Noah Bryant MA Celtic Archaeology - United States of America
Why did you choose Bangor?
Since I am studying Celtic Archaeology, a university that is geographically connected to the landscape that supports research in that area was really important to me when I was making my decision on my postgraduate education. Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå°æ is surrounded by archaeological resources specifically related to the study of Celtic Archaeology. On multiple occasions during my first semester, I have been able to actively engage in the archaeological record around me. My cohort has attended multiple field trips to Celtic archaeological sites, an experience that would not be possible at many other universities around the world.Â
Teaching Quality
So far, I have had a relatively limited experience with teaching at Bangor, as a postgraduate student pursuing an M.A. in Celtic Archaeology. As a postgraduate student pursuing a taught degree, my academic workload has so far been fairly relaxed; only having one professor so far. But in that limited amount of exposure, I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience. My professor is knowledgeable on the subjects that we have covered and our in-class discussions have been an excellent way to engage with academic material.Â
Social Life
Covid-19 has impacted all of our lives, there is no doubt about that, but even with the restrictions and alterations to normal pre-covid life, I feel that Bangor has been a rewarding environment for social life. I am a member of the student archaeology society at Bangor and we have routinely held events that allow students with a common interest to meet and get to know each other. I am also a student counsellor for postgraduate taught degree students as well as a course representative for postgraduate Celtic archaeology students. My position on the student council and as a course rep has allowed me to interact with various peers from different backgrounds and broaden my understanding of the world. Outside of those aspects of my time at Bangor, I have found it very easy to meet new people, visiting events and programs put on by the university or other student societies has contributed to that ease.Â
Accommodation
I am living in university accommodation and have thoroughly enjoyed my time here. I chose university accommodation rather than private because I found that it was much easier to coordinate my housing and education needs with one entity, especially since I was doing my pre-arrival planning from abroad. With one entity I had all the information I needed in an easily accessible place and was able to co-ordinate isolation protocols after my arrival, with university accommodation. I also was able to choose accommodation for postgraduates only, which has allowed me to build a social dynamic to be built with my housemates that might not arise when undergrads and postgrads are combined. My housemates and I have been able to build good relationships because we are all focused on pursuing postgraduate degrees, so we all relate to each other and can build a support system.Â
The Location
Bangor is a great city to live in. It is not a massive city, but I come from a relatively rural part of the state of Georgia, so I am used to that environment. I have been able to explore the surrounding area and do some brief day hikes during my time here. Snowdonia National Park is basically in the backyard of Bangor, and it is a great place for students to get into nature and explore what this region has to offer. There are also some great museums and art galleries in the local area for students to enjoy. I have enjoyed exploring Bangor and what it has to offer and have just begun to scratch the surface.Â
Career and Employability
I am extremely confident that my degree will help me in my future career. My goal in life is to eventually transfer into academia, I would love to teach at a university and share the knowledge that I have gained here at Bangor. The instruction that I have been given so far at Bangor has been excellent, I truly feel that I am being prepared for my career and primed with the requisite knowledge for a future in academia.Â
Best thing about Bangor?
So far it has been the community at Bangor. I have a relatively small cohort in my postgraduate program and we have been able to make lasting relationships through our education at Bangor.Â
Bangor in three words
Unique, Compassionate, and Equipping.Â