Faculty of Arts

The Master of Professional Archaeology will be introduced at The University of Western Australia in 2013 with the primary aim of providing training for professional archaeologists.

It has been designed in response to the demand for better trained archaeologists, in part driven by growth in the industrial and mining sectors globally, as well as growing recognition of the value and sustainability of archaeological heritage. The primary aim of the course is to provide advanced archaeology training in the skills, values and knowledge of a professional archaeologist. 

The course is supported by BHP Billiton. The content has been designed with professional archaeologists and the Australian Association for Consulting Archaeologists.

It includes archaeological heritage assessment and management, understanding legislation, permits and approvals, working with stakeholders, cataloguing and database management, as well as advanced archaeological survey, excavation and conservation. Students will be expected to specialise in subfields – especially with their research project – in areas such as Indigenous, historical, rock art or maritime archaeology.

Watch a brief video about the course.

Teachers of the course

Students will study in an academic environment with broad archaeological knowledge with partners in professional cultural heritage consulting firms, resource companies, government, and museums.

Archaeologists at UWA include teaching and research staff in Eureka: Archaeological Research and Consulting Centre, and the Centre for Rock Art Research and Management. Some key partners include BHP Billiton - several research projects; Rio Tinto - training of rock art researchers; Fremantle Prison and the National Trust of Australia - field training and the West Australian Museum and Maritime Museum  - various projects across the Western Australia.

Career opportunities

Graduates of this course will attract resources industry interest both in Australia and overseas.  It will be a valued professional qualification with substantial career prospects. Resource companies, governments and community organisations are in need of professionally trained archaeologists to evaluate, record and preserve many different environments.

Course outline

This is a four semester full-time or eight semester part-time course. The course is completed by coursework and dissertation, to a total of 96 points. All units have a value of 6 points, unless otherwise stated.
There are 8 coursework units (total 48 points):

• Archaeological Survey
• Specialisation in Archaeology
• Artefact Analysis
• GIS Applications
• Working with stakeholders
• Archaeological Resource Management
• Interpretation and Conservation in Archaeology
• Reporting Archaeology

Followed by professional placement leading to a research project (total 48 points):

• Professional Placement (12 points)
• Archaeology Research Design (12 points)
• Dissertation (Professional Archaeology) (24 points)

Key information

• 96 credit points
• 4 semesters full time, 8 semesters part time
• Rules relating to this course will be available in the 2013 Handbook

Admission Requirements

• A relevant bachelor's degree with a major in Archaeology with an average mark of at least 65% in Level 3 units of the major, or equivalent as recognised by the Faculty
• A minimum level of English Language Competence for domestic students will need to be met for all UWA coursework programs
• A minimum level of English Language Competence for international students will need to be met for all UWA coursework programs.

Course enquiries

For more information please contact the Faculty of Arts Student Office.