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Archaeologist
Archaeologists learn about the past by studying written records, collecting oral histories and excavating objects and remains at historical sites.
Average salary (a year)
£24000.0
Starter
£40000.0
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
37.0 to 42.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
evenings / weekends
flexibly
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through:a university course; an apprenticeship
University
Most professional archaeologists have a degree and many also have a postgraduate qualification.
You can do a degree in archaeology or a related subject, like
environmental archaeology, human evolution, archaeological science, ancient history, conservation and cultural heritage
You can search for higher education archaeology courses on British Archaeological Jobs and Resources.
After completing a first degree, you could take a postgraduate course and specialise in a particular field.
Examples include
osteoarchaeology - studying human remains, marine archaeology - investigating coastal and underwater sites, digital archaeology - creating visualisations of ruins and finds
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do an Archaeological Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, with an archaeological consultancy, university department or heritage organisation. This could lead to a position like archaeological site assistant or finds technician.
With further training, you could become a professional archaeologist.
You could also complete an Archaeological Specialist Level 7 Postgraduate Degree Apprenticeship.
The degree apprenticeship typically takes 3 years to complete and combines learning on-the-job with university study.
Employers will assess your skills, experience and qualifications when you apply, and usually require a relevant first degree.
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
    Volunteering
    Competition for courses and jobs is very strong. It's essential that you get practical experience.
    Local and regional archaeological associations run volunteer fieldwork programmes for all age groups.
    These offer you the chance to get hands-on experience, doing tasks like
    site surveys, excavations, recording finds
    You can find volunteering opportunities through the Council for British Archaeology.
    More Information
    Career Tips
    There are a lot of different specialisms in archaeology and skills you have from another career can be useful, for example
    computer-aided design (CAD), illustration, photography, geographical information systems (GIS)
    Professional And Industry Bodies
    You can join the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists for professional development training and networking opportunities.
    Further Information
    You'll find more details about how to become an archaeologist from the:Council for British Archaeology, Chartered Institute for Archaeologists
    What it takes
    Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
    Skills and knowledge
    You'll need:
      An interest and knowledge of history
      To be thorough and pay attention to detail
      Knowledge of sociology and anthropology for understanding society and culture
      Persistence and determination
      Excellent verbal communication skills
      Analytical thinking skills
      The ability to work well with others
      Excellent written communication skills
    Digital Skills Level
    to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
    What you will do
    Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
    Day to day tasks
    As an archaeologist, you could
    survey sites using ground and aerial photography, and laser scanning, collect and analyse data to build up a picture of a site, plan and manage excavations and archival research, identify and record finds, clean, date and preserve artefacts in the lab, create 2D and 3D images to show how sites, people and artefacts might have looked, help to organise community projects, events and talks, supervise students, volunteers and staff on site
    Working environment
    You could work in an office, at a university, in a museum or visit sites.
    Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and you may spend nights away from home.
    Career Path & Progression
    Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
    With experience, you could
    progress to a senior role like project supervisor or site director, specialise in a particular type of archaeology or historical period, teach on university courses and carry out research, advise local authorities and construction firms about the archaeological impact of new developments.
    You can also register for Chartered Institute for Archaeologists Member status, which leads to professional recognition of your skills and expertise.
    Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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