Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any jobs in archaeology? answer
Lots! Although you may not find them in the newspaper, there are lots of jobs available in Australia and overseas in archaeology.
What kind of job can I get? answer
Most jobs in archaeology relate to the field of cultural heritage management - also called contract, or consulting, archaeology. Other jobs can be found in museums, in government departments, or in universities.
What is cultural heritage management? answer
Cultural heritage managers have the job of looking after heritage places so that everyone can enjoy them and their heritage significance is recognised and preserved. Cultural heritage managers are often (but not always) consultants, who work with the government, with developers, or with anyone involved in work that might affect archaeological sites. Most cultural heritage management jobs are available in areas where there is lots of development or construction.
How do I get a job in archaeology? answer
You need a minimum of 4 years (a three year undergraduate degree in archaeology, and a one year Honours degree) to be considered qualified as a professional archaeologist. Other qualifications, such as a Graduate Diploma in Cultural Heritage Management, may be considered equivalent to Honours, as long as their focus is on archaeology.
How do I get a PhD? answer
You need a first class or IIA Honours degree to gain admission into a PhD. If you want a job in a university you should also get as much teaching experience as you can.
Can I volunteer for an archaeological dig? answer
Sometimes you can, but only large projects will ask for volunteers. Check the Volunteer Opportunities web page to see if any volunteer opportunities are available.
I've found something in my backyard-can you come and dig it up? answer
All excavation in South Australia requires a permit from the State Government before any excavation can happen, so we can't just come and dig anything up. We can come and look at things for you to see if it really is an archaeological site or relic, although this will depend on whether someone is available. Contact Lis Jansson on 82012385 to find out and download the Archaeology in My Backyard information sheet.
Where can I find the application to apply to the graduate programs? answer
What are the student fees for the graduate program courses? answer
Do I need to know what field of study or research project I would like to conduct in order to apply for the graduate programs? answer
No, you don't need to know or identify your specific research project. The Department of Archaeology teaching staff have a wide range of research interests and ongoing projects. Once you are accepted into the program we will work with you to choose an area of research that suits you and the Department. If you are particularly interested in a topic and would like to discuss this with a member of the Department, we'd be happy to talk to you about the possibilities.
Should I turn in letters of recommendation or reference with my application for graduate study? answer
Letters of recommendation or reference are not compulsory but they are highly recommended. You can send them in with your application or directly to the Postgraduate coordinator of the program. These letters simply help us make a better informed decision on your application and can act as a supplement for particularly low transcripts or marks.
What kind of field experience does the Archaeology Department offer students? answer
The Department offers a wide range of field experience to all students. Graduate students can take part in field methods topics and field schools (the Maritime Archaeology Program, for example, offers a two week field school each year in February and Masters Classes in particular techniques during both semesters). Masters student projects, PhD projects and staff projects continually supply students with field work opportunities, and internships (paid and unpaid) are generally offered each year through the Master of Maritime Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Management Programs. Undergraduates can gain field experience through participation in field topics and field schools and through volunteer work on other projects. For more information about field work at Flinders see our Fieldwork web pages.
Do I need to be a certified SCUBA diver to apply to the maritime archaeology program? answer
YES, you need to be a certified SCUBA diver to apply to the maritime program. Some very rare exceptions have been made for people with medical conditions that prevent SCUBA diving. If you have questions about the qualifications for diving at Flinders, please see our Diving Requirements web page.
What requirements are there for being able to dive at Flinders? answer
The Flinders University Diving Requirements are comprehensive and can be found on our Diving Requirements web page.
I am a Graduate Student - Can I have an office? answer
Not immediately. Office space is severely limited in the all of the north ridge buildings (Humanities, Social Sciences North and Social Sciences South), and we do mean severely (i.e. there is not enough offices for all staff, let alone postgrads). However, all is not lost. All archaeology graduate students are entitled to use of the map room (in the Humanities building on the courtyard level in Room H109) and the Research Lab (in Social Sciences South in Room SSS142), both of which hold computers, published resources, drawing equipment and other resources.
But what about when I'm writing up my thesis? answer
If you are a Masters student (not a Grad Cert or Grad Dip student), then in your final semester of your final year (when you are writing up your thesis) you're also entitled to some space in a shared room with other Masters students in the archaeology programs. At the moment there is only one shared room for all three of our graduate programs. This is located in Social Sciences North, Room SSN 123. Access to this room needs to be organised separately to the swipe card access for the labs and the map room (since it is only available to eligible students and is accessed via a key). If you are in your final semester of a Masters program and would like to arrange access to this room, please see your graduate program co-ordinator, who will organise it with Wendy Hill.
How do I get access to the Archaeology Department's facilities (postgraduate, Graduate and Honours students only)? answer
Both the map room and the Research Lab are only accessible by swipe-card access (i.e. via the electronic strip on your student card) which requires you to fill out a small form obtainable from Lis or Wendy Hill (the administrative assistant for the School of Humanities). If you would like access to either of these rooms fill out a form and return it to Wendy Hill in Room 202a in the Humanities building. She will then arrange with security for your swipe-card access to be activated.
Before you are granted unlimited access to the archaeology research lab, however, you will also need to do a short induction given by the Technical Assistant Dean Mullen. This is an Occupational Health and Safety requirement more than anything else and won't take up too much of your time.
Is there special support available to International Graduate students? answer
Yes. Flinders University offers bursaries to selected sponsored international students undertaking postgraduate studies either at the Masters or PhD level. The bursaries can be used to cover such things as:
- Assistance with English Language training
- Enrolment in the Introductory Academic Program
- Conference funding
- Assistance for family relocation
- Set up costs and establishment fees
Applicants can be citizens of any country outside of Australia (except New Zealand) and must have been offered or accepted admission into a research or coursework higher degree program. Further information and application forms can be downloaded from the Flinders University website at http://www.flinders.edu.au/international-students/study/scholarships.cfm (scroll down the page to the heading "Flinders bursaries for international students"). Applications can be submitted at any time throughout the year. Please contact Darren Turner in the International Office for further information.
As a Graduate student, can I find or set up my own practicum or internship? answer
Yes, you can - provided we agree that it is suitable for the program (which means that you need to consult with us first). We still have to organize the paperwork (contracts and agreements), but if you find a practicum or internship opportunity that you think is suitable let us know.
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