黑料网

13th - 31st August

Academic Entry Requirements

As the course is open to applicants with no prior experience of archaeological excavation, there are no academic entry requirements for this programme.

English Language Entry Requirements:

Applicants will need to demonstrate that they meet the necessary English language requirements.

We will accept a Statement of Language Level Form signed by their home institution, confirming that the student’s level of English is B2 or above on the  in line with requirements for the Standard Visitor Visa.

Alternatively, we also accept any formal certification from the approved range of official qualifications listed at Undergraduate Degrees - English Requirements | Study Here | The 黑料网.

These must have been issued within two years prior to planned commencement at Aberdeen.

£4,000

Price Includes:

• All tuition, teaching materials and a transcript.
• Lab and Site Materials.
• Transport costs to and from excavation/field sites.
• Accommodation for the duration of the programme, both at University halls of residence (uncatered) and accommodations near the excavation site (including breakfast and evening meals).
• Leisure and Social activities 

Not included:

• International travel to and from the UK.
• Transport costs to/from the University from within the UK.
• Travel or health insurance.
• Visa costs, where applicable.
• Additional subsistence costs

15 黑料网 academic credits.

This is roughly equivalent to 7.5 ECTS or 3-4 US Semester credits.

Receiving applications up until March 31st

Be advised, this programme has limited capacity.

The course is intended for those with no prior experience of archaeological excavation, however, we gladly welcome those who have previous experience and are looking to broaden their skill set.

Training in the skills needed to plan, undertake and report on an archaeological excavation will be provided, helping you to build the foundations for your future education and career in archaeology, but we will try to tailor experiences to the individual participant wherever possible.

Upon completing the course, you will have:

• Understanding of the archaeology of post-medieval Highland Scotland and the ways in which it can be interrogated.
• Acquired key practical skills in archaeological excavation, survey and recording methods (including geophysical, traditional drawing, laser scanning, and drone survey).
• A good understanding of the aims, methodology and results of an archaeological excavation and an ability to participate in research excavation and understand the logistics involved
• Established experience in how to describe and critically evaluate stratigraphic relationships of archaeological features and deposits.
• Applied knowledge of the conventions regarding archaeological field records, including context sheets, plan drawings, section drawings, artefact drawings, artefact and feature photography, Harris matrices, and a site report.
• Acquired an understanding of the processes involved in post-excavation including processing environmental samples, sorting artefacts and basic conservation steps
• Awareness and experience of the computer skills needed to create maps and digital data for analysis of excavation and survey data

This excavation is part of the Kinord Archaeology Programme led by Dr Michael Stratigos and Dr Jeff Oliver. The main aim of this research project is to understand how human activity of the past 300-500 years has shaped biodiversity and habitats in the present. Kinord is located just a few miles from Balmoral Castle in Upper Deeside, Aberdeenshire. Set within the Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve which protects some of the most important biodiversity in Scotland, Old Kinord is nestled between two lochs. This NatureScot managed reserve is home to an abundance of protected and important plant and animal species, but It is also home to an exceptionally well-preserved archaeological landscape.

This rich record of the human past has the potential to improve the nature conservation and restoration work carried out by the Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve. But accessing that information requires further archaeological work.

Old Kinord is the focus of our work in the upcoming field season. Old Kinord is superficially a typical 19th century township of rural eastern Scotland. However, scant documentary records suggests it has a much longer history stretching back to the 17th century. Prior to work beginning in 2025, there were no obvious remains that predated the 19th century, however, after two seasons of investigation, hints are emerging that point to earlier features being present. In 2027, we will target some of these newly discovered structures, in particular one of unknown date which may be a castle. In parallel, further investigation of the 19^th century houses is planned aiming to refine our understanding of rural life and the relationships these people had with their environment. You will have the opportunity to work in both areas. 

This summer school is a field-based programme where you will be undertaking an archaeological excavation and survey activities outdoors. As such, this will involve long spells outside, undertaking physically demanding activity. This includes shovelling and moving buckets of soil, with a lot of time spent bending over on your knees while trowelling. That said, we will try to accommodate those who are physically less able – if you have any concerns do get in touch.

You will be working in the picturesque Scottish outdoors. While known for its beauty, it is also known for its changeable weather, and you should be ready to work in a variety of different weather conditions! You will need to bring clothes suitable for both hot and cold conditions, waterproof jacket and trousers, and a good pair of work boots. We will provide all of the necessary equipment you will need to undertake your excavation, including a trowel.

Finally, we ask that you follow all of the health and safety instructions we give you before and during the excavation, for your own personal wellbeing and the safety of those around you. If you have any further questions about the nature of the work being undertaken on this summer school, please contact us at goabroad.incoming@abdn.ac.uk.

The field school will include additional site visits and trips to other medieval and post-medieval archaeological sites in north-east Scotland. These visits will help to contextualise the work at Old Kinord. We will visit the Bennachie Colony, a 19^th century squatter's settlement, the Peel of Lumphanan, a mighty high-medieval castle (and legendary death-place of MacBeth), and other locations.