Anna Kennedy
Anna graduated in 2021 with a BA degree in English Language. During her studies, she became interested in language evolution and is currently pursuing an MSc in Bioarcheology and Palaeontology.
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About Anna's career
Describe your current occupation:
I am currently studying an MSc in Human Bioarchaeology and Palaeopathology at Durham University. My Master’s involves the study of archaeological human skeletal remains and disease in the hope to understand more about populations of the past. I work part-time at a tattoo studio as the studio manager whilst I’m studying, managing the social media accounts and guest artist bookings.
I found my niche in the Evolution of Language module in my third year, and that’s the route I’ve ended up following.
How did you get into this field after studying English Language at Newcastle?
I took a year out to work full-time in a recruitment agency to save up, and then I decided that I wanted to go back into education. I applied to study my Archaeology MSc because I was interested in human evolution and started my degree in October 2022.
Studying English Language at Newcastle University
How has studying English Language at Newcastle helped you in your career?
English Language is a versatile subject. The degree from Newcastle helped me to get employed due to the transferable skills I gained, such as the ability to communicate effectively. Writing as a skill has also opened many doors, especially as far as my postgrad goes, and I was even lucky enough to gain a job with a lecturer whilst at Newcastle doing transcription work.
What advice would you give to a student interested in studying English Language?
Make the most of it. You can learn a lot if you want to, but it’s entirely up to you how much you put in. I found my niche in the Evolution of Language module in my third year, and that’s the route I’ve ended up following. It might take a couple of years to find the aspect of language you’re really interested in, but there is a lot of variety at Newcastle, and it is worth staying patient.
What was the best thing about studying English Language at Newcastle?
My third year was great. It was bittersweet because it was lockdown, but I felt that it was in my last year that I found my stride. Dr Christine Cuskley was my personal tutor and dissertation supervisor, and the support I received was fantastic. I would say that the dissertation was the best experience in the degree because you are given free rein to explore any topic you’d like.