Elizabeth Thomas answers questions about her time studying for an MSc in Archaeology, 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?
I have always been interested in history, archaeology and the sciences, which is why I decided to undertake a BA in Archaeology and Egyptology at the University of Liverpool. This gave me the flexibility to study material culture but also choose modules that taught how science is used within archaeology, which led me to complete a science-based dissertation. Since the topic was under-explored, I was spurred on to delve deeper and the MSc Archaeology course at the University of Liverpool allowed me to do that. This has eventually led me to a PhD as well.
What attracted you to study within ACE at UoL?
As I had already spent 3 years in Liverpool studying, I knew I loved the city and wanted to stay. The department is very welcoming and encouraging. The expertise of the academic staff as well as the analytical equipment within the Elizabeth Slater Archaeology Laboratory meant that I was well supported to pursue my research through the modules and in my dissertation. I was able to tailor the course to fit my research. If I had chosen another university, I would not necessarily have been able to research what I wanted.
What did you particularly enjoy about your MSc studies?
There are a few things that spring to mind when I think about what I enjoyed during my MSc. Firstly, the freedom to explore topics that were of interest to me in more depth than during my undergraduate. Secondly, as I completed my MSc part-time over two years, it allowed me to become more involved in the department’s wider activities such as attending seminar series and extra-curricular experimental archaeology sessions. These add to the experience and help to broaden your skills and meet people in other parts of the department that you may not otherwise have crossed paths with.
What did you plan on doing once your MSc studies were completed?
I started my Archaeology PhD straight after my MSc, also at the University of Liverpool in the ACE department, as I was successful in obtaining AHRC NWCDTP funding. My MSc dissertation acted as a pilot study to my PhD, so the opportunity to develop my analytical skills and knowledge on the topic during my MSc gave me a head start for my PhD.
Do you have any advice for anyone considering an MSc within ACE at UoL?
It helps to have a research interest or particular topic in mind for your dissertation when starting the master's. It makes it easier to decide which modules will best suit you and allows you to hit the ground running on the dissertation. Look up which lecturers research what topics and contact them in advance, they are more than happy to give you advice or direct you to the best-suited person to be your supervisor.
Also, get as involved as possible in everything the department is offering. While it may feel like it is all about studying, there are other things to be learnt outside of a lecture or seminar room.