Charley's making the past her future by studying archaeology at UCLan.
Growing up it was my Grandad who made me excited about history and archaeology. Together we visited some of the world's most interesting places, from Stone Henge in the UK to Chichen Itza in Mexico.
I'd never considered it could become more than just an interest. When my friends were going off to uni, I took a different path and ended up working in an opticians. I soon realised I needed to make a big decision, stay where I was working or change things up and pursue a career doing what I loved.
I chose to study archaeology at UCLan, and I haven't looked back since.
When I was applying I was still a bit unsure if I was making the right decision. A member of the archaeology at UCLan called me and spoke about the course and the fieldwork opportunities you get. He was incredibly passionate and it made me confident I was doing the right thing.
After starting it was clear the whole team were just as passionate. The support provided has been amazing and they've always made time for me.
Outside the classroom I've had some great adventures on this course too. We've been on different trips including the Avebury Stone Circle, West Kennett Long Barrow and Stone Henge. It's great to see what we learn about in real life.
One of the best parts of the course is the focus on employability as I was concerned before joining that it would be hard to find a job when I graduate. However, I've seen the great connection UCLan has with the commercial side of archaeology. Many graduates have gone straight into employment and I feel UCLan has prepared us well to do the same.
The four weeks work experience opportunities we get every year really contribute to us being career ready. We are given options of where we can work on dig sites, and become one of the team. It's a great opportunity to experience a real dig and to network with the archaeologists at the site.
There's a range of locations that even include California. I chose to stay in the UK and work at Orkney which is famous for it's Neolithic sites. After three days we discovered part of a wall, which although it might not sound it, was really exciting. It pushed us on to dig further and we ended up recovering human remains and tools as well.
I'm loving every moment and have never looked back since deciding to study archaeology here. I'm even planning on doing a master's in archaeology, something that seemed impossible for me only a few years ago.
I'll graduate this summer and I hope my Grandad will be able to come along and see me start on the career path he inspired!
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Find out more
- Subject
Archaeology
Archaeology and Anthropology at the University of Central Lancashire are innovative and practical subjects. With world leading research and first-class teaching, staff and students study all aspects of humanity - from our earliest origins to modern society. - Course
Archaeology, BSc (Hons)
Accredited by the Chartered Institute for Archaeology, with hands-on fieldwork at its core, drawing on humanities, social sciences and science, this course is the ideal start to your career. - Course
Archaeology & Anthropology, BSc (Hons)
If you’re interested in the story of human beings; how we evolved, why we live in different sorts of societies around the world, and how we interact with one another and the environment, then Archaeology & Anthropology is the course for you.
