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Archaeology Degree
From The Student RoomTSR Wiki > University > Choosing a Subject > University Courses > Archaeology Degree "We have not, as archaeologists or ‘managers’ of the past, withdrawn outside the places and things that constitute the object of archaeology; on the contrary, we live with them, among them" - Laurent Olivier To study archaeology is to study humanity in its broadest context, with the opportunity to pursue and specialise not only in classical, biblical and prehistoric archaeology but also to be at the forefront of genetics, physics, chemistry and geology. In what other subject can you study the history and development of man from the early Hominin development in Africa, through the rise and fall of ancient Empires to the immediacy of the analyses of 20th century drink-cans in refuse dumps? Archaeology is truly breathtaking in dimension and should be considered quite correctly as an adventure of phenomenal proportions. It's also political, divisive; a common question, questions on the lips of most professional archaeologists and, I must add, most earnest students, are; "who's past is it", "what past are we representing", and "how can we ever begin to unwravel this 'wreckage'? Archaeology attracts applicants from a variety of academic backgrounds. That doesn’t mean you have to be a scientist to study archaeology; on the contrary, many courses ask nothing more than a passionate interest in the past (although this is a very large "but") with many universities allowing you to pursue your own interests and enquiries, be they hard science or the philosophy and ethics of public archaeology. The opportunities for practical experience vary from course to course, so it is often best to consider what you want to gain from the degree (a more theoretical knowledge, practical, scientific, et cetera) and what it in fact offers. It has traditionally been Oxbridge that has offered the more theoretical degree in archaeology (coupled with anthropology) whereas newer Red Brick and post 1992 institutions are more likely to offer degrees in Archaeological Science, Practical Archaeology and greater opportunities to study archaeological practice (not to mention the proliferation of such courses as Underwater and experimental archaeology).
AdmissionsUniversitiesThe following universities currently offer archaeology (including Archaeological Science, Field Archaeology, Landscape Archaeology and Combined Honours degrees).
When researching into Universities it is important to look into what facilities they offer. If the Department of Archaeology is some miles from campus on the 10th story of an otherwise disused apartment block with about half a shovel between the staff, you may want to reconsider. Archaeology is a science and so demands high quality scientific equipment. Also worth considering are what museums, collections and libraries are close at hand. Studying archaeology at an institution with little or no access to any material remains may pose a large problem to your engagement with the subject. Academic RequirementsAs discussed above, archaeology often requires little more than an interest in the subject and Universities will often not presuppose any academic experience in archaeology on your part*. However, archaeology is fundamentally an essay subject where the majority of the work you do will revolve around essays and field/lab reports. As with all essay subjects, a humanities background is definitely a bonus. For degrees geared at the science side of archaeology, knowledge of biology is quite useful.
UCAS Form and Personal StatementArchaeology admissions tutors will be looking for applicants who can display an active interest and involvement in archaeology. The best way to achieve this is through practical archaeological experience or the heritage sector. http://www.ilovethepast.com is a website run by the popular archaeology magazine Current Archaeology and offers contact details and reviews of volunteer opportunities across the UK as well as world wide. I would also advise contacting your local museum about volunteering. Many Museums are run on a shoe-string and are supported almost entirely by teams of dedicated volunteers so that any additional help is always appreciated. Larger national institutions such as the British Museum and the Science Museum still offer volunteer opportunities but there is a much larger degree of competition for places. Get there early! A useful personal statement would outline; (i) Why you want to study archaeology (it is important to show more than a passing interest) (ii) What experience (if any) you have. (iii) What got you involved/interested in archaeology to begin with. A quirky, individual story is always better appreciated than the old and hollow, ‘I’ve always been interested in the past’…and? (iv) What you hope to gain from studying archaeology. Certainly archaeologists are paid amongst the least of any graduate, so you’ve got to explain what you hope to achieve. Don’t be coy or shy; if you envision yourself as a future Colin Renfrew, Paul Bahn or Lewis Leakey; say so! (v) Don’t mention Indiana Jones. Please, please, please. Read sample personal statements written by people applying for archaeology related courses. Course structureLife as an archaeology studentArchaeology students don't differ that much from the normal arts degree students, most of the time foscused around the normal bustle of lectures, seminars, reading and stuff like that. The only differences is that you might have the occasional lab session, or a lecture that you spend looking at artefacts (it seems to depend on the focus of the module). As well as this there are likely to be field trips, and in the summer term excavations to attend. (this is based on my own experience, I can't say for certain that it reflects degrees in other unis) Graduate destinations and Career ProspectsApart from the obvious (field archaeology) a degree in archaeology opens up a surprising number of avenues. These may include academia, the civil service, teaching, professional consultancy, media and the arts. Archaeology requires such a broad range of skills that its graduates are well rounded polymaths with the ability to inquire scientifically but also to see broad patterns of change. Many graduates will find themselves working in the heritage sector; museums, historical tourism and for institutions such as English Heritage. Remember that Indiana Jones was fictional, and even he had a career in academia before he decided to loot, hack and burn his way through some of the most important archaeological sites in the world.
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