Roman Britain & Arthurian Myth

Location:

Season: May 24, 2026 to June 7, 2026

Deadline Type: Contact for Details

Website: https://www.rau.ac.uk/RAUSummerSchool-Roman-Britain

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
The Royal Agricultural University

Project Director:
Professor Mark Horton

Project Description:

This immersive programme offers the perfect opportunity to expand your academic horizons, explore future study options, and connect with like-minded students from around the world. The Summer School will appeal to those who want to experience the wealth of Roman remains, gain insights into archaeology, and to understand the links between history, literature and archaeological evidence. No prior experience is needed, apart from a desire to learn about this fascinating period of our history.

Cirencester – Roman Corinium – was the capital of Britannia Prima, the western province of Britain, and by 4th century, one of the wealthiest regions of the empire. The Summer School will trace the growth and decline of Roman Britain into the so called ‘Dark Ages’, the Age of Arthur, where mythologies were created and then reimagined during the Middle Ages. This programme will appeal to anyone who is interested in late Roman Britain, the early medieval period, and the historical origins of the Arthurian myths.

We will be located in Cirencester, with its remains and museum collection, and visit the many Roman and Dark Age sites in the region – to include villas with their mosaics, fortresses and walled towns, Roman Bath, as well as more mysterious locations, like hermits caves, inscribed stones and re-occupied Celtic hillforts. A unique feature will be the opportunity to participate in a research excavation of a 4th-5th century temple complex with a voluntary ‘add on’ of a further week, at low cost, where it will be possible to gain more substantial archaeological experience.

Period(s) of Occupation: Dark Ages, the Age of Arthur.

Notes:
The full cost of the two-week programme is £5,500. The cost of the optional extra week will be for accommodation only (cost upon request)

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: 2 weeks

Minimum Age: 18

Experience Required: University students and those with a strong interest in archaeology and heritage. 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.

Room and Board Arrangements:
Full-board residential accommodation at the Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester during week 1 and close to Littledean for week 2 and the optional week 3.