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Archaeology

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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 2023

^Times Higher Education - Global University Employability Ranking 2021

Degree programs

Bachelor of Arts

Key facts

3 in Australia
33 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^

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)

Hear from our students

Archaeology involves the investigation and analysis of human cultural material and I enjoy the aspect of finding that material and drawing conclusions from the subsequent research and analysis.

Glenn van der Kolk, Master of Archaeological Science (Advanced)

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Study Archaeology at ANU

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Updated:  1 June 2023/Responsible Officer:  CASS Marketing & Communications/Page Contact:  CASS Marketing & Communications