As a PhD student I can fully appreciate the importance of a strong student- tutor relationship. I am fortunate that my PhD supervisor specialises in an area of study that is closely linked to my own research. As a consequence we are able to have a strong two way dialogue and I am confident that he understands the information I am attempting to convey and I have full confidence in any advice or recommendation he offers me.

Having such a relationship with a tutor is always vital, but even more so in a subject such as history where dialogue and debate form such a central part of the learning experience. Although it is relatively rare that the interests and specialities of tutor and student completely match it is vital that both parties enjoy a high degree of trust and confidence.

A good tutor is somebody who should always be approachable, and somebody who you should not be afraid to give the wrong answer to or admit a failure to understand. A good relationship between a student and tutor can mean the difference between a student deciding to follow the subject as a career path, or quitting the subject at the earliest opportunity.