Questions

What's your favourite heritage site from the sites you've studied or visited on the course?

During the course, we had the opportunity to go on some student trips. Personally, my favourite place was the Roman city of Wroxeter. I was impressed with how well-preserved it seemed, but I also found it interesting to discover similar historical aspects in Britain that relate to southern Europe. Additionally, I noticed how the site is branded—it features a small gift shop and offers educational visits for children.

In class, we discussed several examples, but my favourite was Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. What makes this site fascinating is its rich history as both a cathedral and a mosque, showcasing a blend of Byzantine and Ottoman architectural styles. Its massive dome, intricate mosaics, and stunning calligraphy reflect its transformation over centuries. Not only has it been a symbol of political and religious power, but it also stands as a testament to cultural fusion. I was fortunate enough to visit it, and it is absolutely beautiful—a majestic building, I would say.

Do you have a favourite module?

All modules are relevant, but the most challenging so far has been Critical Approaches to Heritage. It challenged my ideas and definitions of heritage—if there is even a clear definition at all—under the guidance of Dr Faye Sayer. This is such a broad subject that it can complement any undergraduate background you might have; in my case, cultural studies. Understanding how heritage is academically discussed and the various approaches that have been applied is truly impressive.

One of my favourite academic approaches is Laurajane Smith’s concept of the Authorised Heritage Discourse (AHD) and her critique of how heritage interpretation tends to be “Eurocentric.” Her work has really broadened my perspective on the power dynamics and cultural biases embedded in heritage practices.

What's your career goal and how is Birmingham helping you reach this?

I aim to work for organisations like UNESCO, but I am also open to new opportunities and challenges within the heritage field. My primary goal is to make heritage accessible and innovative, using creative approaches to engage broader audiences, particularly those who might not usually connect with traditional spaces like museums. Anything in this area—whether it’s working with cultural organisations, developing educational programmes, or creating engaging experiences—would be a great career for me.

Birmingham is supporting me in pursuing this vision by offering a rich combination of academic knowledge and practical experiences. The diverse heritage modules and opportunities to engage with real-world case studies have helped me understand the complexities of accessibility and inclusivity in heritage. Guest lectures from industry professionals and exposure to contemporary challenges in heritage work have inspired me to think about how technology and storytelling can play a role in reaching new audiences and making heritage more interactive and engaging.

Additionally, Birmingham’s strong focus on networking and connecting students with professionals in the field has been invaluable. Building relationships with experts and peers is an important part of my career development, and these opportunities are helping me to expand my professional network as I work towards my goals.

What do you think is unique about the University of Birmingham?

The University of Birmingham is such a lovely place to study. I was astonished by the variety of things you find on campus; it feels almost like a small town. The library is enormous and impressive, offering excellent resources, including writing support for students who may need it. The red brick buildings are beautiful, and in autumn, there’s a romantic vibe with the colourful leaves.

It’s clear that the university values student wellbeing and it’s encouraging to see it being actively promoted. I also enjoy the departmental activities, as they provide great opportunities to share experiences and meet people with similar interests.

Last but not least, the quality of teaching is exceptional. The academic staff are engaging and approachable, and the guest speakers provide valuable insights. The opportunity to network with professionals and peers is another major strength of the university. I am genuinely impressed by the overall experience.