I've learnt so much by getting hands-on access to Sheffield's extensive human skeletal collection

Why did you choose to study this course?

For as long as I can remember, I've been fascinated by stories of the past. My undergraduate dissertation focused on patterns of motifs and inscriptions in a 19th century graveyard, and I knew that I wanted to go further with my education to focus more specifically on the archaeological analysis of human remains themselves. I was looking for hands-on experience working with skeletal remains, and this course offered such a fascinating opportunity to understand how we can explore people's lives, deaths, and personal histories through their bones.

What have you enjoyed most about your course so far?

What's really made this course special is the direct access to Sheffield's human skeletal collection. Having the opportunity to work with these remains in the lab, both during seminars and in our own study time, has been invaluable. It's one thing to read about osteological analysis in textbooks, but gaining hands-on experience completely transforms your understanding. My research project was an analysis of immature remains and their archaeological potential to reveal stories about their mothers' lives, which proved to be a highly rewarding challenge, and one of the most enjoyable things I have done academically.

What's really made this course special is the direct access to Sheffield's human skeletal collection. Having the opportunity to work with these remains in the lab, both during seminars and in our own study time, has been invaluable."

Aoife McCaughey

What skills have you developed during your course?

My course taught me advanced osteoarchaeological skills including age estimation, palaeopathological assessment, and skeletal recording techniques. I started the year fascinated by human remains but knowing little about anatomy - I'm finishing feeling genuinely confident in osteology and amazed by how much I've absorbed about careful interpretation and the complexities of studying the past.

What are you planning to do next?

I have secured a position as a Museum Assistant in a large local museum, a role that I will be starting soon. I will be part of a larger team, helping with day-to-day tasks and promoting visitor engagement with all the exhibitions. Eventually, I would love to move into a more specialised role in osteology collection work, but for now I plan to gain some hands-on professional experience in a wider museum environment. Additionally, I will be continuing with my life-long enthusiasm for the past in my free time. I currently carry out volunteer historical transcription work, help out with a local archaeology group for children, and have published work in an independent history magazine. The possibility of further study with a PhD is also something that I'm not going to rule out just yet!

What would you say to a student thinking about studying this course at Sheffield?

Go for it, and don't be scared to explore what financial support might be offered if you need it. Sheffield offers unique hands-on access to an extensive human skeletal collection, the staff are engaging and supportive, and if you're genuinely fascinated by understanding past lives through skeletal remains, it is an exceptional experience.