Studying archaeology is about exploring the past and uncovering the stories of ancient civilisations through the study of artefacts, structures, and cultural landscapes. It not only builds an understanding of human history but develops skills in research, critical analysis, and cultural interpretation.
Studying archaeology gives you the opportunity for hands-on excavation and preservation work, meaning you gain practical experience in the field. It can lead to exciting careers including roles in cultural resource management, museum curation, heritage preservation, and even forensic archaeology.
You could also contribute to urban planning, environmental impact assessments, or community engagement projects using your archaeological skills and experience.
The impact you could make
- Be part of the preservation of cultural heritage
- Share insights into human history, shedding light on how societies evolved, interacted, and adapted over time
- Assess the impact of development projects on archaeological sites
What you could study
- Archaeological skills: tools for research and analysis
- Assyriology
- Biological anthropology
- Debates in world archaeology
- Egyptology
- Mesopotamian archaeology
- Social anthropology
- The archaeology of the British Isles
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Example project
Subjects it's useful to have studied first
Some archaeology courses or apprenticeships will have requirements for previous qualifications in certain subjects.History
Science
Hard skills you'll develop
- Conservation techniques
- Fieldwork and excavation techniques
- Artifact analysis
- Environmental analysis
Soft skills you'll develop
- Patience and perseverance
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Writing and presentation skills
Careers: Where it can take you
Find out more about your career prospects from studying archaeology. The following information is based on a typical archivist, conservator, and curator role.Available jobs
Average salary
Career options
Information services
Conservation
Teaching and research
What is an... archaeological drone pilot?
Archaeological drone pilots navigate the skies to uncover hidden stories beneath the Earth's surface. Using cutting-edge technology, they use drones to conduct aerial surveys, map archaeological sites, and capture high-resolution images. From towering structures to intricate landscapes, the drones provide a unique perspective, revealing details and patterns that may be missed with traditional ground surveys. With a passion for exploring and a keen eye for detail, these professionals solve mysteries of our past from the sky.
Find your ideal career
Take our careers quiz to find your ideal job matched to your personality type.Getting in: Entry requirements
Find out more about what you'll need to study archaeology at university or as an apprenticeship.
Average requirements for undergraduate degrees
Entry requirements differ between university and course, but this should give you a guide to what is usually expected from archaeology applicants.
A Levels
Scottish Highers
Vocational
Other subjects you may be interested in
Explore further
Go deeper into topics around archaeology with the following:Paragraph Timeline
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Documentary Heaven
Watch documentaries on great topics all around archaeology. -
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TED Talks: Reclaim the past, save the future
How do we look forward without knowing where we come from? These talks emphasise the importance of historical truths, nuanced observations, and preserving cultural heritage.
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Museums and cultural visits
Visit museums across the UK to keep your archaeological curiosity and passion alive. You can find a list here.
82% of students
Application advice
Whether it's personal statement tips or what to write in a cover letter for an apprenticeship application, our application advice will help you get ahead in your archaeology journey.Skills, experiences and interests to mention
- Do you enjoy practical work and being outdoors? Archaeology courses will often involve field trips and work.
- Emphasise your academic achievements, particularly in relevant subjects like history, anthropology, geography, or archaeology-related subjects.
- Talk about your written and verbal communication skills, essential for presenting research findings, writing reports, and collaborating with colleagues.
- Mention any languages achievements relevant to your archaeological interests, especially if you’re interested in working on projects in specific regions or with particular cultural contexts.
