ATS2943/3123 Archaeological Fieldwork in Italy
ATS2943/3123 Archaeological Fieldwork in Italy
The unit introduces students to archaeological fieldwork and excavation through participation on an archaeological dig. Students will actively participate in excavating the remains of a Roman settlement, learning to use archaeological excavation tools, such as shovels, picks, trowels, and brushes. In addition to excavation techniques, students will gain experience with digital equipment like drones and survey stations. They will also participate in post-excavation processes, including object recording, analysis, and conservation. These skills are a valuable part of undergraduate training in archaeology.
The practical content will be supported by readings and lectures on archaeological methodology, Roman cultural contexts and archaeology in Italy. The unit takes place in Umbria, Italy, at the Roman city of Carsulae, on the Via Flaminia. The site is located 4 km from the town of San Gemini where students will be staying for the duration of the program.
For your safety and enjoyment of this unit, an assumed level of fitness is required. This unit takes place during the Italian summer, excavations are outdoors and conditions are likely to be hot. If you're unsure about your physical capacity and what will be expected, please attend the unit information session and/or discuss this with the unit coordinators.
Additional requirements: This unit has a strict quota of 16 students. If more than 16 applications are received, selection of students will be based on academic merit, with preference given to students who have already completed units in archaeology at Monash.
Itinerary Under DevelopmentStudents will arrange their own flights to arrive at Rome Fiumicino airport on 28 June 2026. Arrivals will need to be coordinated to meet a bus to take all students to San Gemini. The timing of this bus will be advised by Monash Abroad as soon as possible. Students will stay in San Gemini for the duration of the program, with accommodation provided from 28 June to 17 July, inclusive. Excavation at Carsulae takes place on week days between 29 June and 17 July. On the morning of 18 July, a bus will be provided to take students from San Gemini to Rome Fiumicino airport.
| Dates / Deadlines: | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term | Year | App Deadline | Start Date | End Date |
| Winter (June - July) | 2026 | 22-Mar-26 | 28-Jun-2026 | 18-Jul-2026 |
| Information Sheet | |
|---|---|
| Course Level | Undergraduate |
| Awarded Credit Points | 6 |
| Program Type | GST - Global Study Tour |
| Program Duration | 20 days |
| Leading Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
| Minimum WAM | 60% |
| Eligible Monash Campus | Monash Australia |
| Minimum Credits Completed (at time of registration) | 12 first-year credit points in Archaeology & Ancient History (ATS1247 and ATS1248) |
| Funding Available | Monash Abroad Travel Grant |
| Personal Statement | Yes |
Program Costs
Program Cost: $5,707 (excluding airfares)
Deposit: $800 per person due 1 week from registration date Interim Payment: $2454 due Monday 13 April 2026 Final balance: $2453 due Monday 11 May 2026
Program costs includes:
- Twin share accommodation in 4-star hotel
- Breakfast daily
- Transportation to program related events/activities
- Monash travel insurance policy
- Participant contribution to excavation costs
- First Aid Kit
- Purchase of excavation equipment
- Site Access fee
- Welcome group dinner
Program costs do not include:
- Monash University tuition fees for 6 credit points of study
- Airfares
- Purchase of personal archaeological trowel
- Visa costs (if applicable)
- Local travel outside of program activities
- Accommodation and transport not within the program dates
- Meals and drinks not included in the program
- Spending money
- Any expenses incurred during free time
Travel insurance
If you are an actively enrolled Monash student and participating in an approved international program, you will be provided with complimentary travel insurance. You will automatically be covered once your application has been approved and your enrolment updated to reflect your study overseas.
Under this policy, travellers will also receive access to 24/7 emergency assistance provided by Global 24 Emergency Assistance and limited coverage for personal travel days.
Visas
Monash Abroad will issue you with supporting documentation to lodge your visa application once you have completed all Monash Abroad requirements and are approved for travel. If you require supporting documentation earlier in the process, please contact Monash Abroad. Please note that Monash Abroad cannot provide advice regarding visa requirements.
Centrelink support documents
For the purposes of maintaining your Centrelink benefits during your overseas program, Monash Abroad will provide you with a letter confirming your participation in a study tour. Please note that this will be issued to you once you have completed all Monash Abroad requirements and are approved for travel.
Important Note:
The Monash Abroad Travel Grant and OS-HELP loan (if applicable) will be paid approximately 4 weeks prior to program commencement and only when all Monash Abroad requirements are completed. Therefore, these funds should not be considered as your primary source of funding to pay program related deposits and balances.
Monash Abroad Travel Grant
Monash students studying in Australia who are enrolled into a credit-bearing unit for this program will be assessed for eligibility to receive a Monash Abroad travel grant if they are not otherwise receiving any other scholarship that is intended to cover most or all of your travel/tuition costs for your program (e.g., New Colombo Plan Mobility grant).
You do not need to apply separately for this grant as your eligibility for this grant will be assessed as part of your application.
OS-HELP Loan
OS-HELP is a Commonwealth Government loan program that provides financial assistance to eligible Commonwealth Supported Place students, to undertake some of their study overseas.
If you are eligible for the loan and wish to apply, please submit your application as per the relevant OS-HELP loan term deadline, even if you have not been accepted into your overseas program by that deadline.
Student Loans
If you need help with study-related expenses, please refer to the student loans website and talk to a student adviser at Monash Connect.
Travel Scholarships
Please refer to the travel and placements scholarship website for more information.
| Dates / Deadlines: | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term | Year | App Deadline | Start Date | End Date |
| Winter (June - July) | 2026 | 22-Mar-2026 | 28-Jun-2026 | 18-Jul-2026 |
Eligibility
Places are limited and applications will be assessed on a competitive basis. To apply for this program, you must have:
- A WAM of 60% or above
- Completed 12 credit points - Arts units (ATS1247 and ATS1248)
- Personal Statement
- Please submit a 200-word personal statement outlining outlining why you are applying to enrol in the unit and what you hope to gain from participating in the program.
At all times Monash University embraces and celebrates true diversity. We strongly welcome applications from our students living with disabilities, who are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, students with caring and/or parenting responsibilities, who identify as LGBTIQA+, people of colour, and those whose identities intersect with more than one of the above.
How to Apply
Step 1: Submit an application for this program
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED.
Step 2: Selection
Assessment will be undertaken by the relevant faculty by reviewing your personal statement, WAM, year of course and that you have met the enrolment requirements.
Step 3: Enrolment and travel approval
If you are accepted into the program, you will be issued with an outcome email and you will be enrolled into the associated unit. You will also receive an email alert with additional Monash Abroad tasks for you to complete:
- Passport and Medical Details form
- Travel Approval Request Form
- Mandatory pre-departure module.
Once you have completed these tasks, Monash Abroad will approve you for travel. You will then have access to the travel insurance coverage and be issued with any relevant grants, loans and/or scholarships.
Important note: you must have a valid passport that does not expire until at least six months after the program end date.
Program contacts
For all enquiries, please contact:
- Jessie Birkett-Rees: jessie.birkett-rees@monash.edu
- Hilary Gopnik: hilary.gopnik@monash.edu
| Dates / Deadlines: | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Term | Year | App Deadline | Decision Date | Start Date | End Date |
| Summer A (Nov-Dec) | 2023 | 30-Jul-2023 | Rolling admission | 01-Dec-2023 | 10-Dec-2023 |
Eligibility
Places are limited and applications will be assessed on a competitive basis. To apply for this program, you must have:
- a WAM of 70% or above
- completed 48 credit points however, students with lower credit points may be considered if there are special circumstances
- submitted a 500-word personal statement as part of your application*.
* The Personal Statement should respond to the following:
Why would you like to undertake the unit?
What do you hope to learn in the unit?
What newsrooms and site visits are you most interested in visiting?
Have you been involved in MOJO and internships during your degree?
Please also be aware that you must have completed the following gateway units: ATS1089 Fundamentals of Journalism and/or ATS1090 Practice of Journalism.
At all times Monash University embraces and celebrates true diversity. We strongly welcome applications from our students living with disabilities, who are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, students with caring and/or parenting responsibilities, who identify as LGBTIQA+, people of colour, and those whose identities intersect with more than one of the above.
How to Apply
Step 1: Submit an application for this program
Click here - Select "Monash led programs" as the program type.
Ensure that you respond to the above prompts in the "Personal Statement" portion of the application form.
NOTE: The Faculty cannot assess your application without the inclusion of a personal statement.
Step 2: Selection
Assessment will be undertaken by the relevant faculty by reviewing your personal statement, WAM, year of course and that you have met the enrolment requirements.
Step 3: Enrolment and travel approval
If you are accepted into the program, you will be issued with an outcome email and you will be enrolled into the associated unit. You will also receive an email alert with another two forms for you to complete:
1. passport and medical details and
2. Travel Approval Request Form.
Once you have actioned both of those forms, Monash Abroad will approve you for travel. You will then have access to the travel insurance coverage and be issued with any relevant grants and scholarships.
Important note: you must have a valid passport that does not expire until at least six months after the program end date.