Options with archaeology
Over the course of your degree you develop a good mix of subject specific and technical skills as well as transferable skills. The range and depth of the skills acquired will vary according to whether your degree is more humanities or science based. Archaeology courses teach a mix of subject-specific and technical skills which include:
Whether you wish to pursue a career in archaeology or investigate other graduate career options, you will be able to demonstrate to employers a range of valuable transferable skills. Archaeology degree courses equip you with valuable and widely applicable skills, including the ability to:
Relevant work experience will enable you to demonstrate a commitment and a genuine interest in becoming a professional archaeologist. Consider volunteering as a digger or check out opportunities with local museums and galleries, The National Trust and heritage organisations. Volunteer work will also introduce you to the demands of working outdoors in all weather conditions, and it is worth considering other opportunities that will enable you to demonstrate your physical fitness and resilience.
Work experience is often required for entry into many archaeology-related career options and voluntary work with a relevant organisation will not only develop your skills but help build up a network of useful contacts
Although some of the jobs listed here might not be first jobs for many graduates, they are among the many realistic possibilities with your degree, provided you can demonstrate you have the attributes employers are looking for. Bear in mind that it’s not just your degree discipline that determines your options. Remember that many graduate vacancies don't specify particular degree disciplines, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here. Look at your degree... what next? for informed advice on career planning and graduate employment, or login/register with My Prospects to find out what jobs would suit you, a helpful starting point for self-analysis.
Explore types of jobs to find out more about the above options and related jobs.
A 2011 HESA survey of 2010 graduates indicates that six months after graduation almost 48% of archaeology graduates were in employment either in the UK or overseas. Of these, almost 27% work in catering and retail and just over 12% work in clerical and secretarial positions. 10% work in other professional or technical occupations while 8% work as commercial, industrial and public sector managers.
Archaeology graduates also work in areas such as business and finance, marketing, sales and advertising, education, and art and design. Employers value the range of skills they possess meaning archaeology graduates can work in a variety of areas.
Employers of archaeologists include archaeological contractors, local government, university archaeology departments, national heritage agencies and independent archaeological consultants. Other organisations employing archaeology graduates include some private museums and charities such as the:
Jobs can be found at British Archaeological Jobs and Resources (BAJR) and the Institute for Archaeologists (IfA) .
Rescue archaeology in advance of building work for utilities companies and environmental agencies has become a growth area.
For a more detailed overview of the sectors available see:
See industry insights for further information on possibilities in other employment areas.
Statistics are collected every year to show what HE students do immediately after graduation. These can be a useful guide but, in reality, because the data is collected within six months of graduation, many graduates are travelling, waiting to start a course, paying off debts, getting work experience or still deciding what they want to do. For further information about some of the areas of employment commonly entered by graduates of any degree discipline, check out What Do Graduates Do? and your degree...what next?
A 2011 HESA survey of 2010 graduates indicates that six months after graduation around a quarter of archaeology graduates had gone on to further study, with a further 7% combining work and study. The majority of these were studying for a higher degree and a range of courses can be entered including specialist areas of archaeology such as human osteology and palaeopathology, as well as related subject areas such as geophysics. A PhD is often necessary for a career in archaeological research or an academic career.
Archeology graduates have also pursued courses of professional training in law, teaching, nursing and environmental health.
Short courses and distance learning to improve your career prospects and to keep your skills and knowledge up to date are available through the Institute for Archaeologists (IfA) and the Council for British Archaeology (CBA) .
These trends show only what previous graduates in your subject did immediately upon graduating. Over the course of their career - the first few years in particular - many others will opt for some form of further study, either part time or full time. If further study interests you, start by thinking about postgrad study and search courses and research to identify your options.
Look at funding my further study for details relating to finance and the application process.
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