Health Humanities can help us tell different stories about neurodiversity and wellbeing.
 
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