One of the most rewarding aspects of my PhD has been teaching my research in schools and colleges with The Brilliant Club’s ‘Scholar’s Programme.’ It’s a fantastic initiative that sends PhD researchers into secondary schools and colleges to teach a seven-week course based on their research specialism. The aim? To encourage students from underrepresented backgrounds to consider higher education by giving them a taste of what higher education is like. It’s part teaching, part outreach, and completely worth it.
I’ve now taught four placements with The Brilliant Club, and I’m currently wrapping up my latest two. Each time, I design a course inspired by my research on the Old Norse Legendary sagas, which means I get to introduce students to medieval literature, storytelling, and the larger-than-life heroes of the Viking world. It’s always fascinating to see their reactions—some immediately draw comparisons to their favorite fantasy films and video games, while others become fascinated by the idea of medieval warrior culture. Either way, I love seeing them engage with something they might never have encountered otherwise.
The best part isn’t just sharing my research—it’s watching students gain confidence. Many of them start out unsure of their abilities, sometimes convinced that university isn’t the right path for them. Over the seven weeks, they learn to think critically, discuss ideas in a seminar-style setting, and even write a final assignment that mimics a university-level essay. By the end, they’re presenting their ideas with enthusiasm, asking brilliant questions, and (occasionally) even considering a future in history or literature. Seeing that change is the most rewarding part.
On a personal level, The Brilliant Club has also been fantastic teaching experience. As PhD researchers, we spend so much time buried in our own research bubbles that we don’t always think about how to make our work accessible. Teaching teenagers forces you to get creative—if you can’t explain medieval heroic ideals in a way that keeps a room full of 15-year-olds interested, you’re in trouble. It’s definitely improved my ability to communicate ideas clearly, think on my feet, and manage a classroom of aspiring scholars. As a scholar who is passionate about community engagement in academia, the Scholars Programme has been a great experience to encourage interest in medieval literature in local schools, and to ensure that young people of all backgrounds and abilities realise their academic potential.
With my current placements coming to an end, I’m already feeling nostalgic about it. Each group of students has brought something new to the experience, and I’ve learned just as much from them as they have from me. If anyone’s thinking about applying to The Brilliant Club, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s a brilliant way to develop teaching skills, share your research with a new audience, and—most importantly—help students see that university is for them, too.
Bodies and Being 