“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom” Aristotle said .
I believe in a version of the above quote which goes -
‘ Knowing what you want is the most important part of one’s existence’
Since childhood I have been fascinated by the Renaissance , the Industrial Revolution and turmoil that the continent of Europe has experienced, resulting progress and phenomenal growth on peoples’ faculty . I believe that developed countries are those which has been able to capitalize on history and ensure all of history has been made to contribute in broadening horizons of culture , knowledge , education and even trade and commerce.
My understanding of all these is through books , documentaries and radical journalism of yester years . Somehow I believe I am like that person who loves tea and can distinguish between teas , judge the quality through aroma, after taste and level of fermentation , yet, had I been trained I would know that I am not speculative only , but know tea for sure .
My passion for Renaissance , Industrial Revolution , the Great Depression , French and Russian Revolutions and the Imperialism of Europe compels me to want study history of Europe . I believe it is the history that builds the future and there are great lessons to be learnt .
From that perspective , if I were to study any subject of my choice anywhere in the UK it would be History . Where I would do that ? I have researched a lot to find out what would be convenient to me and work for me in terms of all the Universities that the UK has to offer .
That is why I mentioned at the beginning of the blog that I believe knowing what I want is the most important step in research of any form.
I would like to do my post- graduation at the University of Manchester – hot center of the Industrial Revolution and now the hot center for perhaps what is being termed as Urban Renaissance . The location is intriguing
The University curriculum offers a 12 months long course and offers prospective students an individual pathway and if I were to quote “ pathway through time space and methodology” which can be “ methodical , chronological and geographical” . This appeals to me , I can choose what I want to study about in History , in the city which is perhaps now going through a similar situation except in a modern world .
Since I do not speak any other European Language , UK is an obvious choice . However in the UK the Manchester is the preference for more than one reason .
The University of Manchester ranks 38 in the world in overall for Arts and Humanities , with an International Outlook score of 67 and a research score of 55 . There are 4000 full time academics and the University boasts of 25 Nobel Laureates . If I were to compare these facts with the best University in the UK – Oxford scores would be comparable and yet for a fee which is much lesser . In University of Manchester , the tuition fee for a 12 months History course would be 14000 pounds , cheaper than an Oxford and less intimidating for a person coming from India.
There are students from 154 countries who study there and it would be easier to find people with similar backgrounds to be able to garner an atmosphere of intellectual exchanges .
The fact sheet is impressive and appeals to a person like me who would like customizing of knowledge according to my interests which spreads across time and space .
Knowledge is great – knowledge of self is nirvana , knowledge of your interests is just good management and taking control of what and where you want to learn.
For me Knowledge is great at University of Manchester
