Peter Claus

Dr. Peter Claus is an academic at the University of Oxford, holding the positions of Access Fellow at Pembroke College, Senior Research Fellow in History, and Director of OxNet and CredOx. His roles involve both academic research and initiatives aimed at widening access to higher education for students from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The OxNet 'Hub' model, launched in 2008, provides preparatory courses to attract underrepresented candidates to research-intensive universities like Oxford and Cambridge.

His research interests focus on modern British history, including the City of London's historiography, East End social history, and educational inequality over time. He is currently writing a book on the 'East End Underworld' in the twentieth century and co-authoring the third edition of History: An Introduction to Theory, Method and Practice with John Marriott. He also leads CredOx, collaborating on projects with Stanford University and applying data science methods to educational disparities.

In media and public engagement, Claus has contributed to BBC Radio 4 series such as Things we Forgot to Remember and Mapping the Towns, spoken at The Cambridge Union, and been featured in outlets like Times Higher Education, Time Magazine, and regional newspapers. His teaching includes courses on British Isles history, historiography, and modern historical approaches at Pembroke College.

As Director of OxNet and CredOx, he emphasizes interdisciplinary research and community-based outreach. No specific grants or student advisees are listed, though his initiatives inherently involve mentoring students through academic access programs. His work bridges historical scholarship with contemporary issues of educational equity and public engagement.