Archaeology and Heritage Studies at the  University of Worcester

In 1998, the Historic Environment and Archaeology Service entered a partnership with the then University College Worcester (now University of Worcester) to provide teaching and to develop joint research initiatives. This exciting new venture linked a local authority archaeology service to an academic institution with the expectation of major educational and community benefits.

County Council Environmental Archaeologist, Liz Pearson, demonstrating the use of the sieving tank to University students

The Field was originally titled 'Heritage Studies' but, due to overwhelming interest, it was redesignated 'Archaeology and Heritage Studies and in 2001 the College appointed a full-time lecturer in Archaeology (Dr Jodie Lewis).

A particular feature of the archaeology courses offered at University of Worcester is that students are encouraged to take advantage of the on-campus facilities of the Historic Environment and Archaeology Service, notably the Historic Environment Record (a pioneer in the devleopment of GIS) and its specialist library.

The partnership  also provides opportunities for both the Service and University to draw upon each others expertise in developing new research initiatives. These will focus on environmental studies, ceramics and post-medieval archaeology.

The first fruit of the research partnership is the creation of the Ceramic Research Centre as a formal research centre of  the University of Worcester.  It is currently developing an on-line ceramics database for the county.