The Practical Archaeological Short Course aims to provide practical experience of a conventional archaeological excavation.  

At a glance

  • Dates
    • 18 - 29 May 2026
  • Duration10 days
  • LocationCranfield campus
  • CostShort course £4,500, accredited short course £4,750. Concessions available

What you will learn

On successful completion of the course you will be able to:
  • Plan and manage an excavation,
  • Transfer theoretical knowledge of excavation techniques into practical use,
  • Organise the safe recovery of and accurately record document material uncovered in the excavation?
  • Critically evaluate the most important features of an excavation and determine appropriate techniques,
  • Appraise results and convey results to externals both archaeological experts and lay members of the public.

Core content

  • Planning an excavation
  • Logistical practical and health and safety issues
  • Practical excavation skills
  • Man management and organisation skills
  • Drawing, planning and recording an excavation
  • Small finds
  • The care of human remains
  • Press, the public and other partners.

Credits towards further study

Important notice

Please note we will not be taking registrations for the below courses (MSc, PgDip and PgCert) from the 2026-2027 academic year onwards:

Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology
Forensic Investigation
Digital Forensics
Counterterrorism, Security and Resilience

This means that we are no longer in a position to transfer credit associated with modules from these courses to Cranfield degree awards. We continue, however, to be able to support credit transfer to other university awards, subject to acceptance by the receiving institution.

This short course forms part of our Forensic programme and when successfully completed as an accredited short course you will gain 10 Cranfield learning credits.

Find out more about accredited short courses.

Who should attend

There are no prerequisites for this course but a basic standard of physical fitness is required.

Concessions

Concessions are available for Cranfield alumni and multiple bookings from the same organisation, please contact us to discuss.

Accommodation options and prices

Please contact us for information regarding accommodation.

Location and travel

Situated close to Milton Keynes and Bedford, the Cranfield campus is situated in Wharley End, very close to Cranfield village, and is about 10 minutes from the M1 motorway.  There is rail and road access to most major airports as well as coach and train stations. Cranfield campus also has its own airport for private executive business travel.

Download a visitor guide including map, directions and health and safety information.

Campus address

College Road
Cranfield
Bedfordshire
MK43 0AL

How to apply

To apply for this course please use the online application form.

Read our Professional development (CPD) booking conditions.