Our newest Professor: Tom Buchanan



The title of 'Professor of Modern British and European History' has been awarded to Tom Buchanan, our Director of Studies in History and Politics, and Co-Director of our Certificate in History. The title comes 'with immediate effect'.

At Oxford University, the title of Professor is awarded on the basis of an academic's research, and stipulates that it must be of outstanding quality, and have led to a significant international reputation.

Though the recognition is new, Tom has been with the Department for some years, having joined us in 1990 as a University Lecturer in Modern History and Politics.

Of his Professorship, Tom said, 'I was delighted and honoured to receive this recognition from the University. As the title indicates, my research has been mainly concerned with the interface between Britain, Europe and the wider world during the twentieth century. My initial work on the Spanish Civil War has lead me over time into many other areas, such as political Catholicism, the relationship between Britain and China, and the rise of human rights activism. One of the great pleasures of being Director of Studies in History and Politics at OUDCE has been that I have been able to share my interest in the Spanish Civil War with so many students over the years'

Professor Jonathan Michie, Director of the Department, said, 'Tom Buchanan has made a tremendous contribution to the University of Oxford over the years, most notably to its Department for Continuing Education, but also more widely. His research and publications have been thoughtful and insightful, and student feedback on his teaching is invariably enthusiastic. This is indeed a most well-deserved honour.'

Though the award of Professor is based on an academic's research, Tom is very well known (and much appreciated) by more than two decades' worth of students for his teaching ability.

Valery Rose, a former student on the Foundation Certificate in History who first met Tom in 2005, said, 'Tom's Spanish Civil War course was particularly inspiring, and although he covered many new and complex issues, his seminars were always accessible and they generated much discussion within our group. In our personal tutorials Tom took the time to nurture our academic understanding and development and his criticism was always constructive and encouraging. As a direct result of the course and Tom's teaching, several members of our year group went on to study History at degree level and beyond, and we all emerged with a much richer appreciation of what historical study has to offer'

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Published 25 November 2014