We interviewed Archaeology graduate Declan, who shares his journey from passionate history enthusiast to protecting Scotland's cultural heritage, reflecting on the pivotal experiences and skills gained at the University of Edinburgh that shaped his career path. Why did you decide to study at the University of Edinburgh? And why did you choose to study your subject? I decided to study at Edinburgh as I loved the city, deciding that I was coming here after spending my first hour or two here during my offer holder visit. I decided to study my subject (Archaeology) as I have always been passionate about history, and became more interested with the lives of ordinary people in the past throughout my late teens. How did you get where you are? I graduated in 2020 and got a job in post-excavation. I returned to HCA to complete my MSc in Archaeology (2021-22). I started a new role as a Heritage Consultant in 2023. I assess the impacts of different development proposals on cultural heritage, and formulate mitigation to ensure that it is protected and that development can go ahead. Some highlights of my role so far come from travelling around Scotland visiting important archaeological sites on the Isles of Lewis, Islay, and Arran. What did you gain from your time at the University and were there any experiences during your time at university which particularly helped prepare you for life after graduation? During my second year I was involved in an internship which was run by my current employers for HCA students to gain an introduction to commercial archaeology, which was really the initial stage where I started to think that a career in heritage was realistic and could be a good career. How are you using your knowledge and skills from your time at Edinburgh in your current role? They key skill I learnt from my time at the University of Edinburgh was how to research, which I use in my current role every day. I wouldn't say that I always read everything set by my tutors, but I am very glad now for the skills I was taught in this area, which put me in a good position when I came to do my dissertation, Master’s thesis, and on a now daily basis. In your opinion, what is the biggest value of studying a degree in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences? It is probably a bit of a cliche but I think studying this type of degree makes you question the world around you and understand that nuance and balance is crucial. The best lecturers I always found at HCA were those who presented the evidence, showed you both sides of the argument, and allowed you to make your own mind up. Do you have any highlights or a favourite memory of your time at the university? There are genuinely too many highlights from my time at HCA however a few are excavating a 9,000-year-old hunter-gatherer camp on the banks of River Danube in Romania, my undergraduate graduation at Edinburgh Castle (because of Covid), my Master’s graduation which my Mum and Auntie came to (because Covid was over), and of course meeting my partner. What advice would you give future students who are considering studying in the School of History, Classics and Archaeology at Edinburgh? I studied Architectural History in my first year and it has opened my eyes to build heritage all around us. I would say that in your first couple of years take advantage of the flexibility the Scottish degree allows for and study additional subjects that you are genuinely interested in. Interested in studying with us? This article was published on 2025-04-01
