Educational Podcasts to Listen to in 2024: A Subject-Specific Guide to BBC’s Higher Education Podcast: ‘In Our Time’
BBC’s In Our Time podcast should be a regular feature on all higher education students’ down-time agendas. Crossing multiple subjects, the educational podcast series serves as a perfect introduction to university level discussion, opening young minds to a number of key thinkers and theories they won’t have come across at school. Oxford English student, Sarah, offers her view on why you should tune in:
In this podcast, the presenter Melvyn Bragg leads discussions on a variety of subjects with experts in each field he covers. Each episode focuses on a different area of knowledge, from Ancient Greek mythology and the origins of Mathematics to the discovery of the atom. There are also episodes which focus exclusively on a notable individual, such as the novelist George Eliot or the scientist Isaac Newton.
The podcast forms an accessible but challenging introduction to areas which you might not cover in detail at school. It is especially helpful for those of you preparing to apply to university; you can easily expand your knowledge of your chosen subject by listening to the relevant episodes in this podcast series. Make sure to take notes as you listen.
Revision is a necessary part of any student's academic journey. It's the process of reviewing and practicing the material covered in class in preparation for exams. However, revision can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to subjects that are complex or difficult to understand. This is where 'In Our Time' can be helpful.
The podcast provides an in-depth analysis of various topics, presented in a conversational style that's easy to understand. The experts invited to the show are knowledgeable in their fields, making their insights valuable for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Moreover, the podcast provides a historical perspective, which is crucial for revising topics that have evolved over time.
For instance, if you're studying philosophy and want to revise a specific topic, you can look up the relevant episode of 'In Our Time.' The experts on the show provide an overview of the subject, including its historical background, key concepts, and relevant theories. This information can be helpful in consolidating your knowledge and understanding of the topic, especially if you're struggling with a particular aspect.
Furthermore, 'In Our Time' is an excellent resource for revision because it's easily accessible. You can download the podcast and listen to it while commuting, doing house chores, or even during a break between classes. This flexibility allows you to revise at your own pace and on your own schedule.
The podcast will also introduce you to the way in which academics conduct discussions; pay attention to the ways the speakers present and develop their points and use their techniques in your own university interviews.
Wondering which episode to start with? Below is a subject-specific guide to some of the highlights of the series.
History Podcast Episodes
The In Our Time archives form an encyclopaedic introduction to the key events in British and World History. Episodes range from assessment of historical turning points such as The Trial of Charles I and Tsar Alexander II’s Assassination to political movements such as Republicanism. For overviews of the major overarching forces in recent British history, start with The British Empire and Atrocity in the 20th Century.
Science Podcast Episodes
For physicists, highlights include The Physics of Time and The Physics of Reality. For discussion of specific topics, Kinetic Theory and Heat are great places to start. Chemists will enjoy podcasts on key figures in the field, such as Ernest Rutherford and John Dalton, and specific discussions of elements such as Carbon and Oxygen. Biologists can explore central issues in the field from The Origins of Life to Evolution and Genetic Mutation.
Maths Podcast Episodes
Mathematicians can focus on specific elements such as Game Theory and Calculus. For an introduction to the fascinating history of the subject, there are episodes on Renaissance Maths and Maths in the Early Islamic World. For an approach to Maths from a more unusual angle, listen to the episode on Maths and Music.
English Podcast Episodes
An area of English Literature which you might not yet have been exposed to is the very earliest works in English. There are several episodes which form introductions to the key medieval texts in the canon: start with Beowulf and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. If it’s Shakespeare you’re after, there are episodes on some of his individual plays, including The Tempest and King Lear. These are crucial listening if you’re hoping to discuss a specific Shakespeare play in an Oxbridge interview. There are episodes covering each period of literary history, right up to twentieth century classics such as Virginia Woolf’s Mrs Dalloway and George Orwell’s Animal Farm.
Classics Podcast Episodes
If you’re looking to study Latin or Classical Greek at university, it’s crucial to explore writers beyond the small range which you study at A Level. Look to podcasts on individual authors such as Catullus and Ovid, or episodes on key texts such as Aeschylus’s Oresteia or Virgil’s Aeneid. For an introduction to the most important literary form in the classical period, turn to The Epic, and for historical background, start with The School of Athens or Rome and European Civilisation.
In conclusion, 'In Our Time' is an excellent tool for revision. Its expert insights, historical perspectives, accessibility, and variety of topics make it an invaluable resource for students of all ages. Whether you're studying for a high school exam or a university degree, the podcast provides an engaging and informative way to revise and consolidate your knowledge.
The podcast airs on BBC Radio 4 and is accessible via the BBC Sounds website or app, Spotify, as well as on iTunes.
Keen to Enhance Your Co-curricular Learning Further?
View our co-curricular division, Minds Underground’s podcast page! Minds Underground is also a fantastic source of inspiration for other co-curricular endeavours, such as essay competitions, ‘beyond the syllabus’ summer schools and research projects.
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