How do archaeologists know where to dig? And how do you set up an archaeological excavation? Chapter One takes you from project planning through to laying out your trenches, in a few simple steps.

Before you get in too deep, understanding how an archaeological site is formed will help to make sense of everything you will find in your trench. Chapter Two is all about recognising archaeological deposits and how to excavate them in a logical order.

Now that you’ve done some archaeology, a thorough approach must be taken to recording it. Why? We’ll tell you. How? We’ll explain. Chapter Three reveals the principles of recording and brings you bang up-to-date with an introduction to DigVentures’ own Digital Dig Team system.

Recording your site isn’t just about the technical data: good visuals are essential. If you excavate but don’t make good and proper drawings and photographs, your name will be mud! Chapter Four is all about the nuts and bolts of plans, levels and photography, and the reasons we strive for that all-important ‘section perfection’.

The process of doing archaeology is scientific, as well as really fun and very educational, but there’s no denying that FINDING SOMETHING is always the cherry on the cake. Material culture and environmental finds are what bring the site to life! Chapter Five is all about what do if you find something.

What have you learned? Test your knowledge, ask questions, and let us know if there’s anything else you need!

The course is endorsed by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists, but does not award university credits.

All DV training programmes are built upon the framework of National Occupational Standards (NOS) developed by the Chartered Institute of Archaeologists.

The NOS for archaeological practice defines the range of skills that archaeologists may need to perfect in order to do their job, and provide the perfect framework for training programmes by breaking down a complicated job into a collection of individual skills and tasks. This is very effective for both professional and avocational archaeologists, as it provides a clear roadmap for skills development.

To help that skills development, you can find the individual NOS standards which this course supports in the next FAQ tab. If you would like to record your own skills development, we recommend you use the Archaeology Skills Passport. This has been developed in line with NOS, and provides a simple record book of your learning achievements.

The learning outcomes from this course are defined using National Occupational Standards (NOS). This course supports the Knowledge Requirements for particular units within the NOS for Archaeological Practice. These are:

• AB1 Propose and plan a research project

• AC1 Research and analyse information to achieve objectives

• AC5 Contribute to intrusive investigations

If you want one, you will get one! In the last section of the course you will be asked to complete our feedback survey. Feedback will help us to further refine and tailor the course based on which bits you loved, and which bits we need to work on. To get your certificate just complete the survey, then provide a postal address and we’ll pop it in the mail!