Lancaster University History Department’s first ever on-line course ‘Lancaster Castle and Northern English History: the View from the Stronghold’ was a runner-up in a national ‘Learning on Screen’ award.

It was one of four nominees in the ‘Online Education Resource’ category – up against the BBC and two other universities.

The Judges described the Lancaster University resource as ‘professional and engaging’. They also praised the well-produced videos which featured enthusiastic presenters and created a sense of anticipation.

The Learning on Screen awards are the UK’s only celebration of film and media in education. This is the first such award nomination for an online course produced by Lancaster University. The winners were announced at a ceremony at the Curzon Soho on April 25^th.

The Department’s Regional Heritage Centre produced the course in partnership with the University’s Information Systems Services and the Duchy of Lancaster.

The course lasts for four weeks and is free to access via the Futurelearn platform [https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/lancaster-castle]

It ran for the first time in October 2018 and will start again in October 2019, precise date to be announced.

Dr Fiona Edmonds, Director of the Regional Heritage Centre, said: “Even though we didn't win, it was a great ceremony, and the standard of nominees in every category was amazingly high. So I'm just pleased we were nominated.

“The course takes an innovative approach to historical study by using one, iconic, castle as an accessible way into two millennia of northern England’s past.

“We were delighted that the value of this approach has been recognised by the nomination for this award, as well as by the many learners worldwide who took the course.

“We are very grateful to the Duchy of Lancaster for their support during the creation of the course, which has enabled us to showcase the Castle’s fascinating buildings and history.”

The award was won by the Royal Holloway University of London resource on 'How Television Was Made'.