Masters (Coursework)
Archaeologists explore the past through the material world. From uncovering our recent past beneath our cities, to delving deeper into ancient societies, archaeology shines a light on where we have been, who we were and the factors that shaped our present society. Unlock the secrets of the past in the only discipline that looks at the human journey as a whole.
If you're looking to pursue a rewarding career in the field of archaeology, La Trobe's Master of Archaeology will prepare you for a career as a professional archaeologist, heritage manager or researcher.
You'll develop specialist skills in contemporary archaeological practice and acquire comprehensive knowledge of Australian and Australian Indigenous archaeology.
You'll learn from renowned researchers in La Trobe's world-class facilities and benefit from both a hands-on and academic perspective.
For students interested in a global career in archaeology, the Master of Archaeology can be tailored to meet your needs. Develop strong field skills applicable anywhere in the world while undertaking specialist research into your preferred region and time period.
Choose from a wide range of subjects and undertake specialist studies in heritage planning, community consultation, field techniques, analysis of human and animal bone, site identification and recording using digital technologies.
You'll learn:
The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 9 - Masters Degree.
Please note, the following course structure is indicative and subject to change depending on your course location, offer year or how you tailor your course with specialisations, majors, minors and electives. Structures for the following year are not normally finalised until October, so the sample provided is based on the most recently approved structure. For more information, please refer to the La Trobe University Handbook.
To qualify for the award of Master of Archaeology, students must complete a total of 240 credit points across 2 years.
Year 1 requires the completion of 120 credit points including:
Year 2 requires the completion of 120 credit points including:
Core subjects are required subjects in your course. You need to complete these subjects to attain your degree.
Subject name Subject code Year Credit points ACADEMIC INTEGRITY MODULE LTU0AIM 1 0 ARCHAEOLOGY OF ABORIGINAL VICTORIA ARC5AAV 1 15 AUSTRALIAN INDIGENOUS ARCHAEOLOGY ARC4001 1 15 HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGY IN AUSTRALIA ARC4004 1 15 OBJECTS, THINGS, & ARTEFACTS (A): MANAGING AND RECORDING ARC4002 1 15 OBJECTS, THINGS, AND ARTEFACTS (B): ANALYSING AND UNDERSTANDING ARC4003 1 15 RESEARCH SKILLS HUS5ADR 1 15 PRACTICAL ARCHAEOLOGY ARC4PRA 1 30
A range of standalone elective subjects is available in this course. Some electives are recommended for your course, but you may also be able to choose from a range of University-wide electives or electives from other interest areas or disciplines. Note these electives may have their own prerequisites and other requirements. Please refer to the La Trobe University Handbook for the subjects available.
A specialisation is a sequence of related subjects studied in your course. In some courses, you need to complete at least one specialisation to attain your degree.
Students to select one specialisation
Specialisation
For more information on these please refer to the La Trobe University Handbook.
The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course structures, electives and options. The delivery of this course can vary between campuses.
To view other campus handbook course details, please select relevant campus in the drop down.
After graduation, you could work in specialist fields such as professional archaeology, cultural heritage management or research. The State of Victoria has robust laws protecting our heritage and, combined with continued government investment in infrastructure, there's very strong demand for archaeologists.
Possible roles include:
[1] Some additional study may be needed for registration in Victoria as a Heritage Advisor.
Professional recognition
Graduates of the Master of Archaeology may be eligible to apply for registration with Aboriginal Victoria as a Heritage Advisor. Professional registration may be subject to additional or ongoing requirements beyond completion of the degree. Please contact the relevant professional body for details.