Archaeologist

Work activities

Archaeologists study the human past through remains such as bones, textiles, pottery, tools, landscape features and buildings. They excavate, identify, record and conserve the remains. They also relate these remains to environmental evidence such as the climate and animal/plant life. They can then build a picture of life in various cultures throughout time. Archaeologists who do fieldwork usually work as part of a team, surveying or excavating. Surveying includes drawing maps and plans of an area to be excavated, or of monuments above ground. Archaeologists may use aerial photography or geophysical techniques to identify any sites. Excavation normally involves supervising diggers and photographing and cataloguing objects. The archaeologist must keep notes and take accurate measurements. They may need to use these details for written reports. In some cases, excavation is long-term and the site arranged for the public to view. In other cases, archaeologists work within a timescale to complete excavations before redevelopment begins. Some archaeologists specialise in a geographical region, a historical period or a type of artefact such as coins or pottery. Some archaeologists, especially those in museums and universities, carry out research along with their other work. Those who work in museums need to make sure that exhibitions are presented well and that objects are protected from damage while on display.

Some archaeologists work as advisers, often within local authorities, where they help with problems such as whether or not new development projects will destroy an archaeological site. So, a lot of an archaeologist’s time can be spent monitoring planning applications, negotiating with developers and plotting local sites onto maps. Other archaeologists inspect ancient sites, monuments and historic buildings. Their role is to preserve conservation sites. They normally use computers in their work, for example, to record findings, write reports, and create films, simulations or virtual reality. The use of computer aided design (CAD) and geographical information systems (GIS) is increasingly common in this work. Archaeologists wear protective clothing such as hard hats and boots during excavations. They might need to travel locally or to different regions in the UK. There are also opportunities to work in other countries.

Personal qualities and skills

As an archaeologist, you’ll need:

Persistence, determination and self-motivation.
An analytical and logical mind to piece together information from findings.
Practical skills to excavate carefully and to handle delicate objects.
Physical stamina.
A willingness to work in all types of weather.
IT skills.
Communication and teamwork skills.
Negotiation and report-writing skills.

Excavation work could involve kneeling and working in cramped conditions. A driving licence is useful.

Pay and opportunities

According to the National Careers Service, pay starts at £21,100, rising to £36,000 with experience.

Archaeologists’ hours vary, often depending on their employer and the nature of their work. However, you can expect to work between 38 and 41 hours per week, Monday to Friday. You may often have to work longer hours, for example, when completing research or preparing for exhibitions. The working day in the field can involve long hours and early starts (in the summer months or while working in hot countries, to avoid working in extreme heat). Also, archaeologists might follow their day in the field with laboratory work to process samples and input data.

Employers include local authorities, national agencies (such as the National Trust), field units, national parks, universities, museums, planning consultancies and private practices. There are opportunities to work on excavations in other countries.

There are opportunities for archaeologists to work on a self-employed, freelance basis. Consultancy may be possible after substantial work experience.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local/national newspapers, on the British Archaeological Jobs and Resources (BAJR) and Institute for Archaeologists (IfA) websites, on job boards such as Earthworks Jobs, and on the websites of universities with archaeology departments.

Entry routes and training

Most professional archaeologists have a degree and it is difficult to gain employment without one. Increasingly, entrants also have a postgraduate qualification in archaeology. Apart from a degree in archaeology, it is possible to enter with a degree in a relevant subject such as history, anthropology, geology, biology, chemistry, physics or environmental science. Many colleges and universities offer courses in archaeology, ranging from foundation degrees to courses that combine archaeology with a language, or with a related discipline such as anthropology (the study of human society and behaviour in the past).

Competition for entry to this career is very strong, so it’s important to have developed knowledge and skills, and built up contacts, through voluntary work experience on archaeological digs. You can find details of voluntary opportunities on the Council for British Archaeology (CBA) website. The Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (IfA) is the professional body for archaeologists. Membership of the IfA is becoming increasingly important as a way into this career - some employers give preference to IfA members when recruiting. Once in employment, you might be able to work towards further, specialised certificates and diplomas.

You could begin a career in this profession by undertaking the level 3 (advanced) apprenticeship in the role of archaeological technician, although you will need to undertake further study and training to become an archaeologist.

Establishing a career as an archaeologist can involve taking a series of short-term contracts. Developing specialist skills might provide more scope for progression.

Qualifications

For entry to a degree in archaeology, the usual requirement is:

Two to three A-levels. Some universities ask for at least one science subject. It can be possible to take an A-level in archaeology, depending on your school or college.
GCSEs at grades 9-4 in your A-level subjects.
A further two to three GCSEs at grades 9-4, sometimes to include English and maths.

Alternatives to A-levels include:

Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 Nationals.
International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma.

To get onto an advanced apprenticeship, you will need GCSEs in English and maths, although you may be able to complete these alongside your programme.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

A number of universities offer postgraduate distance learning courses in archaeology.

Bursaries for postgraduate study may be available, through universities, from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC). The Society of Antiquaries of London offers a limited range of grants including for students and researchers in the early stages of their careers.

Related careers

Archivist
Museum/art gallery attendant
Museum/art gallery conservator
Museum/art gallery curator
Palaeontologist