Excavations training is an essential part of the Archaeology study programme. Participation is obligatory.
At BA level, the requirement is 450 hrs (ca. 3 months)
At MA level, the requirement is 150 hrs (ca. 1 month)
For information on the excavations contact either the Instructor or the Head of Archaeology (Studies in English).
BA_Excavation exercises_syllabus (PDF)
MA_Excavation exercises_syllabus (PDF)
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Excavations training – summer 2026
Polish-speaking students may register for all excavations. Foreign students should contact individual instructors for detailed information (not all instructors accept non-Polish speaking students).
The list of excavations for students (constantly updated)
SUMMER 2026
Itac and satellite stations. Mountain archaeology in the region of the Coropuna volcano, Chuquibamba–Arequipa, Peru
Supervisor: dr Maciej Sobczyk
Duration: 29th June to 14th August 2026 (The duration of participation in the research is to be agreed individually)
Number of places: 8 (last remaining spots)
Requirements: basic knowledge of Spanish, previous excavation experience.
Organizational meeting: March 30, 2026, at 11:30 a.m., in room 2.07A
Itac is one of the most interesting archaeological sites in southern Peru. It is a complex of spectacular pre-Hispanic architecture covering an area of over 300 hectares. The site is picturesquely located at an altitude of 3,350 meters above sea level, near the town of Chuquibamba, which ensures convenient logistics. The main base is located in the town, where we provide accommodation, meals, and daily transport to the site. After an acclimatization period, several-day trips to sites located in higher mountain areas are planned.
Contact: m.sobczyk@uw.edu.pl
Ciepłe, Gniew County, Pomeranian Voivodeship
Supervisors: Dr. Sławomir Wadyl, M.A. Weronika Bałdyga
Dates: June 28 – July 25, 2026
Number of places: 12 (last remaining spots)
Organizational meeting: May 7, 2026, 6:15 PM
Additional information: A complex of early medieval sites: hillforts, settlements, and a cemetery
Ciepłe is one of the key early medieval sites in Poland, which in recent years has completely changed our understanding of the development of the Piast state. At the same time, it is simply a great place to learn the craft of archaeology: hands-on research, real discoveries, and a good atmosphere.
Additional notes: Accommodation base in a school in Gniew; meals provided by CK Pizza Restaurant (partially subsidized)
Contact: s.wadyl@uw.edu.pl
Dudka, Wydminy, Giżycko County, Masuria.
Supervisors: dr Witold Gumiński, dr Karolina Bugajska
Dates: June 29 – July 25, 2026
Number of places: 10
Organizational meeting: An informational meeting will take place at the beginning of June; the exact date will be announced later.
Additional information: A Mesolithic and Para-Neolithic hunter-gatherer cemetery with highly diverse burial forms, as well as a Stone Age settlement site with rich peat stratigraphy and preserved bones.
Additional notes: A holiday cottage (Gościeniec Wydminy) by Lake Wydmińskie. 3 bedrooms (two with 3 beds each and one with 4 beds), 2 bathrooms, and a kitchenette in a shared living area. Barbecue facilities and a restaurant are available on-site.
The site is located 4 km from the accommodation, so it is advisable to bring a bicycle. There will be a tent-hangar at the site where participants can eat a second breakfast during breaks. There will also be a storage-office tent where inventory work will be conducted.
Travel and meals are at participants’ own expense. Wydminy can be reached by train. In addition to Gościeniec Wydminy, there are other restaurants and bars in Wydminy, as well as well-stocked shops, including a Biedronka supermarket.
Contact: w.guminski@uw.edu.pl
More information in Polish you can find here