Archaeology and Ancient History
Fieldwork
When you're studying at Leicester, you'll have the opportunity to gain valuable practical and professional experience out in the field, in our labs, and through site-visits throughout the UK and beyond.
Archaeology: Fieldschools
Fieldwork is a core part of the degree for all Archaeology and joint honours students and as a result we organise excavation opportunities for both first and second year students. Our recent field-schools have focused on the Roman period, with students excavating part of a substantial Roman villa complex near Loughborough or revealing houses, workshops and cemeteries in the suburbs of the Roman town of Irchester.
These field-schools offer the opportunity to work with archaeologists from the University of Leicester Archaeology Services, gain important practical skills and contribute directly to scientific research.
Unearthing Roman Leicestershire
Find out more about our first year fieldschool, Catsick Hill, Barrow-upon-Soar, near Loughborough held during early summer 2024.
Other practical opportunities
In addition to our field-schools, our staff conduct archaeological projects throughout the UK and beyond. In recent years, students have:
- helped excavated and record the Rutland Roman mosaic
- explored the childhood home of Lady Jane Grey at Bradgate Park, Leicester
- discovered prehistory and Vikings in Ardnamurchan, Scotland
- researched rock art on an uninhabited island in the Caribbean
We have specialist facilities and laboratories and an outstanding range of equipment for hands-on teaching and research in science-based analytical techniques, including our state-of-the-art human bone laboratory and zooarchaeology laboratory, as well as others, you can read more about our facilities.