Fieldwork is an important component of the UCL Institute of Archaeology degree programmes and contributes to the experience of our students.

[Image credit: Pete Barry]
Fieldwork
Our Undergraduate Programmes recognise the importance of students gaining fieldwork experience and funding is available for this (depending on the project chosen this can be fully funded or partially funded for both subsistence and travel costs). Our students undertake fieldwork both in the UK and overseas. Details of selected recent fieldwork undertaken by our students are highlighted below.

ArchaeoTech
In the first week of the first year, the 4-day Experimental Archaeology course 'ArchaeoTech' gives our new students early exposure to a variety of aspects of early technologies and archaeological processes. It also provides excellent opportunities for them to get to know each other, as well as the officers of the student society and members of staff.
Building a Replica Roman Pottery Kiln
Together with the Training Excavation, in the summer of the first year, our students develop skills and experience needed to get the most out of the rest of their fieldwork, carried out throughout the Programme. They will acquire an excellent grounding in field excavation and recording techniques as well as the experience of life on an archaeological excavation.
Bodiam Castle Fieldwork Summer 2024: Sussex
Our students have joined forces with colleagues at Archaeology South-East and the National Trust to excavate at Bodiam Castle, over the next three years, in the lead-up to its 100th anniversary in the care of the National Trust in 2026. Read more about this new fieldwork project.
Thames Foreshore Fieldwork 2023-24: central London
Our students led by Stuart Brookes commenced a programme of fieldwork along the Thames foreshore in central London during the 2023-24 academic session. Read more about this student experience.

Training Excavation 2023: Greenwich, London
The UCL Institute of Archaeology, in partnership with the Royal Parks at Greenwich, and Archaeology South-East colleagues, excavated a WWII air raid shelter during May and June. 1st year undergraduate students, with staff and Institute alumni, excavated the site, revealing and recording the original features of the structure.