The John and Bryony Coles Bursary
The John and Bryony Coles Bursary supports students’ travel for practical study of prehistoric archaeology and, through a temporary extension, experimental projects to deepen archaeological understanding.
Funder: The Prehistoric Society
Due Dates: January 31, 2027 (Annual application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Usually two awards of £200–£300 each per year
Summary: Supports student travel for active study of prehistoric archaeology, with a temporary extension for experimental archaeology projects.
Key Information: Applicants must be student members of the Society and registered archaeology students in later undergraduate or early postgraduate study, or equivalent status.
Description
Established in 1998 by John and Bryony Coles, this Prehistoric Society bursary helps students deepen their understanding of prehistoric archaeology through practical study and work away from their home country or region. It supports participation in excavations, surveys and other fieldwork, museum work, and travel to archaeological sites. Conference attendance is eligible only when it is integral to these activities.
Following Covid, the Society temporarily broadened the bursary to include experimental archaeology projects, reflecting John Coles’s pioneering work in that field. This extension supports registered students engaged in experimental archaeology research, including practical resources such as experimental materials or access to equipment unavailable at their own place of study.
