Roman Britain Summer School - Sunday 23 May 2027 start

Our Roman Britain Summer School is an educational retreat experience, open to all adult learners with an interest in archaeology and the history of Roman Britain.

Roman baths in Bath

The Roman Baths, Bath, which will be visited as part of the Summer School

Over the course of two weeks be immersed in this fascinating period of history and learn more about archaeological techniques used to undercover the wealth of Roman remains in Britain, under the guidance of world-renowned archaeologist Professor Mark Horton.

We will explore the growth and decline of Roman Britain into the so called ‘Dark Ages’ within the Cotswolds, and further afield, through a series of guided trips by Professor Mark Horton, lectures by leading academics on Roman Britain and archaeology, and an archaeological dig of a Roman site in Gloucestershire.

Who should attend?

Our Summer School is suitable for all adult learners, from undergraduates to retirees, with an interest in archaeology and the history of Roman Britain.

Our Summer School is also ideal for those wishing to gain excavation experience and practical archaeological competencies, including those with a British Archaeology Jobs and Resources (BAJR) Skills Passport working towards membership of the Chartered Institute for Archaeological (CIfA). Find out more about the Passport here.

What does the Summer School explore?

Week One: Myth, Memory and Monument

You will explore local Roman archaeology through a series of themed trips, including:

evening walk around Roman Cirencester, including an exclusive reception event

Cirencester (Roman Corinium) – where our university is located - was the capital of Britannia Prima, the western province of Britain, and by 4th century, one of the wealthiest regions of the empire.

day trip to the City of Bath
day trip to a selection of archaeological and heritage sites in the Cotswolds
day trips to 'Dark Age' Wales
day trip to London

You will also listen to a series of evening lectures throughout the week, delivered by Professor Mark Horton.

Week Two: Field Archaeology

You will participate in a five-day archaeological dig, learning and employing a range of techniques.

Tell me more about the site

We are delighted to be excavating at site in very close proximity to our Cirencester campus, discovered in 2020 by a metal detectorist when they uncovered a hoard of more than 150 silver and bronze coins and metalwork.

Professor Mark Horton and his MSc students, alongside the original finder, were able to relocate the original hoard pit in 2026 and place it in its historic context.

A major ‘votive’ site dating back to the late Iron Age (c.100BC - 43AD), the coins and subsequent finds show that the site belonged to the Dobunni tribe whose capital was at Bagendon, just a few miles away from the site.

The Dobunni, well known for their active collaboration with the Roman invaders, were rapidly Romanised and may have been some of the earliest builders of countryside villas in Britain. After the Roman conquest, the Dobunni capital was relocated to Cirencester, or Corinium Dobunnorum, and Bagendon and their sacred sites were likely abandoned.

Find out more about our 2026 excavation here.

Professor Mark Horton looks forward to returning to this archaeologically significant site with Summer School attendees.

What archaeological techniques you will develop

Field school techniques:

drone mapping
GIS surveying
shovel and test pitting
archaeological excavation
artifact mapping and recovery
pollen sampling

Laboratory work techniques:

GIS data processing and interpretation
drone map survey data processing and interpretation
artefact cleaning, recording, cataloguing and identification

An optional extra week of excavation is available on request for those who wish to gain further fieldwork experience. Subject to validation, there is the opportunity to accrue academic credits.

You will also listen to a series of evening lectures given by our academics from our Cultural Heritage Institute and guest experts on Roman Britain.

Your time with us will be marked by a delicious three-course dinner on our Cirencester campus and presentation of certificates, ahead of a final evening lecture.

What are the course outcomes for attendees?

Under the guidance of world-renowned archaeologist and hugely charismatic Professor Mark Horton, you should expect an unforgettable, immersive educational experience alongside like-minded enthusiasts from around the globe.

On successful completion, you will receive a Certificate of Completion endorsed by the RAU at the final dinner.

If you hold a BAJR Skills Passport, Professor Mark Horton can assess and sign off any relevant competencies you demonstrate on the archaeological dig.

Subject to validation, there is the opportunity to accrue academic credits if you participate in the optional extra week of excavation.

Who is the Summer School Leader?

Man standing in front of field with hands in gilet pockets

The Summer School will be led by world-renowned archaeologist, television presenter and author, Mark Horton, Professor of Archaeology and Pro Vice-Chancellor at the RAU, and an expert on Roman and post-Roman Britain.

What's included?

Airport transfers on arrival and departure to/from London Heathrow and Birmingham International airports
Full-board residential accommodation at the Royal Agricultural University during week one and close to the Roman site in Gloucestershire (that you will be excavating) for week two and the optional week three
Local transport to all scheduled events
Evening lectures and learning material
Tuition and support during the excavation
Student ambassador support, welfare, and logistics coordination
Entry fees to all heritage sites and museums

Please note: You will need to ensure that you have your own travel insurance in place.

When is the Summer School?

We are delighted to be running our next Roman Britain Summer School from 23 May - 11 June 2027.

How much does it cost?

The early-bird, full cost for our two-week programme is £2,650 for successful applications made by 1 February 2027.

After this date, our standard, full cost is £2,800.

Applicants from RAU partner institutions will receive priority consideration and a 20% discount on fees. Eligibility for this offer will be assessed during the application process.

If you wish to participate in the optional extra week of excavation, the cost of this additional week will be for accommodation only, with the cost available on request.

Are there any funding options?

If you are looking at grants to cover the cost of attending our Summer School, you may meet the requirements for a grant from The Roman Society. For more information, visit The Roman Society website here.

You may also meet the requirements for a Leverhulme Trust scheme. For more information, visit the Leverhulme Trust website here.

Additionally, you may meet the requirements for a grant from The Sidney Perry Foundation. For more information, visit The Sidney Perry Foundation website here.

What are the entry requirements?

You must be an adult learner aged 18-years old and above
For international applicants:
- IELTS Academic score of 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in each component (or equivalent)
- A standard visitor visa may be required; visit the gov.uk website for more details. Please check the eligibility criteria depending on your personal circumstances, and follow the guidance listed.