Our graduates: MA Archaeology of Buildings

Alumni of the MA Archaeology of Buildings have gone on to take up varied careers across archaeological, architectural and related sectors, many of them securing their dream jobs thanks to the skills and knowledge gained during their studies at York.

Here’s what some recent graduates have said about the course:

Mark Service

MA Archaeology of Buildings, 2012

Heritage Consultant, URS Infrastructure & Environment UK Limited 

The Archaeology of Buildings MA course was an excellent grounding for my job with URS. I work in the company’s heritage team alongside other heritage specialists, archaeologists and individuals from other disciplines such as planning, engineering, architecture and the environment. The ability to assess the significance of historic buildings and their settings and the effects of development proposals on that significance is central to my job, and the course’s modules provided me with a number of the necessary specialist skills needed to carry out this work. Not only does the course provide a great start for anyone wanting to work in the built heritage sector it is also great fun and I would recommend it unreservedly.

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Charlotte Newman

MA Archaeology of Buildings, 2011

Curator of Archaeology London and East (National Collections) English Heritage

For me, my MA year was one of the most memorable. Not only did I develop a range of skills that have enabled me to confidently pursue a career in archaeology, but I also made friends for life. I now have an amazing job with English Heritage and I still regularly work with my fellow students. 

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Dr Matt Jenkins

MA Archaeology of Buildings, 2009

Post-doctoral Research Fellow, Humanities Research Centre, York

Since completing the MA Archaeology of Buildings, followed by a PhD, I have been commissioned to write a research framework for English Heritage’s Architectural Studies Collection and am currently pursuing postdoctoral funding to undertake further research in England and America.

The MA at York gave me a great deal of freedom to pursue my own interests but also provided extensive support to develop the skills and knowledge I needed to do this. I heartily recommend the course.

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Katie Carmichael

MA Archaeology of Buildings, 2008

Historic Buildings Investigator, English Heritage

A few days after handing in my MA dissertation I had a field test and interview for my role as an investigator in English Heritage’s assessment team. The topics covered by the course, reinforced by site visits, prepared me very well for this test. My work involves using a wide variety of documentary and cartographic evidence alongside fabric analysis, and my ability to identify, critique and summarise sources rather than passively accept them has been invaluable.

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Ollie Jones

MA Archaeology of Buildings, 2009

Lecturer in Theatre at University of York, Research Associate at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

The grounding I received on the course in the recording and interpretation of buildings has been formative for my research and career. Not only has it allowed me to work on the Stratford-upon-Avon Guildhall Research Project during my doctoral research, but it helped me develop the skills needed to become an adviser for Shakespeare’s Globe and the Rose Theatre Trust.

rhc Alexander Holton

Dr Alexander Holton

MA Archaeology of Buildings, 2005, PhD 2011

Heritage Consultant at Purcell

‘The quality of teaching I experienced and the opportunity to develop while at York allowed me to pursue my own ideas. Having contact with external speakers also provided an excellent balance between the academic and practical, so that I could develop skills that were relevant to the professional workplace, such as building survey and practical conservation.’

Matthew Jenkins

MA Archaeology of Buildings, 2001

Site Manager, Berwick Barracks, English Heritage

I currently work for English Heritage as Site Manager at Berwick Barracks – a trio of military and social history museums. The MA Archaeology of Buildings course gave a fantastic grounding from which I have developed in my career thus far. The whole Masters experience was invaluable and I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone looking for a career in the heritage sector.