Digging the Past! Archaeology and Technology for Understanding the Humans Who Came Before Us
Programme Code: ACT260321
Academic Criteria:
– Level of Study: S.3 / Grade 9 / Year 10 or above students
– English Requirement: Applicants are expected to meet the English language proficiency requirement, with an IELTS score of 6.5 or an equivalent qualification.
Programme Dates: July 13 -17, 2026
Programme Time: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm (HKT)
Non-refundable Application Fee: HKD 100
Programme Fee: HKD 14,000
– For HKU Academy Members will receive an exclusive scholarship of HKD 4,000, which will be automatically deducted from the Programme Fee upon application.
– For Non-Members we will encourage you to apply as soon as possible to secure a 5% Early-bird discount before February 15, 2026
The Academy Aspiring Scholarship is now open for applications. Candidates who are successfully accepted will be granted a Membership Scholarship.
*Early Bird Discount is NOT in conjunction with any other scholarship.
Application Deadline:
– Non-local Students: March 31, 2026 (Tuesday)
– Local Students: May 31, 2026 (Sunday)
Delivery Mode: Face-to-Face
Programme Overview:
Come learn about how we can study the human past through the objects and spaces left behind by those who came before us! In this programme, you will gain hands-on experiences in the many ways archaeology is done – from digging in the dirt of simulated excavations, to studying many different types of ancient objects with science. We will also visit a local museum and an archaeological site to learn about ancient objects and spaces and how they are presented to the public. You will gain exposure to digital technologies that can help us study the past better, including artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), three-dimensional modelling (3D), and online mapping. Students will also be introduced to some of the most amazing archaeological discoveries around the world – from the ancient Egyptians and Romans to the ancient Chinese and Mayans, and beyond!
Throughout the week, students will do their own archaeological excavation of objects, then work to conserve and understand those objects. At the end of the week, they will create their own exhibit to tell the public about what they learned. Come dig and have fun with us while exploring life in the past!
Programme Rundown (Tentative):
Programme Instructors – Professor COBB, Peter J
Professor Cobb is a field archaeologist, a ceramics specialist, and a digital humanist. He teaches courses on archaeological methods and theories and the archaeology of the ancient world, including an experiential learning course in Armenia. His research also applies digital and scientific approaches to the study of archaeology.
Programme Instructors – Miss Cheung Po Yuet, Selene
Miss Cheung is an HKU undergraduate student in the Bachelor of Arts programme, with research experience in bioarchaeology, forensic science, and ethical approaches to the study of human remains. She is currently developing sex determination techniques and constructing osteobiographies.
Submit Application: https://actstudentapp.hku.hk/student/login
*If you have any questions regarding the application process, please refer to the Application Guide / ⽹上申请系统 – 申请指南 or email us at talented@hku.hk
Accommodation & Extracurricular Activities Options – to be released
Visa Application for Non-local Students (required for face-to-face programmes only):
Students without the right of abode in Hong Kong are required by law to obtain a student visa issued by the Hong Kong Immigration Department (ImmD). As the visa application process takes 10–12 weeks, please submit your online application (HKU Student Visa) as soon as you receive your offer from the HKU Academy. For visa-related enquiries, please contact HKU VISA team at Contact Us | HKU Student Visa.
*Students are responsible for arranging their own visa before coming to Hong Kong. The Admissions Office is not responsible for any delay, cancellation, or rejection of student visa applications.
Travel and Medical Insurance:
All students need to have valid travel and medical insurance as a mandatory condition for participation in our programmes. We strongly recommend that students secure their insurance policies well in advance of their departure to ensure continuous coverage.
*Programme Attendance Policies:
Students are highly encouraged to attend ALL classes on time for the duration of the Programme. Please note that according to the University’s attendance and absenteeism policy, at least 80% of the lectures and required classes for each curriculum must be attended.
*Disclaimer:
– Programme fees and application fees are non-refundable.
– Programme contents and formats are subject to change. The programme is subject to cancellation if there are insufficient applications.