Profile of Amy Chambers

Background...

My name is Amy Chambers; I'm 24 and from Harrogate in North Yorkshire. I graduated from the University of Aberdeen in 2006 with an MA (Hons) in Film Studies and History (joint honours).

I'm currently in my first year of my PhD studying the Planet of the Apes series as history. I'm looking at what it shows us about the period it was made in and how opinions about particular issues developed over the years of the series. I'm also looking at the franchise as a whole and the fan culture that surrounds the films, televisions series’ and related merchandise.

Why Bangor?

I came to Bangor to study with a particular tutor who'd taught me at undergraduate level and I was lucky enough to receive a scholarship from the academic school. But it was the School's interdisciplinary approach to study which appealed to me most as it encouraged the type of study I intended to do rather than trying to curtail it.

The course and ...

The PhD has given me the opportunity to continue my work into an area which captured my interest at undergrad and the school and my supervisor are really supportive. I hope to go out to the California in the next year to look at correspondence from the studio heads and writers involved in the Planet of the Apes series.

The best thing about being at postgrad level is the people. PhD can be lonely and the school offers me the chance to meet people. It's a fairly small academic school so we get to know each other quite well. Everyone doing postgrad is doing something slightly different so we learn from each other and the school gives us the opportunity to share and discuss our ideas.

Advice to prospective students...

If you want somewhere that will encourage your ideas and give you a supportive creative space to do this, come to SCSM. Join us.

My highlight...

Studying. I missed it so much after I finished my undergrad and I now get to spend every day doing what I love best. I aim to be one of life’s eternal students.

Best thing about living in Bangor...

The views are breathtaking if you’re here and I have met lots of really great people. There are also lots of things to do once you’ve finished work for the day. I can’t imagine doing my PhD anywhere else.

The future...

I hope to work in academia. Teaching, researching and writing.