A Lampeter student’s transformation from shy and anxious individual to confident UWTSD employee
Matthew Cowley, MA Medieval Studies graduate believes that coming to University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s Lampeter campus was one of the best decisions he could have made to bring him out of his shell.
When searching for universities during his A-level studies, Matthew (Matt) from Maidenhead, already knew that he wasn’t looking for a large and busy campus with classes of hundreds of people as he was the sort of pupil that felt anxious walking across the school playground.
He stumbled upon UWTSD Lampeter and was drawn by the range of courses on offer, particularly those that involved his interest in archaeology and medieval history.
Matt is in fact a double UWTSD alumni having graduated from BA Archaeology and Medieval Studies in 2020 before completing his Master’s course.
Matt said:
I was instantly intrigued by Lampeter. But it was an Open Day that sealed the deal for me, as I turned to my parents within 5 minutes of arriving and said I wanted to come to Lampeter. I had fallen in love with the campus, so much so that 4 of my 5 UCAS options were to study there.
“When I first came to UWTSD, I was a very anxious and shy individual but thanks to all the opportunities and support here, I’ve gained a new-found confidence and although it sounds cliché, I have developed into the person I am today.”
Matt has been a very active student ambassador during his time at UWTSD, promoting the University and Lampeter campus by working on events such as Open Days and Student Experience Weekends. He is also an avid member of the Medieval Society, a 12th Century re-enactment group. Taking this on as a hobby has allowed Matt to explore a new passion, meet like-minded people, and make life long-friends.
In terms of his academic highlights, Matt was thrilled to have experienced an incredible moment when he discovered a fingerprint of a scribe on a medieval manuscript – a moment that he says “added a very human element to the 700-year-old source.” He also has the opportunity to present his first academic paper at the annual medieval conference at Gregynog Hall.
Now into his sixth year at Lampeter, Matt has been appointed part-time by the University doing work to encourage Lampeter alumni to engage with the UWTSD, a role that has kindly been part-funded by a University of Wales Lampeter alumni. He looks forward to taking the next step in his studies by undertaking a PhD.
Further Information
Mared Anthony
Communications and PR Officer: Alumni Relations
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: mared.anthony@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: +447482256996