Dietmar Sternad
Student spotlight details
Dietmar completed the Postgraduate Certificate in Historical Studies and is currently undertaking the Master's in Historical Studies at the Department. His research focuses on the people who kept Benedictine monasteries running in late medieval England. With the support of the prestigious 2024–25 T.E. Lawrence Award for Mediaeval History, Dietmar’s work is shedding new light on a pivotal chapter of England’s past.
‘I’ve spent my career as a professor in management but I’d always been fascinated by history, especially the structures that hold societies together over time. I had never had the chance to study history in a formal, systematic way – the Postgraduate Certificate and MSt in Historical Studies offered me that opportunity.
‘I focused my research on the role of monastic officials in Benedictine monasteries in late medieval England. My first project for the Postgraduate Certificate explored the almoner’s role in organising poor relief. For my Master's, I examined the cellarer and cellaress, drawing on records from twelve monasteries across the country. The findings have been surprising; far from being in decline, these institutions had developed robust, adaptable systems that kept them relevant for centuries.
‘Receiving the T.E. Lawrence Award has been a great help in covering the practical costs of research – travel to archives, manuscript digitisation and books. As I’m based in Austria, this support has made it possible for me to visit collections in the UK and deepen my work.
‘Studying at the Department has been an incredible experience. The courses were so inspiring, and the passion of the lecturers, especially my supervisor Professor Elizabeth Gemmill, was truly contagious. The sense of community, whether over meals in college or the camaraderie of fellow students, has been a real highlight. And then there’s Oxford itself. Walking through the Bodleian, sitting in a chapel service and being part of such a rich academic environment – it’s something I’ll never forget.
‘I often got up early to study while the family was still asleep. It was a big commitment, but it was worth every hour. This experience has given me a new way of seeing the world, through the lens of history, and I’ve loved every step of the journey.
‘To anyone considering studying at the Department for Continuing Education, don’t underestimate the time it takes, but don’t underestimate the rewards either. If you bring your passion, the Department will meet you with support and inspiration at every turn.’
