Archaeologists study sites and objects to learn about the past. They may specialise in a particular geographical area or period of history.

Their work can include:

• identifying possible sites using methods such as aerial photography, field-walking and surveying
• taking part in excavations ('digs'), usually as part of a team
• recording finds and sites using photography, detailed notes and drawings
• cleaning and preserving finds
• identifying and classifying finds
• using laboratory analysis and carbon dating
• carrying out research
• reporting on findings and possibly writing for publication in books and journals
• using computers to produce simulations of the way a site or artifact would have looked.

There are several specialisms within the role:

• field archaeology - planning and taking part in digs 
• county and regional archaeology - checking planning applications and identifying the impact of development on archaeological sites
• archaeological survey investigation - using a variety of survey work, including aerial photography
• inspection - in order to preserve and protect important sites, buildings and monuments
• museum work - classifying, displaying and looking after artifacts in a museum
• industrial archaeology - preserving industrial artifacts and buildings
• archaeological conservation - cleaning, recording and investigating artifacts and materials in a laboratory, possibly working in a museum or university
• teaching in universities, colleges or schools.

Hours and Environment

Archaeologists are likely to work around 37 hours a week. Field archaeologists often work variable hours when working on excavations. Temporary contracts are common and part-time work may be available. 

The workplace and working conditions are very varied. Archaeologists may work inside in a museum or laboratory or outdoors carrying out excavation work.

Skills and Interests

As an archaeologist you should:

• have an enquiring mind
• be patient, methodical
• be able to work with accuracy and pay attention to detail
• have good planning and organisational skills
• be able to work to deadlines
• have the perseverance to pursue research
• have a working knowledge of computers
• work well as a team member/leader 
• have good communication skills and the ability to write reports
• be physically fit.

Entry

Most professional archaeologists have a degree. There are general degree courses in archaeology, as well as those specialising in different aspects of the work, such as:

• conservation
• environmental archaeology
• human evolution
• nautical archaeology
• archaeological science.

Archaeology degrees are offered as BSc (science based) and BA (arts based) courses.

To be accepted on a degree course you will usually need:

• three A levels/three to four H grades; and
• five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3).

For BSc degrees your A levels/H grades and GCSEs/S grades may need to include physics or chemistry or a mixture of sciences and humanities, depending on the course. 

You can study archaeology at GCSE/S grade and A level/H grade. This is useful but not usually compulsory for entry to an archaeology degree or HND. 

You may be accepted on some courses with other qualifications if they are equivalent to those mentioned above.  Please check with universities for exact entry requirements.

You can search for courses on the 'Education' section of the British Archaeological Jobs Resource website and on the TORC website. Please see the Further Information section for  links to the websites.

The  Higher National Diploma (HND) in Archaeology is offered by some universities. The course lasts two years and you will usually need one A level/two H grades to enter. A few universities/colleges also offer archaeology-related foundation degrees which have similar entry requirements to the HND When you have successfully completed these it can be possible to 'top up' your qualification to a degree by doing further study.

For information about foundation degrees see Foundation Degree Forward

It is also possible to do archaeological qualifications at postgraduate level. Many people who do this have a science background in areas such as:

• physics
• chemistry
• biology
• mathematics
• geology.

As there is a lot of competition for jobs it is useful to gain some experience. You can get details of voluntary opportunities from:

• the Council for British Archaeology (CBA)
• the Council for Scottish Archaeology (CSA)

Please see the Further Information section for contact details.

Local and regional archaeological associations often have a programme of field activities. You can get contact details of these from CBA and CSA.

Training

When you have an archaeological degree there is a wide range of postgraduate courses which will enable you to specialise in areas such as:

• conservation
• heritage management
• archaeological sciences
• archaeology of specific regions and periods.

You can also do short specialist courses, such as those offered by English Heritage. 

Opportunities

The profession is growing, yet there are still fewer jobs than those qualified to apply for them. Many work on short-term contracts. Many people work on a voluntary basis through a local association. 

Employers of archaeologists include:

• English Heritage
• Historic Scotland
• Cadw in Wales
• Heritage Services in Northern Ireland
• the Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland
• National Parks
• the National Trust
• local authorities
• museums
• universities.

Career prospects are often limited and permanent positions can be hard to find; a higher degree (MSc/PhD) can help. It is possible to progress to site supervisor/director, or to specialise in conservator or academic work. Relocation for promotion is often necessary.

Some archaeologists combine their work with teaching and research posts at universities.

A small number of experienced archaeologists become self-employed.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Typical starting salaries for excavators and site assistants range from £13,500 to £15,500.
Supervisors/technicians earn from around £15,500 to around £17,500.
Project managers/specialists earn up to around £27,500.

However, salaries for those with experience or at senior levels vary widely depending on the post and the employer.

Further information

5/33 Hill Street
Belfast
BT1 2LA
Tel: 028 9054 3034 c/o National Museums of Scotland
Chambers Street
Edinburgh
EH1 1JF
Tel: 0131 247 4119 St Mary's House
66 Bootham
York
YO30 7BZ
Tel: 01904 671417 Plas Carew
Unit 5/7
Cefn Coed
Parc Nantgarw
Cardiff
CF15 7QQ
Tel: 01443 336000