The East Wear Bay Archaeological Project was founded in 2015 to excavate and record a nationally significant Iron Age and Roman villa site which is heavily affected by coastal erosion along the Kent cliffs.

Canterbury Archaeological Trust’s intensive two-week field school provides comprehensive training in excavation techniques, recording, and other field working skills. Students will work towards the completion of a portfolio to show evidence of learning, and a BAJR skills passport.

Field School training activities will include site introduction and induction, including health and safety; archaeological excavation and the use of specialised tools and equipment; finds processing; the written site record; archaeological site drawing; site survey; site photography; and historic building recording. Subject to availability, there will also be sessions on environmental processing and analysis, and geophysics.

The aim of the field school is to provide training and coaching for anyone who has an interest in potentially pursuing a career in archaeology or heritage, or for those who want to formally develop their archaeological field-working skills. The field school forms part of an optional practical skills module for archaeology students at the University of Kent and is offered to those who wish to participate from other Higher Education institutes. Amateur archaeologists with some prior knowledge of fieldwork are also invited to participate.

The field school will be delivered through formal teaching sessions and informal practical learning. The formal sessions will be timetabled, with the schedule to be confirmed prior to your arrival in Folkestone. All sessions will be delivered by qualified and experienced heritage professionals. Some will be CAT staff members, including those currently working in commercial archaeology in the UK. Other sessions will be delivered by teaching staff from the University of Kent or by external tutors who have more specific specialist knowledge to share with you. The practical learning will be delivered through hands-on experience of excavation and recording while on site at East Wear Bay.

2026 Fees:

A two-week Field School placement includes all training and necessary equipment, plus accommodation in Folkestone. We are happy to make suitable recommendations to those wishing to find their own accommodation in the Canterbury or Folkestone areas.

With accommodation: £895

Without accommodation: £650

Register interest by 30th of April, 2026.

Suitable for university students and adult learners, no prior experience required.