Flintshire student earns one of the highest-ever history dissertation marks at Chester University

A Flintshire student has been recognised for her outstanding academic achievements after securing one of the highest-ever dissertation marks in the University of Chester’s History department.

Sadie Spencer, 22, from Flintshire, earned a 92% mark for her Master’s dissertation, capping off a successful academic journey at Chester, where she also achieved a First-Class BA in History. She is now applying for PhD programmes across the UK.

Reflecting on her time at the University ,Sadie said: “I had a great experience studying History at Chester, both at undergraduate and Master’s level. The small class sizes and fantastic academic and pastoral support from staff created a friendly and engaging learning environment.”

Sadie’s Master’s dissertation examined cultural representations of urban victims of gender-based violence in London at the fin de siècle, the final decades of the 19th century. She explored how societal anxieties shaped narratives around male violence and the perception of female victims in late-Victorian London.

She explained: “One of the main aims of my research was to challenge the dominant script within historiographical understandings of gender-based violence, which overwhelmingly favours analyses of male offenders over female victims.”

Her research took a victim-centred approach, offering a fresh perspective on historical narratives that have often been overshadowed by the focus on male offenders, such as in studies of Jack the Ripper.

Looking Ahead

Sadie is now seeking funding for a PhD and has been involved in a voluntary research role with a heritage organisation, an opportunity she credited to Chester’s History team.

“It’s an extremely daunting and competitive process, so I’ve had to get used to really putting myself out there, something that’s out of my comfort zone!” she admitted.

Despite moving on from Chester, she highlighted the continued support from her tutors in helping her navigate the next steps in her academic career.

Sadie’s exceptional work has been widely recognised by University of Chester faculty members.

Dr Hannah Ewence, Head of Humanities, Cultures and Environment, noted:

“Sadie developed a keen interest in gender history during her undergraduate degree, eventually writing her dissertation on infanticide in Victorian London. This was a truly exceptional piece of work.”

Professor of Modern European History Tim Grady added: “Sadie’s performance as an MA student was exceptional. She achieved over 70% in all modules, with two modules in the 80s and then a remarkable 92% for her dissertation. This is one of the highest (if not the highest) marks awarded for the dissertation module.”

Dr Ewence further praised Sadie as a “highly sought-after student” now being considered for multiple funding awards for her PhD.

Alongside her studies, Sadie contributed to the university community, working as an Academic and Events Ambassador, a peer mentor, and volunteering with external organisations.

For more information on studying History at the University of Chester, visit: University of Chester – History BA