Archaeologist

Archaeologists learn about the past by studying written records, collecting oral histories and excavating objects and remains at historical sites.

Potential salary: £24,000 starter to £40,000 experienced per year
Typical hours: 37 to 42 a week. Working pattern: evenings / weekends flexibly.
Career area: Law and public service
Where they might work: 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.
A typical task: survey sites using ground and aerial photography, and laser scanning
Subjects that may help: 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
Typical route: Most professional archaeologists have a degree and many also have a postgraduate qualification.
Interest area used here: Asking questions and research, Making, fixing and working outdoors

Career actions

What you might do

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

More tasks (2)

Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.

More skills

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
You'll usually need:
2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
equivalent entry requirements
student finance for fees and living costs
university courses and entry requirements

These are course families, not published offers. A link does not mean the degree is sufficient on its own.

Anthropology
Alternative route. Some anthropology degrees share ground with archaeology. Field archaeology still has its own training.
Archaeology
Common route. The usual first degree. Postgraduate study or long field experience is often needed for professional posts.
Heritage Management
Alternative route. Heritage work is related. Field archaeology has its own training.
History
Related, but not enough on its own. Useful context. Field archaeology expects archaeological methods.

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.
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
equivalent entry requirements
guide to apprenticeships

Career progression

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.