Max Storey studied for a BA in Archaeology and an MA in Archaeology between 2018 and 2022. Now he works as the Public Engagement and Press Coordinator for the journal 'Antiquity', based in the Department of Archaeology at Durham University.
I studied both a BA and MA in Archaeology at Durham, between 2018 and 2022.
I am the Public Engagement and Press Coordinator for Antiquity, the world archaeology journal. In my role I work to promote the articles published by the journal via social media, traditional press and the journal’s website as well as through attending international conferences on behalf of Antiquity.
Studying archaeology at Durham gave me the broad archaeological knowledge required to work for a publication such as Antiquity, which publishes articles on archaeology from all periods across the entire world. It wasn’t only beneficial from an archaeological point-of-view though, I also gained softer skills through my degrees! Doing academic research gave me the ability to read, interpret and summarise academic articles in a concise manner, which is essential when communicating research to the public. Producing essays and dissertations taught me to write in a detailed but accessible fashion, which I do every day in the promotion of articles, especially when writing press releases.
The multitude of field trips in my first year were really fun and a great way to explore the archaeology of the north-east whilst getting to know my course mates! I think I would have to say my favourite experience overall, though, was the ‘experimental approaches to Palaeolithic art’ Specialised Aspect, in which we took a hands-on approach to the art of the Ice Age by engraving and painting bones ourselves using flint tools and ochre. Whilst they change fairly often, the Specialised Aspects modules allow you to practically explore whichever aspect of archaeology you’re most interested in, and it can help make the academic side of archaeology feel more tangible and real. Engraving those bones was what ultimately led me to specialise in the Palaeolithic during my undergraduate and Masters dissertation projects.
I miss the varied opportunities available to those studying in the archaeology department. As an archaeology student, it is so easy to get a diverse range of experiences and specialise in an area that interests you, from a specific period of the past, to archaeological science, to even gaining commercial experience as part of the placement with the department’s commercial archaeology unit. The ability to take part in training excavations both in the UK and overseas, as well as opportunities for a year abroad, mean it is also possible to travel whilst gaining real-world archaeological experience.
Take all the opportunities that are presented to you! Join societies, apply for a year abroad or a placement year and volunteer on archaeological digs during your holidays. My studies were affected by the pandemic, meaning I missed out on a lot of the more international and practical aspects of an archaeology degree at Durham. It’s one of the greatest parts about studying here, so take advantage!
Our Department of Archaeology is a leading centre for the study of archaeology and is ranked =5th in the world (QS World University Rankings by subject 2024). We are an inclusive, vibrant and international community. Our students develop knowledge and gain essential and transferable skills through research-led teaching and lab-based training.
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