Archaeological Science

Boost your credentials and your career with a Master of Archaeological Science at the ANU.

This unique degree offers you access to over 40 top-ranked international archaeologists. Join them in the field or in our world-class laboratories to hone your technical expertise and experience.

Students can tailor the program to their own training objectives, through hands-on experience with a wide-range of supervising specialists, materials and laboratory resources.

Two specialisations are available to match your interests:

• Forensic archaeology and palaeopathology
• Quaternary studies and palaeoenvironments

Employment Opportunities

The Master of Archaeological Science can lead to a PhD, or advance your career in cultural and environmental resource management, heritage management, forensic science and materials science.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the skills and knowledge to:

1. understand the theories, methods and practice of archaeological science;
2. understand how scientific techniques can be applied to archaeological problems;
3. be familiar with the major sub-disciplines of archaeological science;
4. be able to apply archaeological scientific techniques in the field, laboratory and written form; and
5. be trained and have experience in undertaking a research project in at least one branch of archaeological science.

The Master of Archaeological Science requires completion of 96 units, which must consist of:

36 units from completion of the following compulsory courses:

ARCH8032 Introduction to Archaeological Science

ARCH8037 Master Class in Archaeological Science

ARCH8040 Microanalysis in Archaeological Science

ARCH8102 Designing Research in Archaeology

ARCH8103 Frameworks for Archaeological Science

6 units from completion of courses from the following list:

ARCH6004 Australian Archaeology

ARCH6005 Archaeology of the Pacific Islanders

Either:

24 units from completion of one of the following specialisations:

Forensic Archaeology

Quaternary Studies and Palaeoenvironments

6 units from completion of ARCH8030 Archaeological Science Research Project 1

Or:

A minimum of 6 units from completion of courses from the following list:

ARCH8029 Supervised Project in Archaeological Science

ARCH8030 Archaeological Science Research Project 1

A minimum of 18 units from completion of courses from the following list:

ARCH6004 Australian Archaeology

ARCH6005 Archaeology of the Pacific Islanders

ARCH6041 Introduction to Environmental Archaeology

ARCH8002 Advanced Field Training in Archaeological Science

ARCH8031 Archaeological Science Research Project 2

ARCH8033 Archaeology, Climate Change and Society

ARCH8034 Managing, Mapping and Detecting Archaeological Sites

ARCH8036 Internship in Archaeological Science

ARCH8038 Graduate Reading Course in Archaeological Science

BIAN6510 Scientific Dating and Isotope analysis for Archaeology and Palaeoanthropology

BIAN6512 Ancient Health & Disease

BIAN6515 Forensic Anthropology and Archaeology

BIAN6517 Human Skeletal Analysis

BIAN6518 Analysis of Mammalian Remains

ENVS6015 GIS and Spatial Analysis

ENVS6023 Vegetation and Soils: Landscape Co-evolution and Ecology

ENVS6312 Geomorphology: Landscape Evolution under Changing Climate

ENVS6529 Palaeo-Environmental Reconstruction

HUMN8008 World Rock Art: Global Perspectives on Rock Art Research

HUMN8016 Introduction to Rock Art Research: community consultation and documentation

24 units from completion of elective courses offered by ANU

Specialisations

• Forensic Archaeology and Palaeopathology

• Quaternary Studies and Palaeoenvironments

A Bachelor degree or international equivalent with an average mark of at least 65 per cent.

All applicants must meet the University's English Language Admission Requirements for Students

Applicants with a Bachelor Degree or Graduate Certificate in a cognate discipline may be eligible for 24 units (1 semester) of credit.

Applicants with a Graduate Diploma or Honours in a cognate discipline may be eligible for 48 units (1 year) of credit.

Cognate disciplines

Archaeology, Botany, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Geography, Marine Science, Material Sciences, Museum Studies and Heritage Studies.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

ANU offers a wide range of scholarships to current and future students to assist with the cost of their studies. The University is committed to enabling all students, regardless of their background, to achieve their best at ANU and realise their potential. 

Eligibility for ANU scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship and can be categorised by the type of student you are.  Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.