Daniel Pascoe BA Archaeology (2002), MA Maritime Archaeology (2007)

Director of Pascoe Archaeology Services

Hi, I'm Daniel Pascoe and I studied BA Archaeology (2002), MA Maritime Archaeology (2007) within Archaeology at the University of Southampton.

Studying alongside like-minded archaeologists, who I have subsequently gone on to work with, really inspired my passion to succeed.

What did you enjoy about the course?

Following my undergraduate degree in Archaeology my ambition was always to become a maritime archaeologist. Doing a Masters at one of the leading international centres for Maritime Archaeology was therefore a natural progression. I very much enjoyed being taught by some of the leading names in this field who have and continue to be at the forefront of the discipline. I recollect with fond memories the stories of the excavations of the Mary Rose by Jon Adams, wishing I could have been part of it. Within a couple of years of my undergraduate degree, I then couldn’t believe my luck to find myself 13m underwater, in a large hole, excavating the bow of this same historic shipwreck.

What is Southampton like as a place to study?

As a student, Southampton is a vibrant and exciting place to live. On the South Coast you have access to the New Forest, the Solent and the Isle of Wight. Forming such a large part of the city, the University forms the backdrop of a lively social scene, with pubs, clubs and good music on the doorstep.

As a student, the facilities available through the University are second to none, reflected by its status as a Russell Group University.

Tell us about your current job

I am a professional maritime archaeologist, specialising in the investigation of historic shipwrecks underwater through my company Pascoe Archaeology Services. Currently, I am investigating and researching the wreck of the Royal Navy’s first HMS Invincible, which wrecked off Portsmouth in 1758. This is the wreck of a large mid-18th century, wooden warship, exposing through shifting sands and providing a unique opportunity to step back in time and view the life and times onboard a ship in the Georgian Navy.

How did your course help you in your current role?

My Masters course equipped me with the skills necessary to launch my career in the professional sector. Studying alongside like-minded archaeologists, who I have subsequently gone on to work with, really inspired my passion to succeed.

What advice would you give to a student starting their degree at Southampton?

Embrace your time as a student. Enjoy having the freedom to explore your passions and don’t be afraid to push the boundaries of currently held beliefs and research, these are constantly evolving fields.

As a maritime archaeologist, try to take advantage of the other opportunities that studying offers: work abroad and at home on as many archaeological sites as you can, experience counts for so much.