Archaeologist

Career path and progression

With experience, you could:

• progress to a senior role like project supervisor or site director
• specialise in a particular type of archaeology or historical period
• teach on university courses and carry out research
• advise local authorities and construction firms about the archaeological impact of new developments.

You can also register for Chartered Institute for Archaeologists Member status, which leads to professional recognition of your skills and expertise.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• an interest and knowledge of history
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of sociology and anthropology for understanding society and culture
• persistence and determination
• excellent verbal communication skills
• analytical thinking skills
• the ability to work well with others
• excellent written communication skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Related subjects

Most relevant

• History - Archaeologists study past human societies, cultures, and events, so a deep understanding of history is fundamental to their work. Knowing about different historical periods helps them interpret finds, date artefacts, and understand the significance of what they uncover at excavation sites.
• Geography - Archaeologists survey landscapes, analyse terrain, and use tools like geographical information systems (GIS) and aerial photography to locate and map sites. Understanding physical geography – including how rivers, coastlines, and soil types change over time – helps them predict where remains might be found.
• Geology - Archaeologists need to understand rock types, soil layers, and sediment formation to interpret excavation sites correctly. Reading stratigraphy – the layers of earth built up over time – is one of the key techniques used to date finds and reconstruct the history of a site.
• Biology - Archaeologists analyse human and animal remains, plant material, and organic artefacts to learn about past diets, diseases, and environments. Specialisms like osteoarchaeology (studying bones) and environmental archaeology rely heavily on biological knowledge.

Also relevant

• Chemistry - Archaeologists use chemical techniques like radiocarbon dating and isotope analysis to determine the age and origin of artefacts and remains. Understanding how materials decay and how to preserve fragile finds in the lab also draws on chemistry.
• Sociology - Archaeologists interpret how past communities were organised, including their social structures, rituals, and daily lives. Understanding sociological concepts about how societies function helps them make sense of the evidence they find at sites.
• Art and Design - Archaeologists create detailed illustrations of artefacts, site plans, and reconstructions showing how places and people might have looked. Skills in drawing, photography, and visual communication are used regularly for recording finds and presenting research.
• Mathematics - Archaeologists use mathematics when surveying sites, measuring excavation grids, and analysing statistical data from finds. Spatial reasoning and data analysis help them build accurate models of sites and spot meaningful patterns in large datasets.
• Computer Science - Archaeologists increasingly use digital tools like 3D modelling, laser scanning, and computer-aided design (CAD) to create visualisations of ruins and artefacts. Digital archaeology is a growing specialism that involves building complex reconstructions and managing large spatial datasets.
• English Language - Archaeologists write detailed reports on their excavations and findings, and present their work to both specialist and public audiences. Clear, precise writing is essential for publishing research, advising developers, and organising community engagement events.