Passion for the Past and Creative Exploration Lead Graduation Success

Lucy Harding graduates today with a BA in Ancient Civilisations from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), Lampeter, and is also celebrating receiving the Helen McCormack-Turner Undergraduate Memorial Scholarship.

Originally from Southport, Lucy’s interest in the ancient world began in high school, thanks to the dedication of two exceptional teachers who voluntarily taught her Latin and Classics during lunch breaks and after school. “This generosity gave me an early sense of accomplishment and agency,” Lucy says. “Studying ancient history independently alongside my standard subjects had a huge influence on me.”

Though Lucy initially pursued her creative writing passion at another university, she found the post-COVID learning environment, still reliant on recorded lectures, lacked the academic engagement she craved. 

“I found that this was having a negative impact on my mental health, and sorely missed the feeling of intense learning I had during my A-Levels,” she explains. That longing led her to explore Ancient History courses once again, ultimately transferring to UWTSD’s Lampeter campus in her second year.  “When looking to transfer to Lampeter, I hoped that a more academic course would push me, and restore the feeling of inspiration I had enjoyed previously from similar subjects”.

“I chose Lampeter so I could stay living with friends in a nearby town, but the variety of modules and the opportunity to study ancient languages, especially Hieroglyphs, were key factors in my decision,” Lucy shares. “Hieroglyphs ended up being my favourite module – it’s one I’d highly recommend to anyone considering this course.”

Lucy praises the course’s creativity and diversity, particularly the chance to complete assignments in formats like video projects and scrapbooks. “The creative modules helped me develop the ability to work within time constraints while meeting specific criteria,” she notes.

While commuting and managing anxiety and deadlines proved challenging, Lucy credits the understanding and supportive staff with helping her stay on track. “I’ve struggled with time management and anxiety throughout, but the consistency of smaller assignments helped balance out the bigger deadlines,” she says.

Transferring into the programme mid-degree gave Lucy a new sense of resilience. “It’s made me more confident in my ability to adapt, take risks, and explore new opportunities when something isn’t working,” she reflects.

“I was surprised and grateful to receive the Helen McCormack-Turner Undergraduate Memorial Scholarship,” she adds. 

Further Information

Arwel Lloyd

Principal PR and Communications Officer    
Corporate Communications and PR    
Email:  arwel.lloyd@uwtsd.ac.uk    
Phone: 07384 467076