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  • Bachelor of Archaeology

    Link here for entry and admission requirements

    Where can our graduates go?

    Archaeologists work in museums, academic institutions and government departments, and are increasingly employed as consultants in preparing environmental impact statements, dealing with Indigenous land claims and providing expert advice on planned developments in areas of historical significance.

    Graduates will be looking for careers in research, policy development, hands on surveying and excavation, or consulting, or may prefer roles as curators or information officers.

    Some occupations

    Archaeologist, Aboriginal Australia: SA Museum
    Reporting to the head of Anthropology/manager of Sciences and the head of Science, and working within a professional curatorial and research collective, the Archaeologist, Aboriginal Australia will be responsible for the development of a major research program in Australian Archaeology and to manage, develop, interpret and study the South Australian’s Museum’s Archaeological collections. The provision of authoritative advice, and consultation with Aboriginal communities on Australian Archaeology and Human Biology collections are key aspects of this position.

    Candidates for the position of Archaeologist, Aboriginal Australia should be able to identify a background in productive research with Australian archaeological collections in museums and in the field, successful experience in working with Aboriginal people in relation to culturally sensitive matters, a proven record of applying for and receiving research grants, and evidence of publishing high quality research. An appropriate tertiary degree in Archaeology or in a related topic is essential.

    • Archaeologist - Professional Archaeology (Historical, Indigenous, Maritime, National Parks and Wildlife) requires a minimum Honours Degree and a higher degree enhances career opportunities.
    • Academic - Employment requires a Higher degree (Teaching and Research)
    • Curator/ Assistant Curator (an increasing emphasis is placed on specific museum studies qualifications)
    • Cultural Heritage Manager
    • Education Officer
    • Graduate Administrative Assistant (for example, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australian Customs Service)
    • Information Officer
    • Research Assistant/Officer
    • Archivist
    • Conservator
    • Consultant

    Personal Requirements

    • patience, perseverance and determination
    • an eye for detail
    • interested in science and aptitude for research
    • strong writing skills
    • aptitude for working with computers
    • able to work as part of a team
    • prepared to endure rough and isolated living conditions for extended periods while involved in fieldwork
    • objectivity

    Potential Employers

    • Public Service (Local, State and Commonwealth)
    • Australian Heritage Commission
    • Department of Environment and Natural Resources
    • Department of the Environment and Heritage
    • The Historic Houses Trust
    • The South Australian Museum
    • State National Parks and Wildlife Services
    • Heritage Council of Western Australia
    • Australian Museum
    • Forestry Tasmania
    • Cultural Resource Management Centres
    • Universities
    • Australian Archives
    • Self employment
    • Consultants
    • Mining Companies such as Hamersley Iron
    "The competition for positions is intense and only the best qualified graduates can expect to be successful. Undertaking relevant voluntary work may increase the possibility of gaining a job in the field."(The Job Guide)

    See also the History/Archaeology folder and the Arts Options folder for other opportunities that may be available.

    Conservation Archaeologist: NSW Government
    Key criteria

    • Tertiary qualifications in Archaeology
    • Sound professional and technical archaeological skills and experience in historical archaeology and conservation
    • Demonstrated project management skills with experience in preparation of fee proposals and project plans
    • Understanding of the heritage conservation industry and relevant legislation in relation to archaeological practices
    • Sound communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills as well as strong customer focus
    • Ability to work within and lead a multidisciplinary team

    Some websites

    What are past students doing?
    Australian Museums On Line
    Australian Archaeological Association
    What to do with an Archaeology degree?
    Archaeology links
    British Archaeological Magazine - includes jobs and careers advice
    Careers in Archaeology - USA site
    Department of the Environment and Heritage - Commonwealth
    Department for the Environment and Heritage
    EARTHWORKS - an on-line database of career opportunities for earth scientists, environmental scientists, archaeologists, geotechnical engineers, petroleum scientists/engineers, planetary scientists, remote sensing/GIS staff and hydrogeologists in various sectors
    South Australian Museum
    Graduate Careers Australia - industry career profiles are available on all graduates, Art History, Classics, History, Environment, Women's Studies, Journalism, Teaching, and more
    Graduate Opportunities - industry career profiles available for government administration, education and more. There are lists of Graduate vacancies, employer profiles and details of Public and private Sector Graduate Recruitment Programs
    Myfuture - comprehensive Australian career information

    Rare opportunity for an Archaeologist.
    Leading Australian mining company

    The primary focus of this role is to develop and implement a heritage program the site in line with company policies, procedures, and legal requirements. This role is responsible for implementing heritage procedures and programs in consultation with indigenous cultural communities, representative organisations, external consultants and internal and external customers.

    You will possess extensive cultural awareness and sensitivity, have experience working closely with Aboriginal people, and be responsible for the development and maintenance of Heritage Information Systems. Working in a team environment you will be required to establish positive relationships, emphasising safety and promoting positive communication, managing and facilitating heritage surveys and their logistics.

    Tertiary qualifications in Australian Prehistory / Aboriginal Archaeology and Archaeology field experience is essential, as is an A Class drivers license and experience working with Aboriginal cultures.Competition for graduate positions is very keen. Some positions may involve further study and/or experience.

    Australian Graduate Survey

    Graduate Careers Australia's (GCA) annual Australian Graduate Survey ( AGS ) is a study of the activities of new higher education graduates around four months after the completion of their qualifications. New graduates are surveyed regarding their major activities, including full-time study, full- or part-time employment, seeking employment or their unavailability for work or study.

    2007 Graduates at a glance:

    • Of bachelor degree graduates who were available for full-time employment in 2007; 95 per cent were employed within four months of completing their degrees
    • One-fifth of respondents (20.0 per cent), were undertaking further full-time study after completing their bachelor qualifications
    • The typical (median) annual starting salary for new Australian resident bachelor degree graduates aged less than 25 and in their first full-time employment in Australia was $43,000

    Source: Australian Graduate Survey, Graduate Careers Australia (GCA)
    Additional information from: GradsOnline  

    More information

    For more detailed information check out the Careers Fact Files in the Careers and Employer Liaison Centre Resource Room.

    Graduate Opportunities lists major graduate programs. Copies of these are available at the Careers and Employer Liaison Centre or can be viewed online. Search our online recruitment links for other graduate recruitment sites.

    The Centre has a number of programs that can assist you:

    • graduate employment services including recruitment fairs, employer activities online vacancies and our graduate email vacancy list;
    • information and assistance with your job search;
    • graduate skill development programs;
    • opportunities to gain industry experience including vacation work and work experience; and
    • career development services

    For more information explore this website.

    This material has been produced from the Graduate Destinations Survey, Flinders University and Graduate Careers Council of Australia materials, Graduate Opportunities, Professional Associations and Careers and Employer Liaison Centre research.