• Completed a 42,000 word thesis analysing the Viking Age archaeology of the north of Ireland.• Performed desk-based research, analysed archaeological and historical material in order to form conclusions, in addition to museum work and fieldwork. • Fulfilled a long held ambition to conduct in-depth research into Viking Age archaeology.• Addressed the deficit of research into Viking Age archaeology in the north of the country, producing invaluable conclusions, for academic staff members in the School of Archaeology in UCC. • Successfully identified unidentified replicas of well-known artefacts for the National Museum of Ireland• My supervisor had been waiting for many years for someone to undertake a research degree on this subject and finally saw conclusions drawn on the subject.• Demonstrated problem-solving skills, attention to detail and high level of initiative I addition to verbal and written communication skills in order to successfully complete a substantial body of self-directed research