Graduate Certificate of Archaeology

La Trobe's Graduate Certificate of Archaeology is the perfect place to build your career in archaeology and heritage management. You'll be equipped with specialist skills in contemporary archaeological practice and learn from renowned researchers in La Trobe's world-class facilities.

You'll acquire comprehensive knowledge of Australian and Australian Indigenous archaeology and get hands-on experience as you choose from a wide range of specialised subjects.

Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate of Archaeology, you may be eligible for advanced standing for four subjects in the Graduate Diploma or Master of Archaeology, should you choose to continue with your studies.

You'll learn:

• Indigenous and historic archaeology
  • Delve into Indigenous Australian and historic archaeology. Examine past practice and contemporary advances and findings.
• Cultural heritage management
  • Learn to navigate and guide others in the ethical and regulatory requirements of managing sites and objects of cultural importance.
• Archaeological field methods
  • Build the practical skills and knowledge you need to conduct archaeological fieldwork in Australia and overseas.

The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 8 - Graduate Certificate.

Successful completion of an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent).

Prior learning developed through relevant work experience or professional accreditation, where it is deemed to be at least equivalent to that obtained through a Bachelor degree, may be considered. In making an offer to an applicant, the University will give consideration to a range of factors, including academic record, English proficiency and/or employment experience.

6.5 IELTS (Academic) with no individual band less than 6.0.

After graduation, you could go onwards to further study in archaeology. This would allow you to 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.