Jonathan Cranston
Course: BA Museum and Gallery Studies and History
Graduated: 2006/07 Academic Year
Destination approx. 6 months after graduation: Studying Masters in Museum Studies, Newcastle University
Background
I attended St Aiden’s High School where I always enjoyed history and had for some time thought that I’d like a career in this field. I was also very interested in museums and loved visiting them, so I started looking for degrees in museum studies with history when the time came to consider higher education.
I found that Aberystwyth University was the only university to offer this course combination, so I decided to visit. The School of Art had a great atmosphere and as Museum and Gallery Studies students are mixed with Fine Art students as well, it provided the opportunity to see people’s art work – which I found to be a real inspiration to me. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming on the Open Day that my mind was pretty much made up there and then on where I would be going for the next stage of my life. My brother attended a local university and loved it, but I knew I wanted to experience proper university life away from home, and Aber was pretty far from home!
By opting to do Museum and Gallery Studies jointly with History, I knew that I’d be keeping my options slightly more open for the future and that I’d have something extra to offer employers over someone with only a single honours degree.
Do you have any diversity issues/experiences or disabilities that you would be prepared to share, in order to help inform and inspire other students?
I suffer from dyslexia and was really relieved to find that there was a lot of help available through the Language and Learning Centre at the University. They proof read all of my work which was particularly great.
Where are you now?
I am now doing my Masters at Newcastle University. I’ve always known about the course and it was my goal for some time to attend here after completing my studies at Aber. The first few months involved covering basic theory which was a bit frustrating as I’d already covered all of this at Aber, but the second half has been much more practical, which I have really enjoyed.
I recently organised an art exhibition as part of the course. I selected work to be displayed and carried out all of the marketing for the event. I thoroughly enjoyed this as I’d done something similar at Aber, so already had the basic knowledge, skills and confidence to do this well.
How did you get there?
To be successful in the museum industry I felt that I really needed to do the MA qualification. If I just finished after gaining the BA qualification, I probably could have found some work in this area, but I knew from research that by having a postgraduate qualification as well, I’d really have more to offer employers and I’d have more doors open for me in the long run.
Being able to live away from home, to organise and look after myself has boosted my own self confidence. During my time at Aber, I volunteered at the local museum in the town. I really enjoyed this as I could see first hand how the business worked, plus it looks good on my CV. I think this really impressed the university I’m at now.
I didn’t really take part in many societies during my time at Aber, which looking back was a bit of a shame. I had a good group of friends though and I did eventually join the film society which meant I got to see some great screenings which has expanded my knowledge of things that maybe I wouldn’t have looked at before.
Where are you going?
I have a few months left on this course yet, and although I’ve started looking for work in my area I’m not sure when to start applying. I think I’ll go to visit the careers service here and get some advice in the very near future.
What advice would you give to a student doing your subject at university now?
Try to get involved in activities in your first two years as you’ll regret it by the third year if you don’t. Joining societies will help you make more friends and broaden your views on many things. Think about your future early and envisage where you want to be after you finish so that you can put a plan in place.