Bachelor of Archaeology

If you're endlessly curious about the past, La Trobe's Bachelor of Archaeology is the perfect place to develop specialist skills and knowledge, and build a rewarding career as a professional archaeologist or heritage manager.

You'll learn from renowned researchers in La Trobe's world-class facilities and benefit from both a hands-on and academic perspective.

Exploring Australia's rich and varied Indigenous cultures, as well as peoples from other ancient and urban societies around the globe, you'll develop in-demand, specialist skills in contemporary archaeological practice.

For students interested in further study or a global career in archaeology, the Bachelor of Archaeology will give you strong field skills applicable anywhere in the world.

You'll learn:

• Archaeological fieldwork methods
  • Build the practical skills and knowledge you need to work in professional archaeology in Australia and overseas.
• Ethical heritage management
  • Learn how to collaborate and communicate respectfully with traditional owners and local communities.
• Ancient societies and civilisations
  • Learn how the human species evolved and spread across the world - adapting to new environments, transforming landscapes and developing new technologies.
• Scientific methods of archaeological practice
  • Explore a wide range of scientific techniques and methods, including geophysical survey, geographic information systems (GIS), archaeomagnetic dating, and ancient DNA.

The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 7 - Bachelor Degree.

You'll learn:

• Archaeological fieldwork methods
  • Build the practical skills and knowledge you need to work in professional archaeology in Australia and overseas.
• Ethical heritage management
  • Learn how to collaborate and communicate respectfully with traditional owners and local communities.
• Ancient societies and civilisations
  • Learn how the human species evolved and spread across the world - adapting to new environments, transforming landscapes and developing new technologies.
• Scientific methods of archaeological practice
  • Explore a wide range of scientific techniques and methods, including geophysical survey, geographic information systems (GIS), archaeomagnetic dating, and ancient DNA.

The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 7 - Bachelor Degree.

Career outcomes

After graduation, you could work in specialist fields such as professional archaeology, cultural heritage management or research. The State of Victoria has robust laws protecting our heritage and, combined with continued government investment in infrastructure, there's very strong demand for archaeologists.[1]

Possible roles include:

• Professional archaeologist
  • Study human activity from the past. Recover artefacts, analyse samples in the laboratory and advise on sites of historical importance.
• Heritage manager
  • Identify and protect sites of cultural importance. Advise government and non-government organisations on the maintenance and protection of historically and culturally significant sites and buildings.[2]
• Museum curator
  • Educate communities about the past while protecting and maintaining culturally significant collections.

[1] Job Outlook, 2021, Archaeologists

[2] Some additional study may be needed for registration in Victoria as a Heritage Advisor.

How to apply

Apply now or ask us a question if you need more help. You can also call us on +61 3 9627 4805.

Note: Some courses start earlier than the standard semester, term or study period. Applications for these courses close one week prior. Always check your course's start date to ensure your application is submitted in time.

Check when course applications close

CRICOS code: 0100732