Mary is graduating with a First-Class honours in BA Archaeology and History and Roy is graduating with a 2:1 in BA Archaeology.

The pair say they are “delighted” to be able to celebrate their achievements together with family and friends.

Mary comments: “I was meant to graduate last year but ended up having to temporarily withdraw because my mental health declined during the initial Covid lockdowns. I’ve always struggled with anxiety, and I think that’s something that really came to the forefront at different times during my degree.  

She adds: “It’s been a little bit of whirlwind, challenging at times but undoubtedly a positive experience I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. It feels like I came here as a kid and after four years I can take on the world a little better now.  

“The people have been incredible, and I’m certain I’ve met people who will be in my life for a very long time.”

Speaking about her studies, Mary says: “The archaeology department at Queen’s has been such a good environment and amazing to be a part of. The faculty and staff go above and beyond for their students. I think it’s very obvious how much the staff on my course love their topics and it’s very nice to feel that passion as a student because it makes us excited too.  

“Archaeology has been very hands on with so much opportunity to do extracurricular work and there were a lot of social history modules with very hands on source work which I really enjoyed. The course has been so wide ranging and it doesn’t feel like I’ve just had my head in a book for three years, it feels like I’m leaving with experiences.”

Roy also says he had a positive experience. He adds: “I enjoyed the opportunities for personal development that my time in the archaeology department gave me. I had the opportunity to get involved in the archaeology society and the peer mentorship programme within the department which allowed me to work on my self-esteem and be more actively engaged in my education than I had ever been during school.”

Roy now plans on getting a full-time job in commercial archaeology and Mary is planning to take a year out before continuing her studies with a Master’s.

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