Magnitude Surveys Ltd is offering an exciting Year in Industry Placement for undergraduate students undertaking a placement year as part of their degree. This placement provides hands-on experience in commercial archaeological geophysics, giving you the opportunity to apply your academic learning in a real-world, professional environment.
Based at our Bradford headquarters, with fieldwork across the UK, you’ll work alongside experienced archaeological geophysicists on live commercial projects ranging from community-led investigations to major national infrastructure schemes.
As part of the placement, you will follow our structured 9-month CIfA-approved training programme, designed to develop your technical skills, professional competencies and industry knowledge in line with recognised standards.
The programme will commence in September 2026, with specific start dates confirmed to successful applicants.
This placement is ideal for students considering a future career in archaeological geophysics, heritage science, or applied geoscience.
What You’ll Gain
- Practical, hands-on experience in commercial archaeological geophysics
- Exposure to real survey projects from data collection through to interpretation and reporting
- Training in industry-standard and in-house geophysical equipment and workflows
- Mentorship and support from experienced professionals and supervisors
- Insight into professional working practices within a CIfA Registered Organisation
- A strong foundation for future graduate roles or postgraduate study
What You’ll Be Doing
During your placement, you’ll be involved in a mix of fieldwork and office-based activities, including:
- Assisting with archaeological geophysical surveys (primarily magnetometer surveys)
- Setting up, operating, and maintaining geophysical survey equipment
- Collecting and recording high-quality field data and site documentation
- Working safely in line with health and safety procedures
- Supporting data processing and interpretation using industry workflows
- Assisting with maps, figures, and reports, with exposure to GIS and reporting processes
Who We’re Looking For
We’re looking for enthusiastic, curious students who are keen to learn and get involved. You will be:
- Currently studying towards a degree in Archaeology, Geophysics, Earth Sciences, Geography, Environmental Science, or a related discipline
- Completing a mandatory Year in Industry / Placement Year as part of your course
- Interested in archaeological geophysics and applied fieldwork
- Comfortable working outdoors and travelling for UK-wide fieldwork
- A strong team player with good communication skills
- Organised, adaptable, and eager to develop practical skills
A full UK manual driving licence is highly desirable and may be essential for fieldwork.
Why Join Magnitude Surveys?
- We are a CIfA Registered Organisation and proud members of FAME
- We design and build our own bespoke geophysical equipment and software
- Strong focus on collaboration, training, and staff development
- A progressive, inclusive company with a supportive team culture
- Projects ranging from small community surveys to major infrastructure schemes
Looking Beyond Your Placement
Many of our placement and early-career roles provide valuable experience for students considering future progression into graduate schemes or permanent roles within the heritage and geophysics sector.
