Hedydd Broad

Course: BA History and English

Graduated: 2007/08 Academic Year

Destination approx. 6 months after graduation: Studying MA Media History, Aberystwyth University

Background

I attended Bro Myrddin Welsh Comprehensive School in Carmarthen where I gained A Levels in English, Mathematics and History along with an AS Level in Politics. I always intended to go to university from an early age; it wasn’t a decision as such, more of a something I knew I’d go on to do.

I came to an Open day at Aberystwyth, and really liked the town and the History department at the university.

Where are you now?

I have stayed on at Aberystwyth to study for an MA in Media History. The course is quite contemporary which is great for me as my real interests lie within modern history. The dissertation I completed as part of my BA was also quite contemporary, so this course was really very suitable and extremely relevant to me, and it seemed like a natural progression to go on to do this qualification.

How did you get there?

I found out about the Masters through the history department during my undergraduate studies at Aber. I really enjoyed the history aspect of my BA and everyone within the department was supportive and enjoyable to work with. I had a lot of encouragement from those within the department which has helped me to get where I am today.

The social life at Aberystwyth has so much to offer, so I was more than happy to spend another year here. It also helped that a lot of my friends were staying on for further study, and would therefore be in the same boat as me. Having such a supportive network could only benefit my MA studies.

Where are you going?

I’ve been so busy concentrating on my studies that I haven’t actually given too much thought about my next step. I am hoping to move to Cardiff to experience a different lifestyle for awhile. I would love to work in the National Museum or perhaps for the BBC. My interests also lie in Conservation, so maybe researching jobs with the National Trust, English Heritage or Cadw will be something that I’ll start doing in the very near future.

What advice would you give to a student doing your subject at university now?

In view of my previous answer, take every opportunity given to do more work experience. If you realise early on that you may actually need more than just a degree to get on immediately after graduation, you’ll be one step ahead of me. Although, obviously, having my MA qualification is going to stand me in good stead, especially when competing with those only with first degree qualifications.