Retrospect Journal is the University of Edinburgh’s student-led History, Classics, and Archaeology magazine. We began as the Edinburgh University History Society’s journal in 2006. In 2008, we were shortlisted for the Scottish Herald Award for Best Student Magazine in Scotland which we won in 2010. In 2012, we became a fully fledged society.
Since then, we have been nominated twice for “Collaboration of the Year” at the EUSA Student Awards for our work with RACE.ED in producing our special “Race in Retrospective” edition in 2021, and for our Undergraduate History Conference in collaboration the History Society in 2023.
We publish articles online and in print. These articles include academic essays, features, media reviews, interviews, and historical fiction. Twice a year we publish a print journal with the theme decided by the committee and contributions from students. Some recent print themes include The Nature of History, Communication and Conflict, and Development and Deterioration. We have also produced several special collaborative editions with the likes of RACE.ED and Res Publica. You can read all of these online in our Journal Archive.
Become a Member of Retrospect
Please note that memberships for the 2022/23 academic year have now come to a close. Information on purchasing a membership for the 2023/24 session will be made available in September.
In order to be published by us, we ask that you purchase a membership valid for the current academic year. This can be purchased via our EUSA society page for just £5 for students and £8 for non-Edinburgh students.
As a member of Retrospect, you are guaranteed a minimum of two published articles, online and the possibility to appear in print. You will receive a discount for any events we host, such as pub quizzes, academic seminars, or other social activities.
Each membership purchased goes towards the running of our website and producing our print journal.
Submitting Your Writing
You can find information on the types of articles we accept and how you can submit your work in our Submissions Guide. We welcome articles from current students at the University of Edinburgh and external contributors at any stage in your studies, provided you have purchased a membership.
If you have any questions, please get in touch with us via the contact form or send an email to info@retrospectjournal.com.
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