The Master of Professional Archaeology is a specialist two year 240 credit point course that prepares students to work in commercial archaeology or progress to a research higher degree. Students acquire a range of workplace skills in heritage management, archaeological field techniques, technical analysis, Aboriginal and historical archaeology, planning, consultation and business skills as well as research skills and practice. Students may elect to complete a research thesis. Most subjects are taught in block mode online. Graduates of the Masters of Professional Archaeology apply this knowledge and skills as responsible practitioners to the development of cultural heritage management plans, in academic and industry research, and in communicating to specialist and non-specialist audiences. La Trobe University offers a range of Postgraduate Pathways. The minimum entry requirement for a Masters Degree is successful completion of an Australian Bachelor degree (or its equivalent). Prior learning developed through relevant work experience or professional accreditation, where it is deemed to be at least equivalent to that obtained through a Bachelor degree, may be considered. In making an offer to an applicant, the University will give consideration to a range of factors to determine whether an applicant has demonstrated the capacity to work at a Masters level, including academic record, English proficiency, and/or employment experience. Students with a Bachelor degree (or equivalent) in archaeology or a cognate discipline or area and marks reflective of the capacity to work at the Masters level will receive Advanced Standing of up to 60cp, making the Master degree 1. 5 years full time. Otherwise, the applicant will be considered for a 2 year Master degree program, which involves initial entry into a fully upgradeable Graduate Certificate of Archaeology or 1 year Graduate Diploma entry pathway where all subjects are credited into the Masters.