Unearthing Success: How Max Morgan turned his passion for archaeology into a profession
From a change in direction during the pandemic to a professional role in commercial archaeology, BA Archaeology and Anthropology graduate Max Morgan has turned academic curiosity into a rewarding career.
For Max Morgan, the path to graduation was far from conventional. After initially studying classical music at university in 2019, the disruption caused by the pandemic gave him the opportunity to reassess his future and explore new interests.
As well as graduating this summer, Max has been recognised for his outstanding academic achievements by receiving both the Lampeter Society Prize in Archaeology and the Andrew Lawson Memorial Bursary in Archaeology.
Having discovered anthropology through an ethnomusicology module, Max decided to pursue a humanities-focused degree and completed an Access to Humanities course at Coleg Sir Gâr. Determined to continue his studies in Wales, he attended an open day at UWTSD and quickly realised it was the right place for him.
“I immediately knew I wanted to study there,” Max recalls. “The combination of archaeology and anthropology appealed to me, and the campus environment really stood out.”
Although he began his studies with a strong interest in anthropology, Max soon discovered a passion for archaeology. Through his studies and practical experiences, he developed a clear career goal and set out to become a well-rounded archaeologist.
One of the aspects of UWTSD that Max valued most was the close-knit learning environment. Small class sizes allowed him to build strong relationships with lecturers and fellow students, creating a supportive academic community that opened doors to additional opportunities and fieldwork experiences.
“The smaller scale of the university meant that lecturers were approachable and genuinely got to know you,” he says. “That sense of community made a real difference throughout my studies.”
Max embraced every opportunity to gain practical experience alongside his academic work. During his degree, he participated in a wide range of archaeological projects and placements across the UK, including excavating Ice Age mammoth remains at South Cerney, contributing to archaeological research in Jersey, taking part in the Strata Florida Field School, and supporting archive cataloguing at the Roderic Bowen Library & Archives. He also participated in two seasons of excavation at UWTSD’s Llanllyr site, where he first developed an interest in geophysics.
These experiences helped shape both his academic interests and professional ambitions. Alongside fieldwork, Max developed a particular passion for theoretical archaeology, culminating in a dissertation exploring New Materialist approaches within the discipline.
Reflecting on his studies, Max highlights the breadth of opportunities available through the course.
“Whether it was excavation projects, theoretical modules that challenged the way I thought about archaeology, or opportunities to work alongside researchers and professionals, there was always something fascinating to learn.”
Like many students, Max encountered challenging concepts during his degree, particularly in more theoretical modules. However, he credits the support of his lecturers and his determination to engage with difficult material for helping him succeed.
Today, Max has already taken the first step in building the career he envisioned during his studies. He recently joined Headland Archaeology as a Geophysicist, applying the skills and experience he gained at UWTSD in a professional setting.
“This degree has helped mould me into an archaeologist,” he says. “It gave me the knowledge, practical experience and confidence to begin my career.”
Dr Tristan Nash, Acting Academic Director for Humanities at UWTSD, praised Max’s achievements and the commitment he demonstrated throughout his studies.
“Max has been an outstanding student whose enthusiasm for archaeology, willingness to embrace new opportunities and commitment to developing his practical skills have been evident throughout his time with us. It is fitting that his achievements have been recognised through both the Lampeter Society Prize in Archaeology and the Andrew Lawson Memorial Bursary in Archaeology. He consistently made the most of every opportunity available to him, whether through fieldwork, placements, research projects or his academic studies.
“It has been particularly rewarding to see Max secure a role with Headland Archaeology so soon after graduating. His success reflects not only his hard work and dedication, but also the value of combining academic study with extensive practical experience.
“Archaeology continues to offer strong employability prospects for graduates who actively engage with the profession and develop their skills beyond the classroom. Max is an excellent example of what can be achieved through commitment, curiosity and a willingness to seize opportunities, and we are delighted to see him beginning what promises to be a successful career in commercial archaeology and geophysics.”
Looking ahead, Max plans to continue building his career with Headland Archaeology, developing his expertise in geophysics and progressing within the commercial archaeology sector.
His advice to prospective students is simple: if you value a supportive learning environment, hands-on experience and the opportunity to build meaningful connections with staff and fellow students, UWTSD’s Archaeology and Anthropology programme is well worth considering.
Further Information
Arwel Lloyd
Principal PR and Communications Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: arwel.lloyd@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07384 467076