Cherie - MSc Ancient Worlds (Online)

Why did you choose to study this programme at Edinburgh?

I wanted to complete a Masters in Archaeological studies focused on Scottish pre-history.  University of Edinburgh is unparalleled in that niche and has not only a top ranking worldwide, but a first rate faculty.

 

What attracted you to online learning?

As a single mother who had done her undergraduate degree some 20 years earlier, I was still working full time in another field in the United States.  I had initially planned to wait until my daughter started her own University studies to return for a Masters Degree, but by coincidental timing the Ancient Worlds program launched its first program year at the same time COVID hit. It was a natural fit to jump start my Masters Degree three years sooner than I thought I would be able to.

 

What have you learnt about yourself during your time at University?

Perhaps the most important thing I learned was the sense of confidence that came with following my gut instinct.  I also learned that despite my best efforts, I am absolutely not a "natural" with languages.  But I wasn't afraid to try!

 

What was the standout moment of your university journey?

The support structure and collegiality. This was from both course-mates - who became newly found long-distance friends - and from the Faculty.  In the end, those relationships gave me the foundation for one of the hardest choices I have made in years: whether or not to pursue a PhD at the age of 45. It led me to being accepted by the PhD program at Oxford, Cambridge and a fully funded PhD at Queens University Belfast and University of Aberdeen.

 

How has online learning benefitted you?

The online option provided me the flexibility to continue working and still engage with, and benefit from, a first-rate Master's program. Without the online option, I would not have been able to jump start my Masters degree timeline when I did and it would be unlikely that I would have pursued the PhD.

 

What is something that you didn’t expect about this programme?

I did not expect on online program to have the degree of interpersonal engagement that it did.  However thanks to the combination of forums and videoconference lectures, there was a high degree of constructive interaction and spirited conversation.  It never felt as though the course organizers put any less effort into the development, delivery or expectations for the online courses than they would have with those that would have been in person.  Professors and course organizers were also easy to reach out to for guidance and always willing to provide feedback.

 

What plans do you have after you graduate?

Onward and upward to a PhD!  Where it goes after that I am not sure yet. I would enjoy heritage management and policy around developer-driven archaeology, but a lot can happen in the 3.5 years of a PhD project.

 

What new skills have you gained from your experience?

 

The self-confidence in my ability to advocate a position based on my own research. Even if that is not necessarily in line with the mainstream ideology.  As the two original course organizers impressed upon us, the Masters journey - and beyond - is about being able to think critically and challenge the status quo if that is where solid scholarly research leads you.  It is about new ideas, new understandings, and critical interpretations. It is not about regurgitating someone else's research, although yours may lead to a concurrence in its own right.  Thank you Dr. Benedickt Eckhardt and Dr. Jo Rowland for that mindset advice!  

 

What is your biggest takeaway from your time at Edinburgh?

It was 100% the right choice to apply, engage and follow my dream, even after all the 'intervening' years.  It is never too late if it something that really compels you.  It is possible, you will be welcomed, at Edinburgh it will be top notch and you will excel if you want to.  Edinburgh made it easy to take cross-disciplinary courses and to feel like a part of the UOE community even from 6,000 miles away.

 

What is something that you’ll miss about online learning?

The flexibility!