Aneeka Khan answers questions about her time studying for an MA in Classics and Ancient History, what drew her to the course, her advice to those considering postgraduate study, and her future plans.
Can you briefly describe the path you’ve taken to get to where you are today?
In Year 5, I was introduced to the world of Greek Mythology and had my eyes opened to a whole new world with the Usborne Book of Greek Myths. I was fortunate enough that my school offered Classical Civilisation, which I ended up sticking with for GCSE and A-Level. Staying in Classics was not my original plan, but something just kept pulling me back in and so I chose to study it for my undergrad here at the University of Liverpool. Now I’m doing a master’s here, and it’s amazing!
What attracted you to study within the Department of Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology (ACE) at the University of Liverpool?
Our University’s ACE Department is one of the best in the country. From my Undergrad here I was aware of how diverse the content was, and how supportive the staff is, as well as the resources and help offered by the HLC Support Team. There’s something for everyone here, whether you prefer philosophy, language, literature, and archaeology – and that’s not even considering that the University gives you the means to look at different cultures (Greece, Rome, Egypt, Persia). I’ve been able to do modules in things that have changed my perspective on Antiquity, and I think it’s really good that the University encourages you to go outside of your comfort zone! I’ve ended up becoming quite interested in Egyptian archaeology and Roman Politics!
What do you particularly enjoy about your MA studies?
I’ve loved how my MA lets me try new things and hone my skills on what I already know I like. I hadn’t done philosophy in almost 2 years, but an MA module reignited my interest, and now I’m planning to do my dissertation on rhetoric and philosophy! I love how kind the staff is, and I’ve been able to build a closer professional relationship with some of my favourite lecturers. Some of my best friends are my course mates, so it’s brilliant meeting like-minded people. It’s a very collaborative environment, there’s no competitiveness.
What do you plan on doing once your MA studies are complete?
I’m hoping to, after taking a year out, apply for a PhD. The staff are so helpful, and I don’t feel like I’ll be alone when crafting such an intensive application. It’s great knowing you have people to lean on in such big life changes. I feel like the MA is very comprehensive, so I’ll have all the skills needed to do a PhD, and I appreciate that the staff encourages you to do what is best for you, even if that means doing your PhD somewhere that is better equipped in your chosen specialty.
Do you have any advice for anyone considering an MA within ACE at the University of Liverpool?
My advice for someone who is thinking of an MA in Archaeology, Classics, Egyptology, or something else in the ACE Department at UOL is: go for it! You won’t regret it. It’s only made me love Classics more and boosted my confidence. If you love what you do, work as hard as you can, and are determined, the rest will fall into place! I have not regretted it, not even for a second. They don’t throw anything at you that you can’t handle, and you will realise just how capable you are, if you hadn’t before.