Biography

I joined the University of Portsmouth in 2018 where I am a Senior Lecturer in Naval History teaching on Portsmouth's MA in Naval, Maritime and Coastal History.

My research focuses upon the twentieth century Royal Navy and its role within Britain's wider imperial system, during both peace and war. In particular, my first book Gunboats, Empire and the China Station explores the Royal Navy's China Station and Britain's East Asian Empire during the 1920s.  I have also had recent journal articles published in the Journal of Strategic Studies and The International History Review.

Research interests

I am on the editorial board of the Coastal Studies and Society and The Northern Marine/Le marin du nord journals, as well as being a member of council for both the Society for Nautical Research and a Vice President for the Navy Records Society.

Teaching responsibilities

I teach on the MA in Naval, Maritime and Coastal History and supervise student dissertations on the BA in History.

I supervise PhD students on a range of topics, if you are interested in starting doctoral research under my supervision then please get in touch.

Media availability

I am happy to take calls and emails from media on my research, and am aware of the need to respond to journalists in a timely manner. Please contact me via: [email protected].

Interested journalists can also contact the University's Media and Communications team for support and advice on all media engagement, including out of hours.

Research outputs

2025

What these new landing barges can tell us about China's plans to invade Taiwan

Heaslip, M.

2 Apr 2025, In: The Conversation

Research output: Article

2024

21st century maritime Britain in context - 100 years on

Heaslip, M.

16 May 2024,

Research output: Chapter (peer-reviewed)

Staying afloat - managing mission creep during the Royal Navy intervention in the Baltic

Heaslip, M.

1 Jan 2024,

Research output: Chapter (peer-reviewed)

2023

The personal and operational consequences of global forward basing and officer rotation in the interwar Royal Navy

Heaslip, M.

1 Nov 2023, In: The International History Review. 44, 6, p. 1230-1247

Research output: Article

2021

Britain's armed forces and amphibious operations in peace and war 1919-1939: a Gallipoli curse?

Heaslip, M.

12 Aug 2021, In: The Journal of Strategic Studies. 44, 5, p. 737-759

Research output: Article

View all my research outputs