Archaeologist Legal, Social & Cultural Professionals
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Archaeologists research and study past civilisations and settlements through collecting and inspecting material remains. They analyse and draw conclusions on a wide array of matters such as hierarchy systems, linguistics, culture, and politics based on the study of objects, structures, fossils, relics, and artifacts left behind by these peoples. Archaeologists utilise various interdisciplinary methods such as stratigraphy, typology, 3D analysis, mathematics, and modelling.
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Where Do I Start?
Cultural History
Field that combines historical and anthropological approaches for recording and studying past customs, arts, and manners of a group of people taking into account their political, cultural, and social milieu.
Sign up to trackReady to go deeper? Pick up to 3 skills to focus on from the list below.
These are common skills for this role. Real-world experience matters more than ticking every box — use this as a guide, not a checklist.
Skills You Need to Become an Archaeologist
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
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EssentialCultural History knowledge
Field that combines historical and anthropological approaches for recording and studying past customs, arts, and manners of a group of people taking into account their political, cultural, and social milieu.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialScientific Research Methodology knowledge
The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.
Recommended Books
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EssentialExcavation Techniques knowledge
The methods to remove rock and soil, used in an excavation site and the associated risks.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialScientific Modelling knowledge
Scientific activity consisting in selecting the relevant aspects of a situation and aiming to represent physical processes, empirical objects and phenomena to allow a better understanding, visualisation or quantification, and …
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialArchaeology knowledge
The study of the recovery and examination of material culture left behind from human activity in the past.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialHistory knowledge
The discipline that studies, analyses, and presents the events of the past related to humans.
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialSource Criticism knowledge
Process of classifying various informational sources into different categories such as historical and non-historical, or primary and secondary, and evaluating those sources on the basis of their content, material features, …
No book recommendations available yet.
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EssentialDo Historical Research skill
Use scientific methods to research history and culture.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialExecute Analytical Mathematical Calculations skill
Apply mathematical methods and make use of calculation technologies in order to perform analyses and devise solutions to specific problems.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialPerform Scientific Research skill
Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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EssentialWrite Scientific Papers skill
Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.
Course recommendations coming soon.
Optional Skills (5 of {{ profession.optional_skills|length }} displayed)
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OptionalGeographic Information Systems knowledge
The tools involved in geographical mapping and positioning, such as GPS (global positioning systems), GIS (geographical information systems), and RS (remote sensing).
No book recommendations available yet.
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Optional
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OptionalAnthropology knowledge
The study of development and behaviour of human beings.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalArchitectural Conservation knowledge
The practice of recreating forms, features, shapes, compositions, and architectural techniques of past constructions in order to preserve them.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalGeology knowledge
Solid earth, rock types, structures and the processes by which they are altered.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalSurveying knowledge
The technique of determining the terrestrial or three-dimensional position of points and the distances and angles between them.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalOsteology knowledge
The scientific study of human and animal skeletons, bone structure and specific bones. Osteology examines the bone structure as a whole and specific bones. The research can focus on diseases, …
Recommended Books
3 book{{ skill.books|length|pluralize }}Human Osteology A Laboratory and Field ManualOutlines of Human Osteology -
OptionalArt History knowledge
The history of art and artists, the artistic trends throughout centuries and their contemporary evolutions.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalConservation Techniques knowledge
The procedures, instruments, techniques, materials and chemicals used in conservation and archiving.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalArchaeobotany knowledge
The study of plant remains at archaeological sites to infer how past civilisations used their environment and to learn about available food sources.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalGeological Time Scale knowledge
System of chronological measurement dividing geologic history into several temporal divisions and subdivisions that take ancient life, geography, and climates into account.
No book recommendations available yet.
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OptionalAssess Conservation Needs skill
Assess and list the needs for conservation/restoration, in relation to current use and planned future use.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCollect Data Using Gps skill
Gather data in the field using Global Positioning System (GPS) devices.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCollect Samples For Analysis skill
Collect samples of materials or products for laboratory analysis.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalConduct Field Work skill
Conduct field work or research which is the collection of information outside of a laboratory or workplace setting. Visit places in order to collect specific information about the field.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalConduct Land Surveys skill
Conduct surveys to determine the location and features of natural and man-made structures, on surface level as well as underground and underwater. Operate electronic distance-measuring equipment and digital measuring instruments.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalDevelop Scientific Theories skill
Formulate scientific theories based on empirical observations, gathered data and theories of other scientists.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPerform Laboratory Tests skill
Carry out tests in a laboratory to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific research and product testing.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalStudy Aerial Photos skill
Use aerial photos to study phenomena on Earth's surface.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalUse Geographic Information Systems skill
Work with computer data systems such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalWrite Research Proposals skill
Synthetise and write proposals aiming to solve research problems. Draft the proposal baseline and objectives, the estimated budget, risks and impact. Document the advances and new developments on the relevant …
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalAssist With Geophysical Surveys skill
Assist with a range of specific, geophysical surveys, using diverse methods such as seismic, magnetic and electromagnetic methods.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalCreate Collection Conservation Plan skill
Create a comprehensive, high-level overview conservation plan for the collection.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalIdentify Archaeological Finds skill
Examine archaeological evidence found at dig sites in order to identify and classify it.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalOrganise An Exhibition skill
Organise and structure an exhibition in a strategic way, making the artworks more accessible to public.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalOversee Excavation skill
Oversee the excavation of fossils and other archaeological evidence at dig sites, ensuring conformity with standards and regulations.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalPerform Underwater Investigations skill
Perform investigative activities, searches, or rescue missions underwater by using diving equipment and complying with safety regulations.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalRecord Archaeological Finds skill
Take detailed notes and make drawings and photographs of archaeological finds at the dig site.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalStudy Ancient Inscriptions skill
Interpret, research and investigate ancient insciptions on stone, marble or wood such as Egyptian hieroglyphs.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalSupervise Projects For The Conservation Of Heritage Buildings skill
Supervise protection and restoration projects of cultural heritage. Use own expertise to make sure the project runs smoothly.
Course recommendations coming soon.
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OptionalWork On Excavation Site skill
Excavate material evidence of past human activity using hand picks, shovels, brushes, etc.
Course recommendations coming soon.