Postgraduate Archaeology 2026-2027

The last centuries of the Scandinavian Iron Age, c. 750-1050, is the dynamic era in which Norse peoples made a lasting impression on Northern European and indeed world history. We call it the Viking Age. It was characterised by a society in transition – between Pagan beliefs and Christianity, Iron Age Chiefdoms and Medieval States, Thing and Law. In this course we explore the impacts that the Vikings had on Northern European society through the ancient artefacts and places they left behind. In addition to biweekly seminars, this course lets you meet the Vikings in their World through a week-long field trip where we will explore how society, landscape, economy and worldview was radically changed by the Viking Age.

This three week summer field school will give postgraduate students the opportunity to further develop their skills in archaeological excavation while also gaining experience in supervising others. Students will gain hands-on experience with key excavation, survey and recording techniques, and will learn how to communicate the results of this field practice. As part of their learning program, they will be given training in how to supervise others, and will help to supervise undergraduate students in the field. During their participation in the field school, with the aid of experienced instructors, students will produce a portfolio of their own excavation and survey records and their contribution to the project will be assessed.