Archaeology fieldwork

Fieldwork, and the opportunity to get stuck in, is an exciting part of our degree. It’s also the part that many of our students look forward to the most! 

All our archaeology undergraduates take part in a dedicated fieldwork placement. So, whether you’re doing single honours archaeology, or taking it with another subject, you can get involved. To be precise: 

Single honours students do 20 days of fieldwork

Joint honours students do 10 days of fieldwork 

We also encourage students who want to gain professional experience, such as museum work. This is arranged by students directly and approved by the department.

What are the benefits?

Fieldwork is where much of our primary information about the past comes from, and it's important to learn about its advantages and limitations. 

Working on site is the best way to learn new archaeological skills, as well as offering a valuable team-building experience. And, you never know, you just might unearth some hidden treasures! 

You will: 

• Gain hands-on experience in surveying and excavation 
• See finds in context and learn how to study real archaeological evidence  
• Build skills in laboratory work and data analysis 
• Work individually and as part of a team in real-world professional contexts 

How does it work?

Fieldwork is usually completed during the summer break, but it can be done at other times of the year. You must complete at least part of your fieldwork requirement in the first year of your degree. 

Where do students do their fieldwork?

We offer four pre-approved fieldwork training providers, as below: 

• SHARP (Sedgeford Historical and Archaeological Research Project)
• Norfolk Poulton, near Chester (Cheshire) 
• Wollaton Park, run by York Archaeology
• Caistor St Edmund (Norfolk), run by Will Bowden in the department

All our approved providers meet health and safety and safeguarding requirements. They can also make adjustments so that fieldwork is accessible to all, including students with medical conditions/disabilities. 

How does the assessment work?

You will be asked to keep a journal of your fieldwork experience. In year two, you are assessed through the production of a report on your fieldwork experience and skills development. 

What about funding?

Many of our excavations are free but may require travel expenses. For example, for overseas excavations you may need to pay for your own flights, while others will require a training fee. You can claim back a proportion of your costs from the department.

The legal bit

Optional placements/internships and integrated year in industry opportunities may change at any time for a number of reasons, including curriculum developments, changes to arrangements with partner universities or placement/industry hosts, travel restrictions or other circumstances outside of the university's control.

Every effort will be made to update this information as quickly as possible should a change occur.