Ever wondered how data can shine a light on the past? Data is a very important part of studying history. For example, the UK census has been collected every 10 years since 1801, and reading it can tell us a huge amount about what life was like a hundred years ago. It can tell us how many people lived in different places, what jobs they did, how long they lived for and how cramped their houses were.

This workshop aims to introduce A-level history students to economics-based approaches to studying history, and show them how quantitative historical data can be used to shine a light on historical debates.

The event will consist of a one-day workshop divided into three sessions. The first session will introduce students to the field of economic history, and explain how it can improve our understanding of the past. The second session will talk about the power of numbers, and how data can be used to investigate historical phenomena and long-term trends. After lunch, the third session will focus on the economic history research conducted at Queen’s University Centre for Economic History (QUCEH). Academics will talk to students about their own research, and encourage them to comment and ask questions.

This event is for young people, schools and colleges and is invitation only.