The Department offered the potential for gaining extensive training as a professional archaeologist
Why did you decide to study for your Archaeology degree at the University of Sheffield?
Ever since I was a child, I have wanted to become an archaeologist. The connection to the past and the thrill of discovery convinced me to make archaeology my life’s calling. I chose to study the BA in Archaeology at the University of Sheffield because the Department of Archaeology is one of the leading institutions in this field, especially in landscape archaeology and zooarchaeology. Furthermore, the department offered the potential for gaining extensive training as a professional archaeologist. At the same time, the cost of living in Sheffield is relatively low compared to other UK cities, making it less of a financial burden for me.
What do you enjoy most about your course?
As my first degree in archaeology, these three years of study have been a great way to broaden my horizons. There are a wide range of elective courses including desk-based research on various civilizations, fieldwork, and osteological experiments. This has helped me choose a direction of study that I was good at and interested in for my postgraduate degree.
What are you hoping to do once you have completed your degree, and has the department/ University helped advise/ guide you in any way towards this end goal? (In particular, have there been any careers events etc. that have helped with this, have any academics put you in contact with heritage organisations etc.)
After completing my degree, I plan to pursue a postgraduate degree in archaeology with a focus on Asian archaeology and heritage. The department offers various fieldwork opportunities, which have allowed me to gain valuable experience in conducting geophysical surveys and carrying out excavations. These experiences have helped me to stand out and get involved in a huge archaeological excavation project at the Jiangkou Chenyin Historic Site, in my home country. What is more, I have also been involved in the Transforming and Activating Places (TAP) programme held by the University this year. As an Asian student, this was a vital opportunity to gain experience in a UK museum.
What advice would you give to prospective/ other current Archaeology students at the University of Sheffield?
Please take advantage of the opportunities offered by the University and the Department, and try a variety of courses to help determine your future interest in research or your desired career path!