Archaeologist

Introduction

Archaeologists study the past using remains such as pottery, tools, landscape features and buildings. Fieldwork involves taking part in digs (excavations) and identifying, recording and conserving objects. Other work can involve laboratory analysis, research, heritage management and giving planning advice.

Back to Top

Work Activities

Archaeologists study the human past through remains such as bones, textiles, pottery, tools, landscape features and buildings. They excavate, identify, record and conserve the remains. They also relate these remains to environmental evidence such as the climate and animal and plant life. They can then build a picture of life in various cultures throughout time.

Archaeologists who do fieldwork usually work as part of a team, surveying or excavating. Surveying includes drawing maps and plans of an area to be excavated. Excavation normally involves supervising diggers and photographing and cataloguing objects.

Archaeologists must keep notes and take accurate measurements. They may need to use these details for written reports. In some cases, excavation may be long-term and the site arranged for the public to view. In other cases, archaeologists may work within a timescale to complete excavations before redevelopment begins.

Most archaeologists specialise in a geographical region, a historical period or a type of artefact such as coins or pottery. Some archaeologists in museums and universities carry out other research along with their fieldwork. In addition to research, university archaeologists have teaching duties and also publish articles and books giving the results of their research. Those who work in museums need to make sure that exhibitions are presented well and that objects are protected from damage while on display.

Some archaeologists work as advisers, often within local authorities where they help with problems such as whether or not new development projects will destroy an archaeological site. A lot of an archaeologist's time can be spent monitoring planning applications and plotting local sites onto maps. Others inspect ancient sites, monuments and historic buildings. Their role is to preserve conservation sites.

You may need to travel locally and, for some work, you may need to travel nationally and even internationally.

Back to Top

Personal Qualities and Skills

As an archaeologist, you need to have an enquiring mind, a strong interest in the past and a desire to add to our knowledge about it.

You must have patience and an eye for detail when excavating complex sites. Accuracy and attention to detail are vital.

You must be able to piece together information logically from findings. You need good manual and practical skills to excavate carefully and to handle delicate objects. You also need physical stamina and a willingness to work in all weather conditions.

It is helpful to have an artistic or design ability when putting together exhibitions and displays. Good communication skills are very important, both when supervising digs and writing up reports or preparing academic papers. Good teamworking skills are also of high importance, as are computing and IT skills.

Back to Top

Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Archaeologists earn in the range of £16,500 - £20,000 a year, rising to £25,000 - £35,000. Higher earners can make around £40,000 a year.

Many archaeologists work a basic 39-hour week, Monday to Friday. Others, especially those involved in site excavations, may work some late evenings and at weekends.

Some archaeology work is on short-term contracts or is casual work on field-based projects. Many archaeologists work as freelancers. Consultancy may be possible after substantial work experience.

Around 6,000 people in the UK work as archaeologists. Employers throughout the UK include local authorities, national agencies (such as the National Trust for Scotland), national parks, universities, museums, planning consultancies and private practices.

There is a lot of competition to enter this work.

Back to Top

Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Entrants with a keen interest in archaeology can apply to join a dig as a volunteer.

Job opportunities in archaeology are limited and there is fierce competition for all posts.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree course, a college or university Access course (eg, Access to Humanities) could be the way in.

These courses are designed for people who haven't followed the usual routes into higher education. No formal qualifications are usually needed, but you should check this with individual colleges.

They can lead to relevant degree and Higher National Diploma (HND) courses.

Some universities offer Certificate and Diploma qualifications in Archaeology, which can be used to enter degree courses.

Bursaries for postgraduate study are available, through universities, from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).

The Society of Antiquaries of London offers a limited range of awards.

• 8% of people in occupations such as archaeologist are self-employed.
• 21% work part-time.
• 49% have flexible hours.
• 34% of employees work on a temporary basis.

Back to Top