ÑÇÖÞÉ«°É

¶Ù±ð²µ°ù±ð±ð:ÌýMedieval and Early Modern History

Tell us what you liked most about studying History at ÑÇÖÞÉ«°É:
The wide range of modules and the chance to build these into my interests; how approachable the staff were – not only teaching but the support staff in the admin, the libraries and the archives.  

What topics did you enjoy most?
Dr Nia Wyn Jones’ talks on Owain Glyndŵr was fascinating. Dr Mark Hagger’s 'Europe in the High Middle Ages' was so full of information and 'Holy Wars' with Dr Euryn Roberts really deepened my understanding of why so many people left their lives and took the hazardous journey to the Holy Land. Dr Kate Waddington’s 'Experimental Archaeology' was really engaging and really emphasised how the skills learned by experimental archaeologists can deepen our understanding of the past.  

What was your favourite assignment?
This is so difficult! Probably the case study on Boxgrove, from the first year module 'Introduction to British Prehistory' where I used the findings at Boxgrove Quarry to discuss whether early humans were hunter gatherers or simply opportunists. A close second was probably the assignment from the 'Heritage and Identity' module on dissonant history – as this one really challenged me to consider why some elements of history are difficult and how to discuss and make them accessible in a responsible way.  

Tell us a bit about what you did once you graduated...
I joined Gwynedd Archaeological Trust as an Outreach and Education Officer in July – two days after the graduation ceremony! It’s a part time role that takes me into schools and communities, teaching them about the archaeology of the local area and helping them get involved. I share the role with a colleague who is a trained archaeologist, so between us we can really bring the history of the area to life.

Since joining, I’ve been involved with a community dig on Anglesey run with a partner organisation; I’ve gone into schools to teach pupils about the Neolithic and what to look out for when they went to dig. Just recently we have run a community project in Dyffryn Ogwen which combined clearing and recording a local cemetery (with my colleague braving the rain and winds in the field) and a workshop which gave community members the skills to begin their own research into the families buried in the cemetery and what this can tell them about the locality.

As part of the Outreach and Education Team we liaise closely with other organisations, including ÑÇÖÞÉ«°É, to widen engagement with the wealth of archaeology to be found in the area. We might take a replica Iron-age hand quern, flint nodules and prehistoric fibre to a museum, to work with school children from the town (which we did just before Christmas) or we might be liaising with groups to arrange lectures and demonstrations on the archaeology of their neighbourhood. We run craft workshops, and the local Young Archaeologists Club. We offer volunteering opportunities to students and members of the community so that they can get hands-on with their local archaeology and run our social media pages to raise interest in the archaeology of Gwynedd, Môn and wider areas of Wales.

The role is different every day – it’s this that makes it so fulfilling. I also love the fact that I get to share my love of history and archaeology with such a widespread and varied audience.

And the best bit so far? Teaching a class of pupils about the Neolithic and hand axes – and having one of them find a roughout on their way up to the hands-on dig and tell my colleague that he recognised it from my class the week before. That really felt good!

Why choose ÑÇÖÞÉ«°É to study History, Heritage and Archeology?
Coming to ÑÇÖÞÉ«°É, you’re surrounded by history – whether your interest is pre-history right up to the present day. You have World Heritage Sites on your doorstep. The breadth of modules offered enables you to tailor your course to your interests and the staff, who are the leaders in their field, can guide you to the period you most enjoy. The level of support from lecturers, personal tutors and support staff is phenomenal.

Most of all, the feeling of community at ÑÇÖÞÉ«°É is exceptional. Right from the start you build up a support network of peers and staff that will enable you to achieve your goals.

*Modules are subject to change from year to year. Please refer to the course page for the most current module listing. Some modules discussed in this graduate profile may no longer be offered.