James – FdSc Archaeology

Hometown: Penzance

Course: FdSc Archaeology

Next Steps: BSc (Hons) Archaeology at the University Centre, followed by a Master’s degree in Maritime Archaeology.

Living by the mantra “life begins at the edge of your comfort zone”, James, from Penzance, hopes to become a Maritime Archaeologist. He is currently in his second year of studying the FdSc Archaeology at the University Centre. James said: “The course is extremely flexible and allows me to travel multiple times a year.”

Although the course does not directly have a focus on maritime archaeology, James praised the lecturing staff’s ability to cater to his interest, explaining: “The lecturers are always keen to promote your particular niche in your studies whilst adapting areas of the course to help incorporate them”.

He also described the highlight of his course as learning more about other disciplines of archaeology he doesn’t wish to specialise in, explaining it was “very valuable to have a greater knowledge of the science as a whole”.

James was attracted to the course due to the opportunity to access a Plymouth University degree locally and praises the small class sizes as this allows time for insightful group discussions in lectures.

As part of the course, students undertake a professional work placement. James participated in a maritime field school completing a Shipwreck Survey on the Dutch Antilles Island of Bonaire in the Caribbean. This enabled him to discover and record maritime archaeology whilst building on and learning new methodologies and techniques underwater.

James’ chosen career path has meant he has also undertaken a great deal of self-study and independent research, but this is possible due to the flexibility the condensed timetable gives him. James explains; “For maritime, expect to put in twice the hours as the course is not focussed on that direction so there is a great deal of self-study, however the flexibility of the course allows you to incorporate it.”

James’ independent study as well as his work experience in this exciting subject has taken him global, and he has found many once in a lifetime opportunities along the way: “Last year I was off the coast of Venezuela on the Dutch Caribbean Island of Bonaire, digitally mapping the seabed for the government, and wreck and deep dive training off the coasts of Gran Canaria, Santa Pola and Malta ready for my Cultural Management training this year in the Red Sea.”

James plans to progress to the BSc (Hons) Archaeology degree at the University Centre Truro & Penwith after graduating, and then travel to Malta to study for his Master’s degree in Maritime Archaeology.