A04 Store Room, Humanities Building, University Park

Archaeology - choose your own path

From fieldwork to museums, where do you want archaeology to take you?

Contrary to the stereotypes, archaeology isn't all about wearing khaki and digging up ancient artefacts! 
 
In reality, archaeology is a diverse profession, where you can can tailor your skills to specialise in a specific area.

Follow your interests

Alongisde gaining a wide range of transferable skills, on our undergraduate courses you study modules which will equip you for the below careers:

  • Archaeological scientist (for lab-based work)
  • Heritage research archaeologist (desk-based work, such as in a museum)
  • Commercial archaeologist (working on-site, out in the field)

Not all our graduates choose to work as archaeologists, but if you do, you will have the skills and expertise to move into several different roles.

Find out more below...

Option one: Archaeological scientist

Undergraduate student examining animal bones in the A07 Bones laboratory, Humanities Building, University Park

Relevant modules include:   

  • Ancient Metallurgy
  • Archaeological Detective
  • Archaeological Finds: From Field to Publication
  • Comparative World Prehistory
  • Great Discoveries
  • Humanities Professional Placement
  • Mapping the Humanities
  • Osteology
  • Themes in Near Eastern Prehistory
  • Understanding the Past 1 

Archaeology is really interesting, as you get to see how history is made and the science is accessible. I could learn how to do it. It was hands-on, but also humanities, which I like.

Emily

Archaeology BSc

Option two: Heritage research archaeologist

A04 Store Room, Humanities Building, University Park

Relevant modules include:   

  • Archaeology of Anglo-Saxon England
  • Archaeology: Theory and Practice
  • Comparative World Prehistory
  • Historical Archaeology of Britain
  • Humanities Professional Placement
  • Life in the Medieval City
  • Prehistoric Italy
  • Themes in Near Eastern Prehistory
  • The Silk Road
  • Understanding the Greek and Roman Worlds
  • Understanding the Past 2 

 

Archaeology is one of those subjects where you can get really invested in the subject matter and that’s really important when you’re working in a museum. You have to be passionate about the specific thing, to interpret for the public or to put items on display. 

Jennifer, BSc Archaeology graduate

Senior Visitor Experience Manager, Natural History Museum

Option three: Commercial archaeologist

Wollaton Park - archaeology dig

Relevant modules include:

  • Archaeological Finds: From Field to Publication
  • Archaeology: Theory and Practice
  • Heritage and the Media
  • Historical Archaeology of Britain
  • Humanities Professional Placement
  • Life in the Medieval City
  • Mapping the Humanities
  • Understanding the Past 1
  • Understanding the Past 2 

Option four: A bit of everything!

Of course, not everyone knows what their ideal job is, and it's fine to go through your course choosing modules which will give you a wide grounding in the discipline. 

If this approach appeals to you, your mix of modules could look something like the below:

  • Archaeological Finds: From Field to Publication
  • Archaeology: Theory and Practice
  • Communicating the Past
  • Heritage and the Media
  • Humanities Professional Placement
  • Mapping the Humanities
  • Understanding the Past 1
  • Understanding the Past 2
  • World of the Minoans 
Open Day June 2022