A number of organisations have been providing opportunities for students and graduate in classical and archaeological subject to gain some practical experience. These vary from volunteering to paid research internships. This page is intended to bring together some starting points for those interested in exploring this. If you know of other suitable schemes please write with details to valerie.james@sas.ac.uk.

General Advice

It is often easiest to find opportunities through organizations you are already connected with. Local museums often offer opportunities, although few are well enough funded to provide paid internships.

Many universities run their own schemes, open to their own students. It is a good idea to approach a Head of Department or Tutor for advice. Some degrees expect students to undertake  work placements and can help to organise this.

Safety and insurance. Responsible employers will undertake risk assessments for all placements and ensure that volunteers and interns are covered by insurance. If you are likely to work in laboratories, warehouses or with machinery it is important to check this in advance. If you are working outside the UK you should check the health insurance situation, especially as UK citizens are no longer covered by reciprocal arrangements with EU countries. Age limits apply to some schemes. A number of schemes have been temporarily interrupted by COVID-19 but most hope to restart as soon as possible.

Schemes

The Roman Society sponsors a Museum and Heritage Summer Placements Scheme. There is an annual deadline in the spring.

The British Museum runs an unpaid Volunteer Scheme which can involve leading tours and object handling sessions. Paid internships are advertised on their vacancies webpage.

Save Ancient Studies Alliance has a number of Internships.

The British School at Athens offers work experience and volunteer placements.