Kirsten does the time warp at Teesside

Exploring the past has been a valuable interest for Kirsten Timms, as she has graduated from the University of Teesside with a BA (Hons) degree in History, 2.1 class. In addition to her degree Kirsten also received £100 for the Ede & Ravenscroft Prize, awarded to the student who made the most progress during their course. Ede & Ravenscroft are official makers of academic gowns.

In September Kirsten, 21, from Penistone, Sheffield, is to set to continue her studies when she starts a one-year Master of Arts (MA) degree in Arts & Heritage Management in Newcastle. When she completes this Kirsten is aiming for a career as a heritage education officer or in museum management.

Kirsten came to the Middlesbrough based University with 'A' levels in History, Sport Studies, Biology and General Studies from Peniston Grammar School VI Form. She lived at Maple Street, Middlesbrough, and said: "Teesside was my first choice, I really wanted to go there and was over the moon to get a place. The Lecturers were so friendly and the range of courses was excellent. For example, I looked at subjects spanning from sex and gender in Ancient Greece, the origins of witchcraft and the Nixon era. Learning wasn't just confined to textbooks, we used diverse primary sources, including the Internet and CD-ROM's."

The prize money went on a useful item-a new rugby kit. While at Teesside Kirsten joined the Women's Rugby team, which reached the final stage of the BUSA (British Universities Sporting Association) competition this year. Kirsten said: "I've always wanted to play, my Dad used to play rugby at school and watched it on television, which gave me the interest. I tried to set up a team at school without any success, so joined the society as soon as I enrolled at Teesside. I got to meet new people and keep fit!"

Kirsten is the daughter of Alwyn and Viv Timms of Green Road, Penistone.

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