Archaeology

Archaeology is the study of past human activities emphasising interpretations of material evidence. By excavating the physical remains of people, the places they lived, and the objects they made and used, archaeologists gain knowledge of human history and prehistory. The methods of archaeology may be applied to all periods of the human past, from the first evidence of tool-making hominids two and a half million years ago to the grand civilisations of the ancient world to the recent history of colonial Australia. A close consciousness of the ethics of investigation is essential to any budding archaeologist, a theme which is held closely to the hearts by practitioners found at ANU.

Within CASS, Archaeology encompasses archaeological studies; archaeological science; and palaeoanthropology. Students may find themselves taking part in fieldwork excursions and laboratory analysis, to get to grips with the physical remnants of eras gone by. These opportunities are available at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, with the potential to utilise the archaeological skillset across different forums such as museums. This enables those studying the past to effectively communicate their significance to the present.

Check the School of Archaeology & Anthropology website for more information on the faculty, research, projects, latest news, upcoming events and more.

*QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024

^Times Higher Education - Global University Employability Ranking 2023-24

Key facts

1 in Australia
8 for Archaeology in World*

#1 in Australia for graduate employability^

Degree programs

Bachelor of Arts

Key facts

3 in Australia
38 for Arts and Humanities in World*

3 year full-time
Semester 1 & 2 intake

#1 in Australia for graduate employability^

UAC Code: 131003
CRICOS Code: 074016B
Graduate Certificate of Studies

Key facts

0.5 Year FT or 3 Years PT
Semester 1 & 2 intake

#1 in Australia for graduate employability^

UAC Code: 830584
CRICOS Code: 082261M
Master of Archaeological and Evolutionary Science

Key facts

1 in Australia
8 for Archaeology in World*

2 years full-time
Semester 1 & 2 intake

#1 in Australia for graduate employability^

UAC Code: 830009
CRICOS Code: 096399M
PhD & MPhil

Key facts

2-4 Year FT or 4-8 Year PT
Semester 1 & 2 intake

#1 in Australia for graduate employability^

Hear from our students

Going on five field schools has given me the skills I need to get a job. I haven’t just studied its theoretical aspects in the classroom; I’ve gone and practised it in the field.
Elise Jakeman , Bachelor of Archaeological Practice (Hons)

My brilliant career

"Moving from Brazil to Canberra to study the Master of Archaeological and Evolutionary Science (Advanced) was one of the best decisions I've made."
Nathalia Dias , Master of Archaeological and Evolutionary Science (Advanced)

Watch the video

View discipline flyers

Archaeology (major/minor)
Archaeology discipline flyer
(PDF, 2.21 MB )
Bachelor of Arts
 Bachelor of Arts flyer
(PDF, 3.99 MB )
Graduate Certificate of Professional Archaeology
(PDF, 5.26 MB )
Graduate Certificate of Studies
Graduate Certificate of Studies flyer
(PDF, 5.06 MB )
Graduate Certificate of the Repatriation of Ancestral Remains and Cultural Objects
Graduate Certificate of the Repatriation of Ancestral Remains and Cultural Objects
(PDF, 123.95 KB )
Master of Archaeological and Evolutionary Science
Master of Archaeological and Evolutionary Science flyer
(PDF, 3.21 MB )

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