Archaeological Theory Summer School 2026

7 – 9 September 2026, University of Leicester

Come and join us for a summer school focused on archaeological theory for postgraduate students and postdoctoral researchers. Drawing on the world leading expertise we have at the University of Leicester, we will explore current trends in archaeological theory, particularly relational and posthumanist approaches, to help you expand your knowledge and develop your own theoretical framework. We will explore the past, present and future of relational and posthumanist approaches in archaeology over three intensive days of learning.

The course will be delivered through a blend of lectures, intensive seminar sessions and workshops. In the workshops students will have the opportunity to share their own written theory work with the group to receive detailed, supportive feedback. This method of learning through workshop feedback is something that we utilise extensively at Leicester for our staff and students. We find that it results in intensive conversations about our research that provide the space necessary to think about every aspect of our written work from concepts and ideas to the use of examples and the mechanics and structure of writing itself.

Our aim is to upskill students in archaeological theory, provide a dedicated intensive space to explore high level theory questions and give students the confidence to be able to develop their own critical theoretical framework that will meet the needs of their specific research topic and area.

Course convenors

• Dr Rachel Crellin
• Professor Ollie Harris
• Professor Ben Jervis
• Dr Alice Samson

Application deadline

• Friday 8 May 2026

We urge you to apply early. If the maximum number of participants is reached before the deadline, we may close the application process earlier.

Course fee

• £565

Accommodation package

• £33.50 per night (bed and breakfast)

Our expertise

The University of Leicester is home to a world-leading group of archaeological theorists and the Research Centre for Material Worlds Past and Present. Dr Rachel Crellin is the author of Change and Archaeology, Archaeological Theory in Dialogue and Archaeology for Today and Tomorrow. Her expertise in archaeological theory was recognised by the Theoretical Archaeology Group who awarded her the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Archaeology Theory’ award in 2024. Professor Ollie Harris is the author of The Body in History, Assembling Past Worlds, Archaeological Theory in Dialogue and Archaeology for Today and Tomorrow. Professor Ben Jervis is the author of Pottery and Social Life in Medieval England and Assemblage Thought in Archaeology. Dr Alice Samson is the author of Caring labor and the affective economy in the making of the Caribbean and Artists before Columbus: A multi-method characterization of the materials and practices of Caribbean cave art.

FAQs

What is covered by my course fee?

Your attendance, bespoke feedback on your work from the teaching team, lunches and tea and coffee breaks.

How does the accommodation package work?

We will provide accommodation on campus for the course. This will include checking in the day before 6/9/26 and checking out on the eday after the course finishes 10/9/26 . The accommodation package includes breakfast each day.

How do I apply?

Please send a one page application. This should include 400 words about your research and why you want to attend the course and a very brief CV. Submit the application via email to matworlds@leicester.ac.uk.

Who is eligible to attend?

The course is open to postgraduate students and postdoctoral researchers. We welcome applications from MA, MSc and MPhil students, PhD students and postdoctoral researchers with a strong interest in archaeological theory.

How do you select successful applicants?

We primarily look for a good match between what you aim to get out of the course and what we can deliver. We also look for students who have a good working knowledge of archaeological theory who can therefore handle the advanced level of discussion we look to foster on the course.

How do the feedback workshops work?

Successful applicants will be asked to submit a 5000 word length writing sample 6 weeks before the course. This sample should be focused on archaeological theory: it could be drawn from the theoretical framework for a PhD, MPhil or MA thesis, it could be the theory component of an article or chapter you hope to publish or it could be a bespoke piece of writing you want to explore. All participants will read your work, including the course convenors, in advance of the course. We will then spend 30mins of workshop time discussing each piece of writing. The aim of this discussion is to help develop and improve the writing. The feedback will be constructive and supportive delivered in an affirmative and joyful manner. You will also receive some written feedback from the course convenors at the end of the course. Successful applicants will receive more detailed advice on the writing sample when their place on the course is confirmed.