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Student profile: Masters in Archaeology
Edward Scott Clarke is studying a Masters in Archaeology of Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East at University College London. He speaks with Topgradschool.com about his experience.
Edward’s dream job is art and antiquities recovery, so he’s learning from the best. Having studied for his bachelors degree at University College London (UCL), he was already well acquainted with the staff and the application processes of the university. “The course had only been created one year before I applied and as such it was unique,” he says. “I already knew the exceptional education UCL had to offer and the Institute of Archaeology has some of the foremost professors in the world in my topic.”
Edward took a year out after completing his bachelors to work and save money for the one-year of intensive graduate study he had ahead of him. “I believe that a Masters is highly valuable today, particularly as the standard for even low-key jobs has risen dramatically in the credit crunch. There are hopelessly over-qualified people going for every job vacancy in the country. It seems sensible to try and weather out the storm by taking a postgraduate degree. Not only will you finish in a better economic climate than when you started, but you’ll be better qualified.”
Although two degrees in Archaeology may not be the best stepping stone to a varied job market upon completion, it’s important to Edward for the avenue of employment he wants to go down. “The police gave a presentation about joining the art and antiquities division in the UK and from there I can apply to other things, possibly abroad. So far, UCL organized lectures have been essential to opening up career opportunities for me.”
Edward’s advice for others considering graduate study is, ‘make sure you’ve saved a bit of money before hand.’ “If you haven’t, then consider taking a part time course and working while it goes on. If you think a Masters degree could be a good idea then it probably is, especially if you don’t have a job lined up.”
