Prospects Postgrad UK 2007/2008 - (Page 45) SPONSORED BY www.prospects.ac.uk/PostgradUK ARTS AND HUMANITIES 45 SCHOOL OF ARTS FINDING HERFEET After completing a degree in Archeology at the University of Malta, Eleanor Scerri decided to come to the UK to take up a Masters in Human Origins at the University of Southampton. She is now working towards her PhD. I have always loved and been interested in history and archaeology, and the study of culture. I always intended to study archaeology and anthropology and there was never a point where I had to sit down and wonder what to study. I decided to pursue a postgraduate course because I was serious about my studies and had already decided I wanted a career in archaeology, rather than a degree to help me obtain a good job in any area. I enjoyed my undergraduate degree so much, I wanted to continue researching the subject I love. I took a year out after my first degree though, to travel and take a break from what had been a very intense four years of my life. I also did some voluntary work for a charity for mentally disabled children, and took part in the Kythera Island Project, an archaeological survey of the Greek island of Kythera, run by UCL and funded by National Geographic. teaches you what everyone else’s take on a subject is, but at postgraduate level you need to synthesise that and add your own interpretations, all the way to PhD level where you are expected to produce original research. SETTLING INTO LIFE IN THE UK There are many advantages of postgraduate study in the UK. There are plenty of amazing opportunities in the UK for study both here and abroad because of the academic links British universities have overseas. These include access to the best resources, support and influences. Since studying here I am more confident, knowledgeable in my field and have had amazing opportunities. International students struggle with feelings of isolation LEADERS IN ARCHEOLOGY and homesickness far more than domiciled students, I decided to come to the UK as I have family here but also especially when language barriers are involved. I did not because I speak English and wouldn’t have to learn a new language. The biggest factor, though, was that many leaders suffer from a language barrier, but I still felt quite lost when I first moved here. Unlike many other nationalities, in my field are academics at UK universities. I could not club together with other Maltese people I completed my MA at the University of Southampton because there were none, since it is such a small country. and had such a wonderful time that it made sense to continue here. I came to Southampton initially because the It wasn’t easy at first but I did get used to it and now feel course in Human Origins was so unique and the academic really settled. I have met lots of really interesting and valuable people staff so fantastic. I did not regret my decision in any way, as in Southampton and it is close to many other interesting it was a better experience than I could have ever hoped for. I am now studying an MPhil with a view to completing places like Salisbury, New Forest National Park, the coast, my PhD. This level is very research intensive. A first degree and London. http://www.prospects.ac.uk/PostgradUK
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