Program Requirements
The Graduate Certificate of Professional Archaeology requires the completion of 24 units, of which:
A minimum of 12 units must come from the completion of professional archaeology foundational and field methods courses from the following list:
ARCH6004 Australian Archaeology
ARCH6066 Professional Archaeology
ARCH8045 The Ochre Card: Effective Indigenous engagement and learning country through our eyes
A maximum of 12 units must come from the completion of the following courses:
ARCH6008 Archaeological Field Methods
ARCH6041 Introduction in Environmental Archaeology
ARCH6042 Scientific dating in Archaeology and Palaeoenvironmental Studies
ARCH6043 Analysis of Vertebrate Remains
ARCH6130 The Archaeology of Rock Art in Asia, Pacific and Australia
ARCH8030 Archaeological and Evolutionary Science Research Project 1
ARCH8037 Masterclass in Archaeological Science
ASIA6018 Maps and Mapping in the Asia Pacific
ASIA6220 Asia Pacific In Country Learning
ENVS6015 GIS and Spatial Analysis
Admission Requirements
A Bachelor degree or international equivalent with a minimum GPA of 4/7.
Alternatively candidates may qualify for entry if they can demonstrate five or more years of relevant professional experience (for example in professional archaeology, heritage management, parks and wildlife or public service employment related to the management of cultural heritage).
All applicants must meet the University’s English Language Admission Requirements for Students
Indicative fees
Domestic Tuition Fees (DTF)
For more information see: http://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/costs-fees
- Annual indicative fee for international students
- $25,410.00
For further information on International Tuition Fees see: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/fees-payments/international-tuition-fees
Fee Information
All students are required to pay the Services and amenities fee (SA Fee)
The annual indicative fee provides an estimate of the program tuition fees for international students and domestic students (where applicable). The annual indicative fee for a program is based on the standard full-time enrolment load of 48 units per year (unless the program duration is less than 48 units). Fees for courses vary by discipline meaning that the fees for a program can vary depending on the courses selected. Course fees are reviewed on an annual basis and typically will increase from year to year. The tuition fees payable are dependent on the year of commencement and the courses selected and are subject to increase during the period of study.
For further information on Fees and Payment please see: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/fees-payments
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.
This 6-month full time or 12-month part time program is designed to provide a pathway for students into professional archaeology and heritage management and/or further postgraduate study and research in the archaeological sciences, or for those already working in the commercial space to enhance and refine their knowledge of professional archaeology skills. The Professional Archaeology program combines fieldwork methodologies, report writing and cultural heritage assessment with first-hand learning in First Nations engagement and collaboration, and the significant role that indigenous communities play in archaeology.
Career Options
ANU ranks among the world's very finest universities. Our nearly 100,000 alumni include political, business, government, and academic leaders around the world.
We have graduated remarkable people from every part of our continent, our region and all walks of life.
This program is available for applications to commence from Summer Session, 2025
Employment Opportunities
A number of employment possibilities will result from completion of the course though it is designed primarily for those with a desire to take up positions within the commercial archaeology sector. It will also open up opportunities in heritage management, parks and country and the public service related to the management of cultural heritage.
Learning Outcomes
- comprehend the ethical, legal and WHS frameworks relevant to professional archaeology in Australia;
- understand the importance of First Nations engagement and collaboration within the framework of archaeology and heritage management;
- produce heritage management and professional archaeological assessment reports informed through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engagement; and
- understand a number of key practices relevant to archaeology, including lab-based practices, mapping, artefact and feature, and post-survey analyses of material culture and biological remains recovered during excavation.
Further Information
The Graduate Certificate of Professional Archaeology (CPARC) program is designed to be completed full-time within 6-months (single semester) or part-time over 12 months. Course completion is 24 units. Although students can enrol for Semester 1, it is recommended that commencement is for Summer Session. There are a number of key practical courses including the core course in Professional Archaeology (ARCH6066) that are taught in this session.
The program is a mixture of intensives and semester-length courses that provide students and professionals alike to complete the program. CPARC is specifically designed to provide students with essential background knowledge in preparation to step up to a masters degree in archaeology or to embark directly in a career in professional archaeology. The program is also designed for those already participating in professional archaeology to enhance their current skill sets.
Please note that the Ochre Card (ARCH8045) is an intensive field school at Kioloa where students stay for several days. This course is likely to incur costs on students for travel, food and accommodation.