Archaeology and the Stories we Tell

For adults aged 18+. Uncover the layers of history in Europe’s most historic walled city, York.

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Russell Group University

Experience studying at a leading UK university, rated both gold for teaching and top 10 for research.

Consistently high ranking

In the UK, and one of just six post-war universities to have appeared in the world top 100.

University of the Year shortlisted

Shortlisted for the prestigious University of the Year award by the Times Higher Education (THE) in 2023.

Top five in the UK

and 25th in the world, according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025.

Archaeology isn’t just about digging up the past, it’s about understanding how people, places, and objects shape the stories we tell today.

Programme dates

May 24th - June 6th 2026

Course details

This two-week, credit-bearing summer intensive invites you to explore York as a living heritage laboratory, where every street and stone has something to reveal. The course carries 5 University of York credits (2.5 ECTS).

In this hands-on course, you’ll use the city of York itself as your classroom, tracing over 2,000 years of history from the Romans and Vikings to medieval merchants and modern industry. Through a mix of lectures and on-site visits, you’ll learn how heritage professionals interpret, protect, and share these stories.

Each week combines lectures, workshops, and guided site visits to iconic landmarks such as:

Medieval York Minster and the Shambles – explore living heritage and tourism
The Rivers and Railways of York – discover how empire and industry shape identity
Sites of contested and dark heritage – confronting difficult histories and the stories often left untold

You’ll be taught and mentored by a team of internationally recognised heritage and archaeological experts, bringing cutting-edge research and real-world experience directly into your learning.

Join us this summer in York and experience how history comes alive beyond the textbook.

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What are the academic requirements to apply?

Open to undergraduate students from any discipline with an interest in heritage, anthropology, history, tourism, or cultural studies.

What level of English do I need to join?

The programme is suitable for students who have been learning English as a second/foreign language.

We do not ask for proof of your English language proficiency, however, to ensure all students receive the full value of the programme, applicants should have an intermediate level of English (minimum CEFR B2 or IELTS 6).

How do I apply?

Complete the online application form.

After you have submitted the application form, please allow five working days for your application to be assessed.

What happens after I apply?

We aim to inform applicants of the outcome of their application within five working days.

If your application is successful, you will receive an Offer Letter by email. This letter confirms the programme and academic option you have selected, the start and end date, and the payment deadline. In order to accept your place on the programme, you will be asked to pay the programme fee in full via the University’s online store by the indicated deadline. Please refer to the terms and conditions regarding payment.

Please allow at least three working days for our team to confirm receipt of your payment and documents. On confirmation of your place, you will receive an Acceptance Letter by email.

Please note, your place on the programme is not confirmed until payment has been received.

Study and Skills

Alongside these explorations, you’ll receive practical training in key heritage skills including:

Photography
Archival research
Digital creativity
Audience interpretation

You'll learn to document, analyse, and communicate the past in innovative ways. Your experience will culminate in the creation of your own York Heritage Trail, where you’ll decide which stories deserve to be told and how.

Culture and Free Time

Put your learning into context, expand your network and make new friends through our schedule of cultural visits and optional free-time activities:

1 full-day excursion
1 half-day excursion
Regular optional free-time activities led by University of York students.

Assessment and Certificate

As part of the course you will be required to complete one piece of work:

A presentation assessment.

You will receive a grade and feedback from your tutors. If you complete the assignment and hold a satisfactory attendance record, you will be issued with a Certificate of Completion at the end of the programme. The course carries 5 University of York credits (2.5 ECTS).

Students who have completed the course will qualify for a 10% York Graduate Loyalty Discount at the University of York.

Ready for an unforgettable experience?

Apply Now!
Places are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment.

Apply Now

Programme fees

Tuition fee per session	£3,000
The fee includes tuition, accommodation with half-board, and some social activities. Cost subject to change in subsequent years.

Accommodation and catering

If you book accommodation with us, you will be staying in a single room with shared bathroom (usually one bathroom per 5 to 6 students) in one of our 11 colleges situated on our wonderful parkland campus. Your fellow students will be staying in the same accommodation block, but you will have the privacy of your own room.

Each accommodation block has a shared kitchen and you will be provided with basic kitchen equipment on arrival. There is a small supermarket on campus as well as a variety of food outlets and cafés.

Discover your accommodation

Getting to the University of York

Students are responsible for making their own travel arrangements to and from the University, including any necessary visas or immigration permissions.

If you need to apply for a passport or renew/replace your passport, you should begin this process as soon as possible after you have been accepted onto the programme.

We advise that you do not start to make travel arrangements until you have received your Acceptance Letter and the programme is confirmed. We also strongly advise that you invest in a comprehensive travel insurance policy that covers cancellations, personal possessions and healthcare. Please see our terms and conditions for more details.

Do I need a visa?

If you are not a UK or Irish citizen, you may need immigration permission to enter the UK and take part in the programme.

Overseas students who will be studying in the UK for 6 months or less can do so on a Standard Visitor Visa and this will likely be the most appropriate route for most of our students.

You can check if you need a visa and how to apply at the UK Visas and Immigration website. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct immigration permissions to participate in the programme.

If you need a visa, you should apply after your place on the programme has been confirmed and you have received a Letter of Acceptance. Your Letter of Acceptance will include your passport number so please make sure this is valid and correct.

Terms and conditions

When applying to study on this course you are required to accept our terms and conditions.

York Archaeology SS Ts&Cs (PDF , 222kb)

Register your Interest for 2027