Archaeology - Subject Guide

Archaeology reflects the richness and complexity of human history, and there are many ways to specialise your studies, from looking at a particular period of time, a specific location, a religion, technology, language, or culture. Some of these options include: 

• Ancient history: The period defined as ancient history covers events from the earliest recorded times up to the Middle Ages. Civilisations like Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome, are of particular importance, and their political systems, religions, and technological advancements continue to influence how we understand modernity. 

• Prehistoric archaeology: Prehistoric archaeology generally refers to the time before the invention of writing. Archaeologists study artefacts, settlement sites, and cave paintings to reconstruct the lifestyles and social structures of prehistoric peoples, shedding light on human evolution, migration patterns, and our adaptation to changing environments. 

• Underwater archaeology: The sea level is constantly shifting, and underwater archaeology explores submerged areas which were once dry land, as well as shipwrecks and artefacts found in lakes and rivers. Underwater archaeologists use equipment like sonar and remote submersibles to survey and excavate underwater sites. 

• Heritage management: Involves conserving cultural and natural heritage sites for future generations. Professionals balance preservation efforts with sustainable tourism and education, through the development of policies and conservation plans to safeguard archaeological sites and museums. 

• Ethnoarchaeology: Ethnoarchaeology combines archaeological methods with ethnographic research. Researchers observe and document traditional practices, technologies, and lifestyles of indigenous peoples, applying contemporary insights to interpret archaeological evidence and understand past human behaviour. 

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• Greek and Roman history  

• The emergence of civilisation  

• Linguistics  

• Archaeological methods 

• Early empires 

• Excavation techniques and fieldwork practices 

• Artefact analysis  

• Cultural heritage management 

• Landscapes and settlement patterns 

• Archaeological ethics 

Studying archaeology at university gives you an in-depth understanding of human history and its culture. You��ll learn via a combination of lectures, fieldwork, and laboratory work, developing the knowledge and skills needed to investigate archaeological sites, interpret artefacts and ancient documents, and reconstruct the past.  

You’ll also learn to contextualise this knowledge about the past, to better understand the cultural diversity, social change, and environmental sustainability that is relevant to society today, as well as learning about the ethical and legal responsibilities of archaeologists in managing cultural heritage. 

Transferable skills that you’ll pick up include: 

• Teamwork 

• Research skills 

• Attention to detail 

• Written communication 

The accreditation of archaeology degrees in the UK is offered jointly by:  

• Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIFA)  

• University Archaeology UK group (UAUK) 

Accreditation as an archaeologist ensures that agreed upon codes of ethical and scientific practice are upheld, ensuring a fair and accountable professional community. 

Considering an archaeology degree but want to know what else is out there? We’ve got several options which are worth looking into, as they share many aspects of archaeology but offer a different way to engage with the past. 

These include: 

• Anthropology 

• History 

• Palaeontology  

• Museum studies 

• Conservation studies 

• Cultural heritage management 

An archaeology degree gives you a combination of specific and transferable skills, which enable you to pursue a career in a number of different professional environments. Within archaeology, you could become a theorist, forensic scientist, researcher, writer, or go into fieldwork and explore the past by travelling around the world and unearthing the secrets of our ancestors.  You can also find work in heritage management as a museum curator, or heritage consultant, providing much needed advice to various organisations from governance to filmmakers. Potential career roles include: 

• Archaeologist 

• Museum curator 

• Heritage consultant 

• Cultural resource manager 

• Archaeological illustrator 

• Tourism officer 

• Archaeological conservator 

• Field archaeology technician 

• Historian 

These are just a few of the most common job roles. You'll find plenty of other options available to you, and you can also continue your studies by completing a postgraduate degree in archaeology or a related subject. 

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