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.
Maintaining the balance between our environment and human development is challenging. The future needs you to work on sustainable solutions to issues including increasing biodiversity loss, urbanisation and climate change.
The ANU Bachelor of Environment & Sustainability is a contemporary degree, covering environmental science, policy and social sciences, allowing you to address the complex challenges of sustainability by giving you a broad environmental education.
You’ll learn to link perspectives from the natural and social sciences with their applications in your chosen major and minor.
Find out more about the Bachelor of Environment & Sustainability, the degree structure, the university experience, career opportunities and student stories on our website.
Get the inside story on what it’s like to be an ANU student by visiting our student blog.
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.
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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
At a minimum, all applicants must meet program-specific academic/non-academic requirements, and English language requirements. Admission to most ANU programs is on a competitive basis. Therefore, meeting all admission requirements does not automatically guarantee entry.
In line with the university's admissions policy and strategic plan, an assessment for admission may include competitively ranking applicants on the basis of specific academic achievement, English language proficiency and diversity factors.
- ATAR:
- 80
- QLD Band:
- 10
- International Baccalaureate:
- 29
Domestic applicants
→ School leavers will be assessed on:
• the minimum Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) requirement or equivalent for this program,
• the co-curricular or service requirement, and
• any program specific requirements that are listed below.
→ Non school leavers:
a) will be assessed on:
• the minimum Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) requirement or equivalent for this program,
b) Non school leavers who:
• complete a recognised Australian (or equivalent) post-secondary qualification, or
• complete one standard full-time year (1.0 FTE) of an Australian (or equivalent) degree qualification, or
• complete an approved tertiary preparation course/program without undertaking any further study,
will be assessed on the basis of an equivalent selection rank that is calculated upon application. Non school leavers must also meet any program specific requirements that are listed below.
International applicants
Applicants who complete a recognised secondary/senior secondary/post-secondary/tertiary sequence of study will be assessed on the basis of an equivalent selection rank that is calculated upon application. A list of commonly observed international qualifications and corresponding admission requirements can be found here. Applicants must also meet any program specific requirements that are listed below.
Diversity factors & English language proficiency
As Australia's national university, ANU is global representative of Australian research and education. ANU endeavours to recruit and maintain a diverse and deliberate student cohort representative not only of Australia, but the world. In order to achieve these outcomes, competitive ranking of applicants may be adjusted to ensure access to ANU is a reality for brilliant students from countries across the globe. If required, competitive ranking may further be confirmed on the basis of demonstrating higher-level English language proficiency.
Adjustment Factors
ANU offers rank adjustments for a number of adjustment factors, including for high achievement in nationally strategic senior secondary subjects and for recognition of difficult circumstances that students face in their studies. Rank adjustments are applied to Bachelor degree applicants with an ATAR at or above 70. Points are awarded in accordance with the approved schedules, and no more than 15 points (maximum 5 subject/performance-based adjustments, maximum 10 equity-based adjustments and maximum 5 Elite Athlete adjustments) will be awarded. Please note that Adjustment Factors vary and do not apply to a select few programs, please visit the ANU Adjustment Factors website for further 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
- $45,864.00
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
ARCH2007 Archaeological Laboratory Methods
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
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
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
ARCH3030 Archaeology of Ritual and Religion
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 30 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
Quantitative Environmental Modelling
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 courses from the Science course list
Or:
48 units from completion of a second major from the following list:
Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology
Earth Science
Environmental Science
Quantitative Environmental Modelling
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
Bachelor of Archaeological Practice program consists of 144 units. Most courses are worth 6 units each, with 48 units (8 courses) per year being the standard full-time load.
A course (usually 6 units) can only be counted towards one major or elective minor.
You will need to complete:
- Two compulsory courses (12 units)
- 36 units of courses to be made up from courses specified in the three electives lists
- Two minors from the list of minors (48 units)
- Eight electives (48 units) from across the ANU
- You can only count ten 1000-level courses (60 units) towards your degree.
You are advised to complete a Program Plan for your degree. This will help you seek advice on your course choices, ensure you meet the program requirements and plan your next three years.
Double degree
Bachelor of Archaeological Practice Double degree program consists of 96 units. Most courses are worth 6 units each, with 48 units (8 courses) per year being the standard full-time load. During each semester you are likely to take two courses from your Bachelor Archaeological Practice degree and another two courses from the other half of your double degree – making up a total of four courses per semester.
A course (usually 6 units) can only be counted towards one major or elective minor.
You will need to complete:
- Two compulsory courses (12 units)
- 36 units of courses to be made up from courses specified in the three electives lists
- Two minors from the list of minors (48 units)
- You can only count six 1000-level courses (36 units) towards your degree.
You are advised to complete a Program Plan for your degree. This will help you seek advice on your course choices, ensure you meet the program requirements and plan your next three years.
Enrolment Status
If you are an international student you must always be full-time.
While it's possible for domestic students to enrol in fewer than four courses per semester, which is called studying part-time, it will take you longer to finish your program and get your degree.
You can’t study more than four courses (24 units) per semester, eight for the year.
Important things to keep in mind when choosing your 1000-level courses
You are recommended to take your 1000-level courses in your first year. These courses have ‘1’ as the first number in their course code, such as ARTS1234. You may take 1000-level courses later in your program.
You can only count a maximum of ten 1000-level courses (60 units) towards your single degree or six 1000-level courses (36 units) towards your double degree.
In your first year you need to enrol in:
- Courses for both First Semester and Second Semester (8 courses for full time)
- Following compulsory courses:
- ARCH1111 – Archaeology: Finding treasure and history (First Semester)
- ARCH1112 – From Origins to Civilizations (Second Semester)
- Electives from courses specified in the electives lists
- We recommend the remaining courses to make up your eight be 1000-level (don’t forget to look for 1000-level courses in your minors)
Majors and Minors
See available majors and minors for this program
See available minors for this program.
You are not required to take a major in the Bachelor of Archaeological Practice degree, however you can use your electives to make up a major or extra minors.
Electives
For your electives (48 units from completion of elective
courses offered by ANU), these can be additional courses from your discipline (including
the option of a major or minor) or courses from another ANU College. You may
wish to seek advice from the relevant college that offers the course. Courses
coded in the 1000 range are first year courses and most first year courses do
not have any prerequisites – details of any prerequisites will be listed in the
relevant course entry. If you are interested in undertaking a language and have
prior knowledge/experience with that language you may need to undertake a
placement test – you should check with the relevant language area for further
details.
Study Options
Bachelor of Archaeological Practice - Single Degree
A typical study plan for the first year as follows:Study Options
| Year 1 48 units | ARCH1111 Archaeology Uncovered 6 units | Archaeology Elective 2000-level cours 6 units | Elective 6 units | Elective 6 units |
| ARCH1112 From Origins to Civilizations 6 units | Archaeology Elective 2000-level cours 6 units | Archaeology Elective 2000-level cours 6 units | Elective 6 units |
Bachelor of Archaeological Practice - Double Degree
A typical study plan for the first year as follows: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 30 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 30 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 or 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 Environment and Sustainability 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
Do you want to talk to someone before enrolling?
Contact Science Enquiries at science.enquiries@anu.edu.au