Are you intrigued to know about ancient society and culture? Have you wondered how people in the past construct buildings and structures thousands of years ago, yet still remains as exceptional architecture in the world? If you wish to find answers to all of that, then a degree in Archaeology is the right course for you. This article will help students to understand the study of archaeology and explore career options in this field.
What is Archaeology?
Video Credit: Museum of London
Archaeology is basically the study of ancient humanity and culture using material remains. The remains could be things that were created, used or modified by humans in the past. Archaeologists analyze remains such as artefacts, features and ecofacts to gain a broad understanding of ancient civilization, social and cultural compositions. The example of remains used for analysis are as follows;
Artefacts: Portable remains that were once objects created and used by humans in the past (eg; tools, clothing, and jewellery).
Features: Remains of built structures constructed by ancient civilization such as pathways, walls or post-holes.
Ecofacts: Natural living remains that has not been modified by human such as plants, wheat seeds and animal bones.
Skills Required in Archaeology
Writing and Speaking Skill – To convey information effectively to the audience in both oral and written form
Critical-Thinking Skill – Using logical reasoning to identify potential problems and come up with alternative solutions or conclusion.
IT Skills – Knowledge in IT such as Computer-aided-Design (CAD) is crucial for archaeologists to reconstruct buildings and artefacts.
Perseverance – This skill will come in handy as it will take longer periods of time to complete some projects or research.
Active Learning – The desire to learn and combine new findings into your work will help further in research.
Career Opportunities with a Degree in Archaeology
A degree in Archeology offers a wide range of career opportunity in industries which includes museums, research institutes, government agencies and even more.
Archaeologist: Conducting educational work for research organization or provide consultation on preservation and conservation of artefact displays in museums or heritage centres.
Museum Curator: Manages artefacts in terms of the acquisition, care and display of items, such as artwork, historical or scientific items.
Heritage Manager: Responsible in the conservation and management of heritage sites such as historical structures, landscapes and ancient monuments.
Museum Education Officer: Educate people of all age group about the artefacts displayed in exhibitions by developing learning programmes such as talks and workshops.
General Entry Requirement for Archaeology Degree in Australia
A-Levels | A minimum grade of BCC |
ATAR | A minimum score of 75.00 |
UEC | A minimum grade of B5 in 6 subjects |
International Baccalaureate (IB) | A minimum score of 24 points |
*The requirements may vary among universities, for inquiries on other entry requirements, contact Excel Education.
English Requirement for Archaeology degree in Australia
IELTS | 6.5 overall and a minimum result of 6.0 in each band |
TOEFL | 85 overall including in Reading: 17, Listening:17 Speaking:17 and Writing:19 |
PTE | 61 overall and a minimum result of 54 in each band |
*The requirements may vary among universities, for inquiries on other entry requirements, contact Excel Education.
Top Universities to Study Archaeology in Australia
#1 University of Sydney
Image Credit: Oztrekk
The University of Sydney ranks 31st in top universities for Archaeology course in the world. The archaeology major offers students the knowledge of the human past in various times and places to give them an understanding of long-term trends in human life.
Program | Bachelor of Arts in Archaeology |
Intake (2021) | March & August |
Duration | 3 years (Full-time) |
Indicative Annual Fees (2021) | AUD $43,000 |
#2 University of Western Australia (UWA)
Image Credit: Bachelors portal
UWA offers specialist units of study such as archaeobotany, archaeozoology, dating methods, and rock art. Students will develop practical skills through laboratory classes and fieldwork units as well
Program | Bachelor of Arts in Archaeology |
Intake (2021) | February & July |
Duration | 3 years (Full-time) |
Indicative Annual Fees (2021) | AUD $33,000 |
#3 La Trobe University
Image Credit: La trobe
La Trobe ranks 3rd in QS university rankings in Archaeology course. Students will gain knowledge in ethical heritage management, archaeological fieldwork and working with traditional owner group.
Program | Bachelor of Archaeology |
Intake (2021) | March & July |
Duration | 3 years (Full-time) |
Indicative Annual Fees (2021) | AUD $31,400 |
#4 Flinders University
Image Credit: Hot courses abroad
Flinders University is one of Australia’s leading centres archaeology studies, including ancient civilisations, human evolution, maritime and underwater archaeology, historical archaeology and cultural heritage management.
Program | Bachelor of Archaeology |
Intake (2021) | March & July |
Duration | 3 years (Full-time) |
Indicative Annual Fees (2021) | AUD $30,500 |
#5 University of Southern Queensland (USQ)
Image Credit: ilwindia
USQ provides opportunities for practical training, including laboratory analysis and project design and students will be guided by Australia’s notable archaeologists while discovering ancient civilization and culture.
Program | Bachelor of Arts Archaeology |
Intake (2021) | February, July & November |
Duration | 3 years (Full-time) |
Indicative Annual Fees (2021) | AUD 27440 |
About the Author
Sasvin Ravi
I am a freelance content writer, writing on a weekly basis while discovering my true passion..