Archaeology unlocks the mysteries of humanity’s past. Archaeologists discover and excavate archaeological sites and interpret the material recovered from them.

Our well-regarded degree is specifically designed to prepare you for a successful career in archaeology, either as a researcher or heritage consultant.

You will be trained in methods of archaeological investigation and develop both applied and technical skills involving fieldwork and analysis.

Throughout the ANU Bachelor of Archaeological Practice you will undertake fieldwork to real excavation and archaeological sites, as well as having exciting opportunities to participate in local or international internships.

Delve into the classical world of Greece and Rome through a variety of disciplines at Australia’s leading university.

You will study broadly across the field of classical antiquity, defined as the Greco-Roman world from the Aegean Bronze Age (3rd millennium BC) to the transition from late antiquity to the early medieval period (500 AD).

Our program ensures that you gain an understanding of the whole period, plus a focus of your choosing and at least one of the classical languages. This flexible program also gives you access to other disciplines such as archaeology or art history.

You will be encouraged to take part in an overseas study course in Italy, Greece or Turkey. You will experience the classical world and visit archaeological sites and key museums, all as part of an approved course counting towards your degree.

Employment Opportunities

The technical and analytical skills learned through this program provide highly practical knowledge, skills and training in the methods of archaeological investigation. Graduates may find work in Commonwealth heritage agencies, national parks, mining companies, as independent consultants, advisors to Aboriginal Land councils and many other fields.

The technical and analytical skills learned through this program provide highly practical knowledge, skills and training in the methods of archaeological investigation. Graduates may find work in Commonwealth heritage agencies, national parks, mining companies, as independent consultants, advisors to Aboriginal Land councils and many other fields.

Learning Outcomes

Successful completion of this program enables students to:

• Undertake archaeological fieldwork using different techniques and approaches to locate, map, record, collect and excavate archaeological materials by determining the conditions in which those techniques and approaches are optimal.
• Critically analyse archaeological materials. This includes the examination of human remains, artefacts, archaeo-fauna and archaeo-flora, archaeological sediments and other materials.
• Apply interpretative approaches and skills including archaeological theory and quantitative analysis.
• Design research frameworks and practise their application.
• Reconstruct archaeological sequences and culture histories, and environmental archaeology.
• Identify aspects of archaeological interpretations of human evolution and culture change.

By the end of this program, students should be able to:

• identify key components of Greek and Roman antiquity;
• critique and analyse major issues and controversies in Greek and Roman antiquity;
• distinguish between primary and secondary sources and critically evaluate them;
• demonstrate a working knowledge of either Ancient Greek or Latin language and familiarity with some key examples of literature in that language.

Admission Requirements

Admission to all programs is on a competitive basis. Admission to undergraduate degrees is based on meeting the ATAR requirement or an equivalent rank derived from the following qualifications:

• An Australian year 12 qualification or international equivalent; OR
• A completed Associate Diploma, Associate Degree, AQF Diploma, Diploma, AQF Advanced Diploma, Graduate Certificate or international equivalent; OR
• At least one standard full-time year (1.0 FTE) in a single program of degree level study at an Australian higher education institution or international equivalent; OR
• An approved tertiary preparation course unless subsequent study is undertaken.

Click HERE for further information about domestic admission.

The table below is a guide to the entry level required for domestic applicants. Exact entry level will be set at time of offer.

Domestic applicant entry requirements

From 2010, the UAI/ENTER/TER will be referred to as ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) for admission. See http://www.uac.edu.au/undergraduate/atar/ for further information.

Queensland Band equivalents are a guide only - selection is made on a UAI equivalent that is not available to students.

International applicant entry requirements

International applicants may view further information on admissions requirements at Entry Requirements for International Undergraduate Applicants

The University reserves the right to alter or discontinue its programs as required.

Adjustment Factors

The National Access Scheme 2014

ANU offers bonus points for nationally strategic senior secondary subjects, and in recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies. 

Bonus points are applied to all applicants with an ATAR at or above 70. Points are awarded in accordance with the approved schedule, and no more than 10 points (maximum 5 academic points and maximum 5 equity points) will be awarded.

Bonus points do not apply to programs with an ATAR cutoff of 98 or higher.

Bonus Points are only awarded to domestic applicants applying for admission through UAC who have not previously attempted tertiary study.

How to apply

Academic Bonus Points: senior secondary students do not need to apply for ANU academic bonus points. They are automatically added in accordance with the schedule.

Educational Access Scheme: senior secondary students do not need to apply if their school is part of the Priority School Funding Program or Country Areas Program. All other applicants should refer to www.uac.edu.au/undergraduate/eas for more information.

Scholarships

ANU offers a wide range of scholarships to students to assist with the cost of their studies.

Eligibility to apply for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship and can be categorised by the type of student you are.  Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.

For further information see the Scholarships website.

Program Requirements

The Bachelor of Archaeological Practice flexible double degree component requires completion of 96 units, of which:

A maximum of 36 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses

The 96 units must include:The Bachelor of Archaeological Practice flexible double degree component requires completion of 96 units, of which:

A maximum of 36 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses

The 96 units must include:

48 units from the completion of the Archaeological Practice major

48 units from the completion of two of the following specialisations:

Environmental Archaeology

Forensic and Evolutionary Archaeology

Regional Archaeology

The Bachelor of Classical Studies flexible double degree component requires completion of 96 units, of which:

A maximum of 36 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses

The 96 units must include:

48 units from the completion of one of the following majors:

Ancient History

Ancient Greek

Latin

24 units from the completion of one of the following minors, which must be in a different discipline to the major:

Ancient History

Ancient Greek

Latin

24 units from completion of courses from the following:

Ancient History major

Ancient Greek major

Latin major

ARCH1111 Archaeology: Finding treasure and history

ARCH1112 From Origins to Civilizations

ARCH2037 Post-Roman Archaeology of Britain: Arthur and the Anglo Saxons

Majors

Bachelor of Classical Studies Majors

Bachelor of Archaeological Practice Majors

Minors

Bachelor of Classical Studies Minors

Study Options

Honours

For information about honours, please Bachelor of Archaeological Practice (Honours)

For information about honours, please see the College of Arts and Social Sciences Honours website.