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 skills, experience and knowledge of fieldwork, museums and heritage and community engagement. Unique to Australia, this degree takes a global outlook on the practice of archaeology and the production of knowledge about past societies.
Throughout the ANU Bachelor of Archaeological Practice you will have exciting opportunities to participate in local or international fieldwork experiences.
The complex and interconnected challenges of creating sustainable societies within a healthy global environment demand an integrative, holistic appreciation of environment and sustainability that requires a broad understanding of the world.
This contemporary cross-disciplinary degree prepares you to address the complex challenges of sustainability by giving you a broad environmental education with a sound basis in theory and methods and a focus on hands-on applications and research-led, field-based learning. You will learn to link perspectives from the natural and social sciences with their applications in your chosen major in environmental science, sustainable natural resource management or sustainability studies; and can select from minors that range from biodiversity conservation, environmental policy, climate change and water resources to indigenous studies, international relations and development studies.
If you care about meeting the challenges and opportunities facing us this century this degree will prepare you for an effective professional career in environment science, sustainable natural resource management and developing pathways to a sustainable future.
Career Options
Graduates from ANU have been rated as Australia's most employable graduates and among the most sought after by employers worldwide.
The latest Global Employability University Ranking, published by the Times Higher Education, rated ANU as Australia's top university for getting a job for the fourth year in a row.
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
Upon successful completion of a Bachelor of Archaeological Practice, graduates will be able 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.
Upon successful completion of a Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability, graduates will be able to:
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Evaluate current understandings of environmental science, natural resource management and sustainability, and of a range of response strategies for sustainable resource management and development.
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Integrate knowledge from relevant scientific areas and from policy approaches across disciplines into approaches designed to address complex contemporary environment and sustainability issues, in global, national and local contexts.
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Apply a range of written, oral and visual communication skills to effectively convey and discuss information about environmental science, sustainable development and resource management decisions and relevant policies across discipline
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Engage with ongoing debates on environmental science, resource management and sustainability issues, recognising the importance of biophysical and socio-political and cultural contexts.
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.
More information about ATAR requirements for individual programs can be found HERE.
The table below is a guide to the entry level required for domestic applicants. Exact entry level will be set at time of offer.
- ATAR:
- 80
- QLD Band:
- 10
- International Baccalaureate:
- 28
Domestic applicant entry requirements
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 http://www.uac.edu.au/eas/ for more information.
Indicative fees
Bachelor of Archaeological Practice - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees
- Annual indicative fee for international students
- $36,720.00
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:
12 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:
ARCH1111 Archaeology Uncovered
ARCH1112 From Origins to Civilizations
A maximum of 30 units from completion of courses from the following list:
ARCH2004 Australian Archaeology
ARCH2041 Introduction to Environmental Archaeology
ARCH2052 Archaeology in Film and Fiction
ARCH2060 International Archaeological Field School Extension
ARCH2061 Archaeological Field Methods
BIAN2015 Human Skeletal Analysis
HUMN2000 Introduction to Heritage and Museum Studies
HUMN2051 Introduction to Cultural Heritage Management
A maximum of 12 units from completion of courses from the following list:
ARCH2055 Archaeological Fieldschool
ARCH2059 International Archaeological Field School
A minimum of 6 units must come from completion of courses from the following list:
ARCH3000 Research Design and Analysis in Archaeology
ARCH3023 Thinking through the past: archaeological theory from 1950
ARCH3025 World Rock Art
ARCH3026 History of Archaeology: Discovering the Past
ARCH3028 Archaeology of Death and Mortuary Practices
ARCH3029 Making-Taking-Using-Breaking: Material Culture Studies and Technology in Archaeology
ARCH3108 Animals, Plants and People
BIAN3010 Scientific Dating in Archaeology and Palaeoenvironmental Studies
48 units from completion of two of the following minors:
Advanced Forensic and Evolutionary Archaeology Minor
Advanced Global Archaeology Minor
Advanced Environmental Archaeology Minor
The Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability flexible double degree component requires the completion of 96 units, of which:
A maximum of 36 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses
A minimum of 36 units must come from completion of 3000-level courses from the Science course list
A minimum of 96 units must come from completion of courses from the Science course list
The 96 units must consist of:
48 units from completion of one of the following majors:
Environmental Science
Resource and Environmental Management
Sustainability Studies
Either:
24 units from completion of one of the following minors:
Australian Indigenous Studies
Biodiversity Conservation and Management
Climate Science and Policy
Environmental Policy
Forest Science and Policy
Geography
Human Ecology
Soil and Land Management
Sustainable Development
Water Science and Policy
24 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU
Or:
48 units from completion of a second major from the following list:
Biology
Earth Science
Environmental Science
Resource and Environmental Management
Geography
Marine Science
Sustainability Studies
A maximum of 12 units from completion of 1000-level courses may contribute towards meeting the requirements of two Science majors with common 1000-level course requirements.
In such cases, an equal number of units must come from the completion of additional courses from the Science course list.
Majors
Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability Majors
Minors
Bachelor of Archaeological Practice Minors
Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability Minors
Study Options
| Year 1 | Archaeological Practice Major 1000 level Course 6 units | Specialisation 1 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | ||
| Archaeological Practice Major 1000 level Course 6 units | Specialisation 1 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | |||
| Year 2 | Archaeological Practice Major 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | Specialisation 1 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | ||
| Archaeological Practice Major 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | Specialisation 1 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | |||
| Year 3 | Archaeological Practice Major 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | Specialisation 2 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | ||
| Archaeological Practice Major 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | Specialisation 2 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | |||
| Year 4 | Archaeological Practice Major 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | Specialisation 2 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | ||
| Archaeological Practice Major 2000/3000 level Course 6 units | Specialisation 2 2000/3000 level Course 6 units |
Honours
For information about honours, please Bachelor of Archaeological Practice (Honours)
Single degree
Three years full time (144 units) - four courses per semester (24 units)
A maximum of 60 units of 1000 level courses
An Archaeological Practice major (48 units)
Two of the following specialisations (24 units each):
• Environmental Archaeology
• Forensic and Evolutionary Archaeology
• Regional Archaeology
Eight Electives (48 units) from across the ANU
Double degree
This degree requires 96 units
A maximum of 36 units of 1000 level courses
An Archaeological Practice major (48 units)
Two of the following specialisations (24 units each):
• Environmental Archaeology
• Forensic and Evolutionary Archaeology
• Regional Archaeology
About this degree
Single degree
In a Bachelor of Archaeological Practice program you will study a total of 144 units. Typically you will take 4 courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a full time student giving you a total of 24 (6-unit) courses across your whole degree.
You'll need to take the Archaeological Practice major (8 courses) and two specialisations (from the designated list) (8 courses). You'll also get to choose eight electives from courses right across ANU. You can use these electives to try a range of courses or to take a major or minor in a non-Arts subject.
Double degree
In a Bachelor of Archaeological Practice degree program you will study a total of 96 units. Typically you will take 4 courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a full time student giving you a total of 16 courses across your whole degree. However, for each semester you are likely to take 2 courses from your Bachelor of Archaeological Practice degree and then 2 courses from the other half of your double degree – still a total of 4 courses a semester.
You'll need to take the Archaeological Practice major (8 courses) and two specialisations (from the designated list) (8 courses).
Enrolment Status
While it's possible to enrol in fewer courses per semester, which is called studying part-time, it will take you longer to finish your program and get your degree. If you are an international student you must always be full-time.
• A course (usually 6 units) can only be counted towards one major or minor/specialisation.
• You need to enrol in courses for both First Semester and Second Semester.
• You can’t study more than four courses (24 units) per semester, eight for the year.
-You need to enrol in courses for the Archaeological Practice major
-You need to enrol in courses for at least two of the Specialisations from the designated list
You may take 1000-level courses later in your program. But remember you can’t count more than ten 1000-level courses (60 units) towards your single degree or six 1000-level courses (36 units) towards your Archaeological Practice half of the double degree
Important things to keep in mind when choosing your 1000-level courses
When you enrol for the first time you will study ‘1000-level’ courses. These courses have ‘1’ as the first number in their course code, such as ARTS1234.
Majors and Minors
See available majors and minors for this program
You need to enrol in the following 1000-level courses from your major:
• ARCH1111 – Archaeology: Finding treasure and history in First Semester
• ARCH1112 – From Origins to Civilizations in Second Semester
Electives
Single Degree
While you only need to enrol in courses for one major and two specialisations (from the designated list), you can use your electives to enrol in 1000-level courses for other Arts majors or minors. That way you keep your options open. Once you've selected courses for the major you should choose electives to make up the balance of your courses.
Study Options
Bachelor of Archaeological Practice - Single Degree
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Archaeological Practice with an Archaeological Practice Major and two Specialisations.Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | ARCH1111 Archaeology Uncovered 6 units | Elective 1000 level Course 6 units | Elective 1000 level Course 6 units | Elective Course 1000 level Course 6 units |
| ARCH1112 From Origins to Civilizations 6 units | Elective Course 1000 level Course 6 units | Elective Course 1000 level Course 6 units | Elective Course 1000 level Course 6 units |
Bachelor of Archaeological Practice - Double Degree
Study Options
Back to the Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability page
Are you concerned about the state of the environment and want to be part of the solution?
With a strong emphasis on getting outside and learning in the field, the ANU Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability will give you a broad environmental education, teaching you to link the natural and social sciences with their applications in environmental conservation and sustainable resource management.
If you enjoy the great outdoors and are passionate about keeping them pristine for future generations, this degree will teach you to be an effective environmental scientist and natural resource manager, helping you to meet the sustainability challenges and opportunities facing us this century.
Single degree
- This degree requires 144 units
- A maximum of 60 units of 1000 level courses
- A minimum of 36 units 3000 level Science courses
- One Science major (48 units) from a pre-selected list
- One Science minor, or a second Science major (24 units/ 48 units) from a pre-selected list
- Other courses from the Science course list or another ANU College (maximum non-science allowed 48 units)
Double degree
- This degree requires 96 units Science courses
- A maximum of 36 units of 1000 level Science courses
- A minimum of 36 units 3000 level Science courses
- One Science major (48 units) from a pre-selected list
- One Science minor, or a second Science major (24 units/ 48 units) from a pre-selected list
- Other courses from the Science course list
About this degree
Single degree
In a Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability single degree program you will study a total of 144 units. Typically you will take 4 courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a full time student giving you a total of 24 courses across your whole degree.
You'll need to take one Science major (8 courses) and one Science minor (or specialisation) (4 courses) from a pre-selected list for this degree, and four Science electives (4 courses). You can also choose to complete 2 Science majors (16 courses) from the list instead. You'll also get to choose eight electives from courses right across ANU (science of non-science courses). You can use these electives to try a range of courses or to take a major or minor in a non-Science subject, such as history or marketing.
Double degree
In a Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability double degree program you will study a total of 96 units of Science course. Typically you will take 4 courses per semester (total of 24 units) as a full time student giving you a total of 16 courses across your whole degree. However, for each semester you are likely to take 2 courses from your Science degree and then 2 courses from the other half of your double degree – still a total of 4 courses a semester.
You'll need to take one Science major (8 courses) and one Science minor (or specialisation) (4 courses) from a pre-selected list for this degree, and four Science electives (4 courses). You can also choose to complete 2 Science majors (16 courses) from the list instead.
Study Options
The maximum period for completion of the degree program is 10 years from the date of first enrolment in the program. The 10 years includes periods of leave.
Enrolment Status
It is possible to enrol in fewer courses per semester but it will take you longer to finish your program and get your degree. If you are an international student you must always be enrolled full-time in 24 units each semester.
When you enrol for the first time you will study ‘1000-level’ courses. These courses have ‘1’ as the first number in their course code, such as SCNC1234.
- A course (usually 6 units) can only be counted towards one major or minor.
- You need to enrol in courses for both First Semester and Second Semester.
- You can’t study more than four courses (24 units) per semester, eight for the year.
- You need to enrol in courses for at least one potential Science major from the list.
- You need to enrol in courses for at least one potential Science minor or a second potential Science major from the list.
You may take 1000-level courses later in your program. But remember you can’t count more than ten 1000-level courses (60 units) towards your single degree or six 1000-level courses (36 units) towards your Medical Science half of the double degree.
Majors and Minors
See available majors and minors for this program
A course can only ever be counted toward one major or minor.
Exception: A maximum of 12 units of 1000 level courses can count toward two majors that share common first year requirements.
You can find a list of Majors and Minors for this program on Program and Courses, under the ‘Study’ tab on the Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability webpage.
If you aren’t sure what you want to study for your whole degree, that’s fine. You don’t need to commit to majors or minors until after your first year. Using electives can help to keep your options open.
To choose courses for majors and minors, view the Science majors and minors available on the Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability webpage that interest you and enrol in the first year courses (1000 level).
Electives
Remember you can choose up to 8 courses from another ANU College if you are undertaking the single Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability program.
Study Options
Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability – single degree
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability.Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | 1000 level course Science Major from list 6 units | 1000 level course Science elective 6 units | Science or non-Science elective 6 units | Science or non-Science elective 6 units |
| 1000 level course Science Major from list 6 units | Science elective 6 units | Science or non-Science elective 6 units | Science or non-Science elective 6 units |
Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability - double degree
This is a typical study pattern for the first year of a student undertaking a Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability with another three year degree, such as the Bachelor of Arts.Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | 1000 level course Science Major from list 6 units | 1000 level course Science minor from list 6 units | Degree B course 6 units | Degree B course 6 units |
| 1000 level course Science Major from list 6 units | 1000 level course Science minor from list 6 units | Degree B course 6 units | Degree B course 6 units |
Academic Advice
For further information, you can:
Visit the Fenner School of Environment & Society webpage here, or
Download the Science first year course guide available here, or
View our program presentation videos located on our New commencers & first year students page, or
Email us at science.enquiries@anu.edu.au, or
Come and talk to someone face-to-face. You can make an appointment with an academic advisor here or by calling Science Central on 6125 2809