Monks Hall
Field Archaeology Training
Unearth your potential with our archaeology training programmes
We have courses aimed at students, early career archaeologists and community groups. Join us to gain hands-on experience, with proper technical guidance and expertise in archaeological fieldwork.
We’re pleased to announce bookings are now open for our Archaeology Field School and CPD courses for 2024.
Field School – 1st to 27th July
CPD Courses – May, June & October
Our Approach
Our team are field specialists with heaps of experience training students, professionals and volunteers in archaeological field practice across the UK and abroad. We believe that increasing skills is vital for the profession’s future, advances archaeological methods and cultivates a skilled workforce to tackle future research challenges.
We want to give everyone the opportunity to learn and develop their site skills. That’s why our courses are benchmarked against the Archaeology Skills Passport, providing you with the knowledge that you’re getting the training you need to be a successful field archaeologist.
As a Community Interest Company, all profits made will be reinvested back into our community heritage projects. By joining us at Monks Hall, you’ll be helping to fund our community landscape survey – the Fenland Landscape Survey.
Archaeology Field School
This year’s field school will be at Monks Hall, a medieval manor built on a silt island in the Lincolnshire Fens. The manor was owned by the Abbeys of Peterborough and Swineshead from as early as the 10th century and is now a working farm. We’ll be excavating medieval features around the farmyard including a dovecote and moat, and also conducting a geophysical and geoarchaeological survey of the buried landscape.
At Monks Hall, participants will be equipped with essential excavation and survey skills. Training is important to us, that’s why activities are designed around those found in the Archaeology Skills Passport. We guarantee to cover all core skills for those staying for 2 weeks or more.
Residential
£600 per week
Come and stay with us at our convenient campsite located in the farm’s back grassfield. All you need to do is bring a tent.
We cover food and accomodation in the cost. Breakfast, lunch and evening meals will be provided as will all essential facilities, including running water, toilets and showers.
Please inform us of any dietary requirements when booking. If you wish to join us in Residential but arrange your own food, please let us know when booking.
Generous bursaries available. Please contact us for details.
Non-Residential
£350 per week
For those arranging their own food and accomodation, the non-residential cost covers all training and use of equipment and facilities.
Please enquire in advance for recommendations on places to stay and eat nearby. We have cheaper than advertised rates agreed with local providers.
Fees & Booking
Anyone can come and participate.
STUDENTS – If you’re interested in attending the field school, consider reaching out to your university for potential funding assistance. Many institutions offer support for fieldwork opportunities like this!
To book your place on the field school please select from one of the following options…
Full 4 weeks
1st-27th July
Week 1
1st-6th July
Week 2
8th-13th July
Week 3
15th-20th July
Week 4
22nd-27th July
Contact us directly for any bespoke requirements.
Those who live locally, from the following postcodes – PE11, PE12, PE20 and PE21 – should contact us for a special discount as we are very keen to encourage local participation. Arrangements will also be made for Lincolnshire schools, societies and local interest groups.
Participants must be 13 years of age or older. If younger than 18, children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
* Bursaries awarded at Director’s discretion. Cost inclusive of food and accomodation. Limited numbers available.
Continuing Professional Development
We have three courses designed to train students and early career archaeologists in essential excavation and survey skills. Each course will be delievered by an experienced field archaeologist with an emphasis on practical fieldwork techniques and personal development. The cost includes all training and self-catered accomodation, with lunch and refreshments provided.
There are limited places available – between 6 and 8 for each course. This ensures a high-quality learning experience with tailored content based on the needs of the participants.
STUDENTS – If you’re interested in attending this CPD training course, don’t hesitate to reach out to your university for potential funding assistance. Many institutions offer support for professional development opportunities like this!
ARCHAEOLOGISTS – If you’re a professional archaeologist seeking financial assistance to attend CPD courses, have a chat with your employer. Companies have training budgets to help advance your ongoing professional development.
Our Courses
Student Essentials
One week course
£750
Student Essentials is ideal for students of archaeology. Participants will study:
- Soil formation and environment
- Contexts and stratigraphy
- Excavation methodology
- Recording: creating an archive
- Practical: tools and techniques
2024 Course Dates
6th-10th May
10th-14th June
7th-11th October
Commercial Essentials
Two week course
£1,150
Commercial Essentials is ideal for early career field archaeologists. Participants will study:
- Soils & geology
- Tools & techniques
- Best practice
- Recording
- Survey skills
2024 Course Dates
13th-24th May
17th-28th June
14th-25th October
Further Skills
One week course
£850
Further Skills is ideal for field archaeologists looking to progress. Participants will study:
- Site formation processes
- Building a matrix
- GPS & TST survey
- Digging to a deadline
- Encountering human remains
2024 Course Dates
3rd-7th June
17th-21st June
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