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ATS3123 · Archaeological fieldwork in Italy

Official Handbook

2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 3Archaeology and Ancient History

Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTC

Overview

The unit introduces you to archaeological fieldwork and excavation through participation on a dig. You will gain experience in current fieldwork techniques, object recording, analysis and conservation, and will be introduced to the practical skills and interpretation of primary data within its find context. These skills are an essential part of undergraduate training in archaeology. The practical content will be supported by readings and lectures on archaeological methodology, Roman cultural contexts and archaeology in Italy.

Areas of study: Archaeology and ancient history

Offerings

CampusTeaching periodMode
OverseasTrimester 2Teaching mostly conducted outside of a classroom/campus environment and in a block (IMMERS-BLK)

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

#AssessmentTypeWeightHurdle
1Fieldwork skillsDemonstration30%
2JournalWritten30%
3EssayWritten40%

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

  1. identify and use archaeological fieldwork skills and current excavation techniques;
  2. record and analyse artefacts;
  3. document excavations within a contemporary framework;
  4. assess the site under excavation and analyse its contribution to the wider study of Roman culture;
  5. interpret and apply contemporary archaeological theory, especially as it relates to material culture;
  6. demonstrate the connections between archaeological practice and contemporary cultural heritage issues.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours for a 6 credit point unit per teaching period typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

ActivityDuration
Applied sessions
Lectures

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