Towards a More Inclusive Modern British History? Reflecting on Barriers, Challenges, and Opportunities in Twenty-First Century UK Higher Education.

The article discusses the concept of inclusivity in teaching and learning modern British history in UK higher education. It explores how the idea of inclusivity has shaped research, teaching, and learning in the field, with a focus on new approaches to storytelling, pedagogical debates, and considerations of who learns this history. The article also highlights the challenges faced by historians in the current political climate, including attacks on critical approaches to studying Britain's history and concerns about access to education for socio-economic elites. The Open University is presented as an institution that plays a major role in widening access to studying modern British history, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The article discusses the OU's distance learning model and the use of technology to create inclusive learning environments. It also acknowledges the limitations and barriers faced by certain groups of students, such as those in prison. The OU's curriculum design is described as an opportunity to teach a genuinely 'British' history that reflects the diverse identities and cultures of its students across the UK. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of inclusive teaching and learning in building a more inclusive future for the field of modern British history. [Extracted from the article]