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Fieldwork and Practice

When you'll study it
Non-Standard
CATS points
15
ECTS points
7.5
Level
Level 5
Module lead
Carl Pollard
Academic year
2025-26

Module overview

Fieldwork is an integral part of the archaeological process. Whether through excavation or survey, it is one of the primary means by which archaeological data is generated. It is essential that students gain some experience of fieldwork in order to: develop comprehension of how the archaeological record is manifest; the techniques employed to scientifically investigate deposits, sites and landscape; and the means by which they are recorded. It combines the principles of both practice and theory. Fieldwork experience also provides invaluable transferable skills, such as problem solving, decision making, teamwork and personal responsibility. At the core of this module is participation in at least three weeks of fieldwork and/or related activities by means of a field school or research project, and in certain cases post-excavation or similar activities. Through this, you will master the key skills of field and practical archaeology, and understand how new insights into past societies are generated 'at the trowel's edge'. You will be asked to consider the relationship between research designs and methods, and the way field projects are organised. It is a requirement of all Archaeology degrees at Southampton, both single and joint honours, that they participate in at least three weeks of archaeological fieldwork, normally on a project organised by the University of Southampton.

Linked modules

New module from PAR structuring