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.
Digital + Material
Innovation + Engagement
Combine cutting-edge digital practices with internationally-renowned art and craft studio disciplines in the Bachelor of Design.
Design students will benefit from deep immersion in digital, manual and theoretical studies and a wide overview of creative practices. From coding, to making, to manufacture, students apply hands-on design to digital and physical materials. Students delve into web design, data visualisation, and interaction design, and experiment in studios to develop expertise in the latest digital form and fabrication processes.
This degree prepares students with transferable knowledge and skills required to make their mark on a rapidly changing world.
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, students will have the skills and knowledge to:
1. Demonstrate skills and knowledge of the practices, languages, forms, materials and technologies in their relevant discipline.
2. Research, develop and evaluate design concepts and processes by thinking creatively, critically and reflectively.
3. Apply skills and knowledge to the creation, visualisation and production of design projects.
4. Work independently and collaboratively on design projects and respond to project demands.
5. Interpret, communicate and present ideas, problems and arguments in modes suited to a range of audiences.
6. Recognise and reflect on social, cultural technological, environmental and ethical issues of creative practice and design considering local and international perspectives.
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.
Prerequisites
Entry into the Bachelor of Design is based on ACT or NSW HSC equivalent and interview and portfolio. Australian and New Zealand applicants apply through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) and international applicants lodge an application directly with ANU. Once an application has been lodged, applicants are required to register for an interview and upload a portfolio on the ANU School of Art & Design website at: soa.anu.edu.au/how-apply/undergraduate-applications.
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 Design - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees
- Annual indicative fee for international students
- $38,400.00
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 Design flexible double degree component requires completion of 96 units, of which:
A maximum of 42 units may come from completion of 1000-level courses
The 96 units must include:
12 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:
DESN1002 Visual Communication: Design and Production
DESN1003 Contemporary Design in Context
12 units from completion of DESN3010 Design Practice: Engagement, Internship and Entrepreneurship, which must be completed twice with a different topic each time
A minimum of 12 units from completion of foundation courses from the following list:
ARTV1020 Figure & Life
ARTV1021 Image and Object
ARTV1033 Hold Everything: Studio Foundation
DESA1021 Precise Drawing and Model Making
12 units from completion of theory courses from the following list:
ANTH2005 Traditional Australian Indigenous Cultures, Societies and Environment
ARTH1006 Art and Design Histories: Form and Space
ARTH1007 Art and Design Histories: Making and Meaning
ARTH2043 Modernism and Postmodernism in Art and Design: 1850-2000
ARTH2162 Cyberculture
ARTH2164 Theories of the Object
ARTH2165 Theories of the Image
ARTH2167 Issues in Contemporary Craft and Design
ARTH2172 Costume, Fashion and Visual Culture
ENVS1001 Environment and Society: Geography of Sustainability
ENVS1008 Sustainable Development
GEND1001 Sex, Gender and Identity: An Introduction to Gender Studies
GEND1002 Reading Popular Culture: An Introduction to Cultural Studies
GEND2023 Gender, Sex and Sexuality: An Introduction to Feminist Theory
HUMN1001 Digital Culture: Being Human in the Information Age
HUMN2001 Digital Humanities: Theories and Projects
INDG1001 Indigenous Peoples, Populations and Communities
PHIL1004 Fundamental Ideas in Philosophy: An Introduction
PHIL1005 Logic and Critical Thinking
PHIL1007 What is Humanity?
PHIL1008 Introduction to Ethics
PSYC1003 Psychology 1: Understanding Mind, Brain and Behaviour
PSYC1004 Psychology 2: Understanding People in Context
SOCY1002 Self and Society
SOCY1004 Analysing the Social World: An Introduction to Social Psychology
A minimum of 12 units from completion of design courses from the following list:
DESN1001 Making Online: Context & Presence
DESN2002 Foundations of Creative Code
DESN2003 Creative Data Visualisation: Representing Data in Visual and Material Form
DESN2004 Dynamic Design and Generative Systems
DESN2006 Front-End Web: Crafting Online Experience
DESN2001 Digital Form and Fabrication
DESN2005 Form and Fabrication in Context
DESN2007 Design Fiction: Speculative and Critical Design
DESN2008 Design Thinking: Human-Centred Design Methodologies
DESN2009 Typography in Context: digital typographic design
DESN2012 The Ethics of Making: Design for Reuse and Repair
A minimum of 18 units from completion of studio courses from the following list:
ARTV1101 Ceramics: Materials & Technology
ARTV1102 Ceramics: Throwing & Surface Decoration
ARTV1103 Animation and Video: The Digital Workspace
ARTV1104 Animation and Video: Digital Equipment and Studios
ARTV1201 Furniture: Shape/Structure
ARTV1202 Furniture: Elevate/Surface
ARTV1301 Glass Introduction
ARTV1302 Glass: Processes and Methods
ARTV1403 Jewellery & Object: Introduction to Precise Miniature Construction
ARTV1404 Jewellery & Object: Maker, Wearer, Viewer, User
ARTV1501 Painting: Introducing Painting
ARTV1502 Painting: Composition and Space
ARTV1601 Photomedia: Foundations of photography, printing and camera skills
ARTV1602 Photomedia: Colour Photography and Digital Skills
ARTV1803 Sculpture: Introduction to Conceptual Practices and Construction Methods (Metal)
ARTV1804 Sculpture: Introduction to Temporal Practices and Construction Methods (Wood)
ARTV1901 Textiles: Dye and Surface Manipulation
ARTV1902 Textiles: Print and Surface Design
ARTV2038 Workshop Atelier
ARTV2039 Craft and Design Practice-led Research
ARTV2057 Hands On: Material Language
ARTV2060 Contexts of Making: Globalisation and Change
ARTV2061 Contexts of Making: Materiality and Value
ARTV2117 Ceramics: Glaze & Colour Development
ARTV2119 Ceramics: Experimental Methods and Meanings
ARTV2120 Ceramics: Designing for the Table and Home
ARTV2124 Ceramics: Surface, Form and Connectivity
ARTV2125 Ceramics: Moulding, Casting & Digital Technologies
ARTV2206 Furniture: Bend/Curve
ARTV2207 Furniture: Support/Body
ARTV2208 Furniture: Contain/Display
ARTV2209 Furniture: Collect/Treasure
ARTV2313 Glass: Kiln Casting
ARTV2314 Glass: Blowing and Finishing Techniques in context
ARTV2315 Glass: Kiln Forming
ARTV2316 Glass: Advanced Hot and Cold Glass Working Process
ARTV2401 Jewellery & Object: Making with machines
ARTV2402 Jewellery & Object: Utility as Context
ARTV2410 Jewellery & Object: Experimenting with process
ARTV2421 Jewellery & Object: Hollow Construction
ARTV2506 Painting: Approaches to Abstraction
ARTV2507 Painting: Painting in the Photo Digital Age
ARTV2508 Painting: Taking Your Own Direction
ARTV2509 Painting: Approaches to Composition and Colour
ARTV2511 Painting: Concepts, Materials, Processes
ARTV2605 Photomedia: Advanced Principles in Exposure and Printing
ARTV2606 Photomedia: Digital Photography and Studio Lighting
ARTV2607 Photomedia: Large Format Photography
ARTV2608 Photomedia: Experimental Processes
ARTV2609 Animation and Video: Visual Storytelling
ARTV2610 Animation and Video: Character development
ARTV2613 Animation and Video: Landscape and Environment
ARTV2614 Animation and Video: Non-linear Forms
ARTV2615 Animation: Creative Possibilities
ARTV2617 Video: Creative Possibilities
ARTV2706 Printmedia and Drawing: Experimental Drawing
ARTV2707 Printmedia and Drawing: Advanced Etching/Relief
ARTV2708 Printmedia and Drawing: Project Drawing
ARTV2715 Printmedia and Drawing: Typography
ARTV2717 Printmedia and Drawing: Book Design
ARTV2723 Printmedia and Drawing: Screen Printing
ARTV2727 Printmedia and Drawing: Lithography
ARTV2808 Sculpture: Space and Shape Investigations with Soft Sculpture, Pattern Making and Armature
ARTV2801 Socially Engaged Art Practice: Authorship, Dialogue and Community
ARTV2802 Politics of Memory: Video Installation, Sculpture, Documentary and Monuments
ARTV2810 Politics of Bodies: Sculpture, Figure Modelling, Performance and Choreography
ARTV2820 Politics of Spaces: Installation, Sculpture and Spatial Practice
ARTV2821 Posthuman Sculpture Practice with Active Materials: Bronze Casting, 3D Modelling and Bio Art
ARTV2906 Textiles: Approaches to Drawing for Craft and Design
ARTV2907 Textiles: Embroidery and Hand Stitch
ARTV2908 Textiles: Constructed Textiles
ARTV2909 Textiles: Maker to Market
ARTV2911 Textiles: Experimental Practices
ARTV2921 Environment Studio: field based research and studio practice in visual arts
Unless otherwise stated, a course used to satisfy the requirements of one list may not be double counted towards satisfying the requirements of another list.
For Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/Bachelor of Design
12 units from completion of courses from the following list required for the Bachelor of Design contribute towards the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) component of this double degree:
DESN2005 Form and Fabrication in Context
DESN2008 Design Thinking: Human-Centred Design Methodologies
Minors
Bachelor of Archaeological Practice Minors
Bachelor of Design 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 |