Heritage and Archaeology | Student Experience

Rhiannon joined the University of Bradford as an undergrad on the BA (Hons) Heritage and Archaeology degree. Having worked in an IT role for 20 years, it was only when she was unexpectedly made redundant that she decided the time was finally right to explore something she truly loved.

This is Rhiannon's story.

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You're not too old to go to university
I hated my job in IT. So when I unexpectedly lost my job in 2021, I decided to not see it as a disaster, but rather as an opportunity. At almost 40 years old, it was time for a change.

I started searching for a degree that would encompass all my different interests in history, museums, archaeology, and the science of finding artefacts. This degree at Bradford covered everything in one nice package.

Mixed feelings
It was exciting going to university. I was daunted at first, coming in as a mature student and switching my head into study mode.

I am transgender and have ADHD and dyslexia, which the University actually screened me for, so it was even more of a challenge to work on assignments. But I've received so much support from Bradford, in every sense.

Proud to take part in university experiences
My plan was to just get my head down and study. But you could say I've thrown myself into uni life! I was proud to be elected as the first ever Trans+ Executive Officer for Student Council. I'm also a Student Liaison Representative, Inclusion Officer on the Student Societies Committee, President of the Sci-Fi Society, and also President of the Forensic & Archaeological Science Society.

I go out of my way to ensure no-one is being discriminated against. I've had to be an advocate for myself, and I'm proud that I can now be an advocate for others.

Digging deep
I love how diverse this course is. This year, we've really focused on the basic science of finding and digging an archaeological site, how you look at the different stages, and coming up with a narrative for each. It's been so interesting.

I was excited to find my first artefact, an 18th-century ceramic, when I was digging up floorboards in a Tudor house on a University dig. I'm also really looking forward to going down to Somerset in the summer, to dig at a Romano Celtic temple.

You also get to study anthropology as well as archaeology. It's been interesting to get hands-on in the laboratories and learn how to identify different bones. I never thought I'd know all the bones in the human skull, but here I am!

Future plans
I can't wait to do my year in industry. I can see myself working in a museum with artefacts and creating exhibitions eventually, but at the moment, I can also see myself working in the field. Something that includes both would be ideal.

Any tips?
My advice to students considering this course would be, take the leap! Pursue your passion, don't be afraid.