Stephen Matthews- BA Archaeology '17

I graduated from UCD with a Single Major Degree in Archaeology in 2017. Starting out in UCD I was concerned that, as a mature student, perhaps I would stand out from the usual cohort of younger students. I needn’t have worried – the student demographic at UCD covers all ages, backgrounds and nationalities. Fitting in and finding a peer group came about very naturally in the end. Helping students settle in and find their feet is very high on the agenda for UCD.

Throughout my time at UCD I found both the teaching and the administrative staff to be very supportive, encouraging and professional in their approach. It is very clear that the aim is to assist students in performing to their full potential. There is very much an open door policy when it comes to sorting out any difficulties students may encounter with individual modules, and staff make themselves available and are approachable in this regard. In broader terms the range of on-campus and online supports are also first class.

The variety of subjects within the School of Archaeology’s programme allowed me to choose modules that focussed on areas of specific personal interest. Along with the availability of elective modules across a wide range of other disciplines in UCD, this allowed for the tailoring of the degree course to suit my own individual requirements. The course also provided the opportunity to acquire practical on-site skills through participation in the annual fieldschool and other UCD led research digs, both in Ireland and abroad.

My time at UCD has given me the qualifications, the skills, and the confidence to take my first steps in the archaeological workplace. I am currently employed on a commercial project working within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Brú na Bóinne in the Boyne Valley.