Archaeology

Archaeology is the science that studies the human past through the recovery, documentation, analysis and interpretation of material remains and environmental data, including architecture, artifacts, ecofacts, and landscapes. The UNSW Minor in Archaeology embraces the fact that Archaeology is part of a nexus of disciplines allied in order to understand the human past in all its scope and diversity.

Archaeology at UNSW

Archaeology at UNSW creatively combines the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, developing skills and knowledge which are transferable across a wide range of career paths. The program encourages analytical thinking developed to meet the needs of archaeological inquiry but informed by related disciplines. Students who include a Minor in Archaeology within their BA are challenged to be critical, reflective and creative, as they develop a greater understanding of the complexity of human diversity. The program fosters these abilities by challenging you to grapple with fundamental questions about human evolution (physical and cultural) and the importance of interactions (within and between human societies; between human societies and nature).
Students are introduced to empirical research through critical engagement with the work of professional and academic archaeologists (such as field reports and syntheses); optional fieldwork opportunities will be available.

Download the Archaeology Information Brochure (PDF) (2 Mb)

International Opportunities

As one of Australia's most international universities UNSW encourages students to spend a session or two overseas studying at one of our partner institutions as part of your degree. UNSW manages a large and active exchange program with over 180 different student exchange opportunities in 32 countries.

UNSW international Exchange

Careers

• Cultural resource management (Government or private)
• Contract archaeology (significant demand in Australia)
• Museum employment (conservation, administration, fund raising / outreach)
• Cultural heritage / antiquities law
• Academic / research archaeology
• Secondary education
• Cultural tourism

Program Information

A minor in Archaeology is available in the Bachelor of Arts and other combined degree programs. The minor provides you with the opportunity to take six courses from the Archaeology program. Course selection may change each year.

 At Level 3, students may choose from electives courses in archaeology or allied natural and social sciences.

Program Coordinator: Dr Shawn Ross

Courses

Courses available are listed at the UNSW Handbook.