© University of Kent - Contact | Feedback | Legal
The University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NZ, T +44 (0)1227 764000
C&AS News and Events
National Student Survey (NSS) Bursary Awardee Reports on his Volunteering Experience with the Kent Historic Environment Record (HER)
The Historical Environment Record for Kent is found on the second floor of Maidstone town hall, a prominent building close to my place of arrival: Maidstone East Train Station. I was met on my first day by Dr Ben Croxford, my mentor during my volunteering period and was placed initially at the desk of an archaeologist who was working in Brussels, invoking images of the global nature of archaeology. I was primarily concerned with the Historical Environment Record during my volunteering period, a database of Archaeological sites, finds and buildings in Kent (although the HER scheme covers the country). My work mostly involved the deletion of erroneous information, repositioning of items and the amalgamation of duplicated details (good record keeping!). I also spent a period considering some archaeological reports and amending and adding details to ‘Sarah’, a database of information apparently named after its creator, a previous volunteer. My volunteering was an educative process and it became clear to me how crucial the HER is as a source of Archaeological information for many potential users.
(Tim received a bursary supporting his travel to the HER)
Welcome back!
The Summer Term has started and we welcome all our students back from the vacation. Much has happened over the vacation. Ray Laurence took up the post of Professor of Roman History and Archaeology and is now Head of Section. On the Roman Museum, on which many students voiced their concerns to Canterbury City Council, there is currently a review of the Museums Service in Canterbury - we will update you as more information emerges. If you have not visited the Roman Museum – do go, it is well worth it not least to see some of the best examples of Roman glass in Britain, as well as mosaics in situ, silver treasure and so on. All the staff wish students all the best with their exams.
Congratulations to our postgraduate student John Hammond who has successfully completed his PhD
For those unfamiliar with John's background, he commenced studying with us a number of years ago as a part-time mature student. Taking advantage of the flexibility provided by the articulation of modules on the evening and day-time programmes, he graduated with first class honours. He was then awarded one of two University Alumni postgraduate scholarships which required him to represent the University at various functions promoting the University. He also has taught for us in recent sessions.
John's thesis is entitled "In search of the People of La Manche: A comparative study of the funerary practices in the Transmanche region during the late Neolithic and early Bronze Age (2500BC - 1500BC)". His work fostered valuable contacts with the University of Ghent, Université Charles-de-Gaulle Lille 3, and the Institut National de Recherches Archéologiques (INRAP). The thesis was completed and examined within the writing-up year.
Well done John... well-deserved congratulations.
NSS student bursary awards
The National Student Survey bursary money has been awarded to Tim Mongiat and Anna Cox.
Tim will use his award to cover travel expenses when he volunteers at the Historic Environment Records Centre in Maidstone. Anna's award will pay for travel to the British School at Rome summer school.
Dr. Steve Willis elected a Fellow of The Society of Antiquaries
Congratulations to Dr. Steve Willis for his recent election as a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries.
The Society of Antiquaries of London was founded by Royal Charter in 1751 for 'the encouragement, advancement and furtherance of the study and knowledge of the antiquities and history of this and other countries'.
Dr. Willis joins 2,700 other Fellows, which include many distinguished archaeologists, to further the Society's principal objectives to foster public understanding of heritage, to support research and communicate the results and to engage in the formulation of public policy on the care of our historic environment and cultural property.
2010 student bursaries for Classical & Archaeological Studies students at Kent
Thanks to the high percentage of students who completed the National Student Survey in 2008-9, in which we came 1st for Archaeology and 11th for Classics, money is available for travel bursaries for current undergraduate students. The bursaries will be awarded for the following:
- Trips to ancient sites
- Attendance at Greek or Latin language schools
- Travel to conferences or conference fees
- Other relevant activities to do with the study of Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology
(Please note that participation in fieldwork is not included as separate bursaries are available for this)
All bursaries will be awarded on a competitive basis and will be judged by a panel of FT academic staff.
To apply:
Write a short proposal explaining for what purpose you intend to use the bursary and outlining your expenditure. Submit your proposal to by March 12. Successful students will be expected to write a short account of their trip which can be placed on the C&AS web site.
New Professor of Roman History and Archaeology
We would like to extend a warm welcome to Professor Ray Laurence, who is joining us in April 2010 as Professor of Roman History and Archaeology and Head of Classical & Archaeological Studies.