Opinions, ideas and knowledge of history are influenced and shaped through heritage and archaeological sites, museums, buildings, and remains. Therefore, to have the ability to define heritage is crucial to ensure our capability to interpret our great past. The establishment of prominent sites, such as Stonehenge, Grimes Graves and Blenheim Palace, demonstrate the importance of museums and heritage management to maintain a national and international interest in our past.

My initial curiosity of heritage developed early in childhood along with my continuous enthusiasm and excitement for our extensive history. My ambition to work within the heritage sector was further fuelled by a period of work experience I undertook at the Norwich Castle Museum. There I enjoyed two weeks in the Education Department, which I still regard as one of my most interesting, motivating, and intriguing experiences so far. A visit as a young teenager to the remarkable well-preserved Warrick Castle added to my desire to work within our heritage system. Having lived in Norfolk all my life I have frequently been inspired by various discoveries and excavations, such as Seahenge in 1998, to take an active interest in our heritage. I am also arranging to volunteer at Dragon Hall in Norwich to commence in November this year.

Living history, archaeology and conservation, and management of heritage sites and artefacts evokes specific interest in me and a degree which offers academic study in an area that enthrals me is ideal as I firmly acknowledge my future exists within this sector. I have read loosely around the subject and found the series 'Issues in Heritage Management' published in association with English Heritage especially insightful, particularly the titled 'Managing Historic Sites and Buildings'. By reading such publications I have a firm understanding of the balance of aspirations of visitors against those responsible for the management of sites and of local residents to ensure our heritage is preserved and well maintained.

Currently I am studying towards an Access to Higher Education Award and I strongly believe that this preparation for University has provided me with a positive foundation for my future studies. Whilst working towards my GCSE's I found myself in a position where it was not possible to continue full-time education so found full-time employment conscious I would return to education in the future. Throughout my working career I have acquired a number of skills such as the ability to work part of a team and as an individual, time management, organisational and IT skills. As a mature student equipped with these skills I would be of a great benefit to several of the younger students, and would be able to present my determination to succeed.

Upon completion of the degree, equipped with the valuable skills to understand and identify the concepts of heritage, together with any work experience gained through various placements, will provide me with a constructive springboard to seek employment within the heritage sector or progress on to further postgraduate study. I look forward to studying history from an exciting and unique angle, together with developing my knowledge of heritage to enable us to conserve the finest aspects of our past.