An archaeology degree can lead you directly into a variety of jobs within the heritage sector and you'll also be valued by local government employers

Job options

Jobs directly related to your degree include:

• Academic researcher
• Archaeologist
• Conservator
• Heritage manager
• Historic buildings inspector/conservation officer
• Museum education officer
• Museum/gallery curator
• Museum/gallery exhibitions officer

Jobs where your degree would be useful include:

• Archivist
• Cartographer
• Higher education lecturer
• Records manager
• Social researcher
• Tourism officer

Remember that many employers accept applications from graduates with any degree subject, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here.

Take a few minutes to answer the Job Match quiz and find out what careers would suit you

Work experience

Some employers of archaeologists will expect you to have experience in related areas so look for suitable opportunities. By doing this you'll also show your commitment and genuine interest in the career.

Consider volunteering as a digger or check out opportunities with local museums and galleries and heritage organisations.

Volunteer work will introduce you to the demands of working outdoors, in all weather conditions. It's an excellent way of demonstrating your physical fitness and resilience, as well as making sure the work is something you'll enjoy as a career. Volunteering is also great for networking and making useful contacts.

Skills for your CV

During your degree, you'll develop a mix of subject-specific and technical skills:

• applying theoretical and scientific principles and concepts to archaeological problems
• field work, post-excavation and laboratory techniques
• applying statistical and numerical techniques to process archaeological data
• interpretation of spatial data.

An archaeology course also equips you with skills to:

• work as a team member or leader through field and project work
• form structured arguments supported by evidence
• use various IT packages
• prepare and give oral presentations for different audiences
• retrieve information to produce written reports
• work methodically and accurately
• demonstrate attention to detail.