Student Spotlight - Kevin Duncan
“For me, the whole four years - despite covid - have been thoroughly enjoyable. The course contents, style of teaching, the professionalism of the staff at Perth College UHI are excellent”
This week, we meet an Archaeology student who has returned to education after semi-retirement.
What is your name, and where are you from?
Kevin Duncan – Blairgowrie.
What course are you studying at Perth College UHI?
How did you hear about Perth College UHI?
Word of mouth/Online.
What were you doing before you came to college?
Semi-retired.
Why did you decide to pick this course?
I have always wanted to be an Archaeologist, plus the course content and approach were highly recommended.
What is your favourite thing about the course?
Content, variety, tutor support, library flexibility, and library staff support have been excellent.
Has there been any standout/memorable moments from your course?
No standout moments. For me, the whole four years - despite covid - have been thoroughly enjoyable. The friendly nature of the campus environment and staff have been beyond reproach.
What knowledge, skills and experience have you gained from your course that will help you when you leave Perth College UHI?
Work placements on archaeological excavations, networking, some field trips before covid; the hands-on experience of excavation placements, in particular, has enabled me to gain experience and take in information more easily.
During the pandemic, how did the style of teaching change? Were your lecturers supportive during this time?
My lectures were online from Orkney anyway, this continued during the pandemic, however, I found it extremely difficult to study and attend lectures from home. Therefore, the campus - and in particular, the library - arranged and enabled me to attend lectures and study within the library and/or separate rooms if needed.
Any other achievements you have gained on your journey?
Future publication of my dissertation in an academic archaeological journal.
What do you like about the campus/facilities?
I have found all facilities to be of a relatively high standard, accommodating individual needs, and as mentioned already, the staff, whether in the library, café, refectory, or other academic points of contact have been, for me, excellent. Everyone has been very friendly and approachable.
Have you enjoyed studying at Perth College UHI?
YES! Very much so.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of college?
Reading, my dogs, hillwalking, archaeology and history, nature.
What are your future career plans?
To become a field archaeologist (excavation) is now being actively sought, after completing a master’s degree in archaeology, something the tutors and staff have contributed to by giving me the confidence that I am capable and have the ability to progress to this level.
And finally, what advice would you give to someone thinking about studying at Perth College UHI?
To most definitely give the establishment serious consideration, although the University side of things is perhaps not on the scale of some larger and more established ones, the course contents, style of teaching, the professionalism of the staff at Perth College UHI are excellent. And although the campus is small compared to some other establishments, this allows for a more friendly and personnel atmosphere to develop, which is definitely what I have experienced during my time here and believe this will continue when I return in September to complete a master’s degree.
