Lars Cook

Lars Cook graduated in 2007 with an MA in Scottish Historical Studies, and then again in 2010 with an MLitt in Scottish History. He now lectures at Dundee College.

I was a mature student when I arrived at the University of Dundee at the age of 34. I do not regret it one bit. In fact I often wonder why I did not do it sooner.

From the time that I first moved to Scotland in the early 1980's I had developed an interest in Scotland's past. My interest became almost an obsession made more so by the nature of my job, a costumed interpreter, working at sites such as Stirling Castle, Dunfermline Abbey and St. Andrews Cathedral. By coming to Dundee University I was able to train, with the help of the department, in all the techniques of researching, writing and theories. I also learned new approaches to looking at Scotland's history.

After graduating with an MA (Hons) in Scottish Historical Studies I was commissioned by the National Wallace Monument to research aspects of Wallace's life and present these findings to members of the public, many whose only understanding came from Braveheart. I then decided that I would like to take my academic experiences to a higher level and enrolled as an MLitt student in Scottish History.

I am now a lecturer at Dundee College teaching Intermediate, Higher and HNC students the joys of history. I use the research methods that I was taught and the teaching methods that I experienced at Dundee University every day with my students. I also pass on those skills that I gained on to my students. My hope is that I inspire my students the way members of the History Department inspired me.