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Archaeologist

Alternative titles for this job include

Archaeologists learn about the past by studying sites and excavating, classifying, recording and preserving objects.

Average salary (a year)

£17,000 Starter

to

£40,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

39 to 41 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends flexibly

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become an archaeologist

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 degree courses in archaeology, as well as those specialising in different aspects of the work, like:

  • conservation
  • environmental archaeology
  • human evolution
  • forensic investigation
  • archaeological science

You can search for courses on British Archaeological Jobs and Resources.

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

Apprenticeship

Relevant apprenticeships include:

  • Level 3 Archaeological technician
  • Archaeological specialist degree apprenticeship

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

More Information

Volunteering

Competition for courses and jobs is very strong, It's essential that you get practical experience.

Local and regional archaeological associations often have programmes of field activities that you can join. You'll find details of volunteering opportunities through the Council for British Archaeology.

More Information

Career tips

Experience and qualifications in computer aided design (CAD), illustration and geographical information systems (GIS) can be helpful.

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 advice on how to become an archaeologist from the Council for British Archaeology.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • an interest and knowledge of history
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • knowledge of sociology and anthropology for understanding society and culture
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • persistence and determination
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • analytical thinking skills
  • concentration skills
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

You could:

  • identify possible sites to study using aerial photography, field-walking and surveying
  • take part in excavations or digs
  • record finds and sites using photography, detailed notes and drawings
  • identify and classify finds
  • clean and preserve finds in a laboratory
  • use laboratory analysis like carbon-dating
  • use computers to produce simulations of the way a site or artefact would have looked
  • preserve industrial artefacts and buildings
  • check planning applications and identify the impact of development on archaeological sites
  • make sure important sites, buildings and monuments are protected
  • classify, display and look after artefacts in a museum

Working environment

You could work in a museum, in an office or visit sites.

Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time and you may spend nights away from home.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

You may find it useful to join a professional body like the Chartered Institute of Archaeologists.

You could work in academic research or in environmental planning.

With experience, you may be able to progress to a senior role like site supervisor or director.

You could also specialise in teaching or preservation.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for an archaeologist right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Archaeology

  • Provider: EASTLEIGH COLLEGE
  • Start date: 27 April 2022
  • Location: Eastleigh

Archaeology of London gardens

  • Provider: THE CITY LITERARY INSTITUTE
  • Start date: 04 December 2021
  • Location: Not known
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