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Archaeologist

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Primary Secondary Post-16

Archaeologists study human history by excavating sites and analysing artefacts, structures, and other physical remains. In the UK, this often involves investigating sites from the Stone Age through to the modern era, including Roman, Medieval, and Industrial periods. Archaeologists may work outdoors on digs, in laboratories analysing finds, or in offices writing reports and preparing publications. The role can be physically demanding and may require travel to remote locations, but it offers the chance to make new discoveries about the past and contribute to the preservation of British heritage. Most archaeologists specialise in a particular period or type of artefact and often use advanced technology such as GIS and 3D scanning in their work. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and a passion for history are essential.

Archaeologist

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The average salary for an archaeologist in the UK is between £21,000 and £45,000 per year, with more experienced or senior archaeologists earning up to £60,000.

Job Openings

There are approximately 4,000 professional archaeologists employed in the UK, with around 300 to 500 new job openings each year depending on project funding and government investment.

Employment Sectors

Around 70 percent of UK archaeologists are employed in commercial archaeology, while others work for universities, museums, and heritage organisations.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Marine Archaeologist

Studies human history and prehistory through the excavation and analysis of shipwrecks, submerged settlements, and artefacts found underwater.

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Environmental Archaeologist

Focuses on understanding past environments by analysing soil samples, plant remains, animal bones, and other ecological evidence found at archaeological sites.

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Museum Collections Assistant

Supports the management and conservation of archaeological artefacts within a museum, assisting with cataloguing, research, and educational displays.

Gain Academic Qualifications

Complete a Relevant Undergraduate Degree

Study for a degree in archaeology or a related subject such as ancient history or anthropology.

Most professional archaeologists in the UK hold at least a bachelor’s degree in archaeology, classical studies, ancient history, or anthropology. These courses will introduce you to key archaeological methods, theory, and periods. Many universities offer placements or fieldwork opportunities as part of the course, which is valuable experience.

Consider Postgraduate Study

Pursue a master’s degree or PhD in archaeology to specialise further and improve job prospects.

While not always essential, a postgraduate qualification can help you specialise in a particular area of archaeology, such as environmental archaeology, human osteology, or heritage management. It also opens doors to research positions and academic roles.

Build Practical Experience

Participate in Fieldwork

Join archaeological digs and field schools to gain hands-on experience.

Many universities and heritage organisations run field schools and excavations during the summer. Volunteering or working as a dig assistant helps you develop skills in surveying, excavation, and recording finds. This practical experience is highly valued by employers.

Seek Internships or Voluntary Roles

Apply for internships or voluntary positions with museums, heritage organisations, or commercial archaeology units.

Gaining experience in the heritage sector—such as cataloguing artefacts, assisting with public engagement, or supporting commercial digs—helps build your CV. Look for opportunities with local museums, the National Trust, Historic England, or commercial archaeology firms.

Secure Employment and Advance

Apply for Entry-Level Positions

Look for jobs as a field archaeologist, finds specialist, or research assistant.

Entry-level roles may include working for commercial archaeology companies, local councils, or university research projects. Positions may be advertised as site assistant, field technician, or trainee archaeologist. Be prepared for the possibility of short-term contracts initially.

Continue Professional Development

Join professional bodies and work towards chartered status to enhance your career.

Organisations such as the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) offer resources, networking, and professional accreditation. Continuing to build your portfolio through research, publication, or additional training will help you progress to senior roles like project manager or specialist consultant.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Archaeologist. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

🎓 View Apprenticeships

Career Progressions

This page showcases various career options and the pathways to reach them. Each career listed here shares transferable skills and knowledge, making it easier for individuals to transition between them.

Your current career is highlighted to help you see how it fits into the broader landscape of potential career choices. By clicking on any career, you can learn more about it, including the training and education required to pursue it.

Remember, progressing in your career often involves further learning and training. This page provides insights into future career options as well as those that can lead up to your current one.

These career progression decisions are informed by comparing the skills and knowledge needed for different occupations, along with data on how people move between them. Explore the possibilities and discover the exciting journey ahead in your career!

Sample Qualifications

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship

University

Most professional archaeologists have a degree and many also have a postgraduate qualification.

You can do a degree in archaeology or a related subject, like:

  • environmental archaeology
  • human evolution
  • archaeological science
  • ancient history
  • conservation and cultural heritage

You can search for higher education archaeology courses on British Archaeological Jobs and Resources.

After completing a first degree, you could take a postgraduate course and specialise in a particular field. 

Examples include:

  • osteoarchaeology - studying human remains
  • marine archaeology - investigating coastal and underwater sites
  • digital archaeology - creating visualisations of ruins and finds

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an Archaeological Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, with an archaeological consultancy, university department or heritage organisation. This could lead to a position like archaeological site assistant or finds technician.

With further training, you could become a professional archaeologist.

You could also complete an Archaeological Specialist Level 7 Postgraduate Degree Apprenticeship.

The degree apprenticeship typically takes 3 years to complete and combines learning on-the-job with university study.

Employers will assess your skills, experience and qualifications when you apply, and usually require a relevant first degree.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

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Volunteering

Competition for courses and jobs is very strong. It's essential that you get practical experience.

Local and regional archaeological associations run volunteer fieldwork programmes for all age groups.

These offer you the chance to get hands-on experience, doing tasks like:

  • site surveys
  • excavations
  • recording finds

You can find volunteering opportunities through the Council for British Archaeology.

More Information

Career tips

There are a lot of different specialisms in archaeology and skills you have from another career can be useful, for example:

  • computer-aided design (CAD)
  • illustration
  • photography
  • geographical information systems (GIS)

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists for professional development training and networking opportunities.

Further information

You'll find more details about how to become an archaeologist from the:

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