Archaeology is the study of the material remains and environmental effects of human behaviour: evidence which can range from buried cities to microscopic organisms and covers all periods from the origins of humans millions of years ago to the remains of 20th and 21st century industry and warfare. It provides us with the only source of information about many aspects of our development. Milestones such as the beginning of agriculture, the origin of towns, or the discovery of metals, can only be understood through the examination of physical evidence. Archaeology also provides essential information for periods of the past for which written records survive.
Archaeology links with many subjects, including geography, history, social sciences, maths, physics, biology, chemistry, art, religion, and technology.
Archaeologists are found in national agencies (like English Heritage, Historic Scotland or Cadw), in local authorities, national parks, museums, universities, planning consultancies, and in private practice. But there is also a flourishing voluntary sector, so you can be involved with the subject even if you do not to pursue it as a career.
There is a very wide range of jobs. Part of the appeal of the subject lies in being able to work across many disciplines. For example, among the posts being advertised at present (look in The Guardian, usually on Wednesdays, for examples) you will find jobs involving excavation and field survey, conservation and research into finds, the management of computer databases for the historic environment, illustration, aerial photography, interpretation and museums, planning control, geophysical survey, the scientific study of biological remains, university teaching - and many more.
Many fewer than there are those qualified to apply for them. Moreover, outside the national agencies (like English Heritage), local authorities and universities, jobs tend to be short-term and career prospects limited.
On the contrary, archaeology offers a sturdy foundation for all kinds of careers. Those who are really keen often make their way eventually, but the rewards lie in intellectual satisfaction, not wealth. If you are looking for a big salary or a company car, don't be a professional archaeologist but that need not stop you from studying the subject. A university degree in archaeology bridges practical and theoretical skills, calls for practice in the collection and analysis of data, and is a good foundation for other careers because it combines literacy and numeracy, arts and sciences.
Yes! Archaeology provides a fascinating and lifelong pastime, and much important work is done by people working in their spare time. There are many local and national societies which hold lectures, publish newsletters and journals, visit sites and conduct their own archaeological fieldwork. Amateur archaeologists have an important role to play and can do valuable work, particularly in the study of their local area.
If you want a taste of the subject, there are several things you can do straight away. One is to visit your library, and take out one or two introductory books. Visit some of the museums and archaeological sites in your area: apart from their archaeological displays, they often have introductory information, publications, and details of events. If your enthusiasm is growing, then you may wish to take out a subscription to a magazine like Current Archaeology, or the CBA's own British Archaeology. British Archaeology includes CBA Briefing, which gives information on forthcoming excavations and fieldwork projects at which volunteers and newcomers are welcome.
By now, you may like to think of joining your local archaeological society. These vary in their size and the scope of what they do; details about the ones in your area can be obtained from the CBA. Remember, too, that there are other ways of developing your interest: for example, through evening classes or dayschools run by the WEA or adult education centres. A number of colleges and schools now offer GCSE or A Level Archaeology and there are over a thousand evening classes and day courses for the public run by continuing education centres, many of which can lead to a certificate or diploma.
Contact us for information about current courses and entrance requirements. Entrance requirements vary, and it is always a good idea to consult the admissions tutors in the departments in which you are interested: they will give more details. Some universities run open days.
If the information in our factsheet Archaeology in higher education does not answer all your questions, write or telephone us and we will try to help.
More detailed information is provided by individual university departments whose web sites can be accessed on the Internet through an interactive map of the UK at http://www.scit.wlv.ac.uk/ukinfo/uk.map.html.
A good source of information about British archaeology, is British Archaeology (BA) published six times a year by the CBA. For specific inquiries, the CBA's British Archaeological Information Service produces CBA Briefing, published within BA, which includes information on excavations and other fieldwork projects in which you can take part, forthcoming conferences, lectures and other archaeological events, details of new archaeological books, and other notices relevant to all those interested in archaeology. The CBA can provide details of local archaeological societies in your area, or answer queries regarding archaeological careers and education, and many other matters. We also publish a wide variety of material aimed not just at professional archaeologists, but also those for whom archaeology is an interest or an active pastime.
The CBA, and its section for younger members aged 9-16, the Young Archaeologists' Club, can be contacted at its headquarters in St.Mary's House,66 Bootham, York, YO30 7BZ, tel 01904 671417, fax 01904 671384, email info@britarch.ac.uk / yac@britarch.ac.uk.
Other useful sources of information include:
Prospects - the UK Graduate Careers Service
Connexions, the government careers advisory service
Current Archaeology is a popular bi-monthly magazine covering many aspects of archaeology. For details contact: 9 Nassington Road, London NW3 2TX, tel 020 7435 7517.
For information on museums contact:
The Museums Association, 42 Clerkenwell Close, London EC1R 0PA, tel 020 7608 2933
For excavation work abroad contact:
Archaeology Abroad Service, 31-34 Gordon Square, London WC1H 0PY
Points of contact (remember to enclose a stamped addressed envelope):
Council for British Archaeology
St.Mary's House,
66 Bootham,
York,
YO30 7BZ
web: http://www.britarch.ac.uk
English Heritage Education Service
23 Savile Row
LONDON
W1X 1AB
web: http://www.heritageeducation.org.uk
Institute of Field Archaeologists
University of Reading
2 Earley Gate
READING
RG6 6AU
web: http://www.archaeologists.net
Factsheet content last revised January 2001
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Today's date: 5/7/2008
This page last updated:
3/4/2007 10:57
