Fieldwork

During the field school, you will be introduced to the techniques of a dig, from recognising archaeological contexts and features on the site through to cleaning, excavating and recording them. You will gain direct experience in all aspects of the excavation, from recognising ancient artefacts to learning how to read the wider landscape.

As well as technical expertise, fieldwork will help you to develop transferable skills including observation and understanding, problem solving, team work and communication skills. You can tailor your experience during the excavation to suit your developing interests.

"This experience at the 'sharp end' of archaeology confirmed my love for this subject, and I felt I was part of a fascinating investigation into the past of our ancestors. Furthermore, I gained skills in [artefact] cleaning and recording, and improved my communication skills by creating friendships and assisting with numerous visits from the public."

Emily Channon – second-year archaeology student

You'll come away with a variety of skills and experiences while contributing to our growing list of finds and discoveries.

For example, you'll learn:

• knowledge of archaeological field techniques and site recording methods
• the ability to distinguish between individual archaeological contexts prior to excavation
• the ability to record archaeological contexts (in both written and drawn form)
• surveying skills
• environmental sampling
• on-site handling and processing of artefacts
• how to work as part of a team.

You'll also have training sessions on topics such as site etiquette, site and finds recording, care and use of archaeological equipment, and site photography. We offer a variety of specialist talks to discuss topics such as environmental work, pottery spot-dating, and post-excavation techniques.

Develop a comprehensive set of practical skills as you excavate, along with additional skills in activities around the trenches.

• In the finds hut
  Wash, dry and sort general finds, treat small finds with specialist care, mark pots, make entries in the finds book, bag and identify finds.
• In the environmental/science area
  Fill in environmental sample sheets, float samples, sort residues, identify finds and their reintroduction back into the finds system.
• In the computer hut
  Practice entering records onto the site database.
• In the visitors' area
  Give general site tours to visitors, prepare Open Day displays and exhibitions, and work with visiting schools.

"The Field School enabled me to test my archaeological knowledge in a practical way and also build on the skills I had begun to develop before university."

Madeleine Firestone – second-year archaeology student

Enabled Fieldwork is a collaborative project between students and staff to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to fully participate in our field trips and field schools.

The group is student-run and aims to help those who are worried about or struggling with fieldwork. It also seeks to embed diversity and inclusion principles in all fieldwork activities and practices.

The group works to positively articulate the challenges of inclusivity in practical disciplines, and to support students (and staff) of all abilities, genders and identities to voice concerns and find solutions together.

“I soon found that there is a role for everyone and that I could take part in the dig in my own way.”

Jenny Harris, BA Ancient History and Archaeology with Professional Placement

Read Jenny's story

Students at Reading have the opportunity to excavate at the site of an 8th century Anglo-Saxon monastery in Cookham, Berkshire. 

Initiated in 2021, this Field School is investigating the monastery site on the banks of the River Thames in the vicinity of Cookham’s Holy Trinity church. Cookham forms one of a network of Anglo-Saxon monasteries established along the route of the River Thames and its tributaries, from Cricklade (Gloucestershire) in the west to Minster-in-Sheppey (Kent) in the east. Known primarily from historical sources, archaeological understanding of these riverine establishments is very poor, particularly so for the Middle Thames. But Cookham ranks alongside the most extensively preserved early medieval monastic sites in Britain, giving students a unique opportunity to contribute to our understanding of this important period in British history. 

Learn more about Cookham