How should i start on my path to become an archaeologist?

[Moonstone6]

Dear all,

I am 25, and all my life i've always had a passion for history and archaeology but have always put myself down thinking i am too dumb to even attempt an education towards this (my GCSE's were not that great).

I've just been sent a news article from a dear friend which has printed letters home from a british soldier out in afghanistan including one they are asked to write in case of their death (he sadly did die) and his letters were all about following your dreams and never giving up on something you want to do and wasting your life.

This has just spurred me on, and made my mind up that i SHOULD follow this path as its all i've ever wanted to do. I dont want to be an administrator in an industry i couldnt give a monkeys about for the rest of my life.

So, to cut a long story short, I was wondering if anyone could help me with where i should even begin this journey with regards to education/courses etc?

If anyone can help me get started that would be fantastic.

Thank you

Love and light,

Moonstone6

[mccfluff]

find out where your nearest college is that offers night classes and go in and have a chat with someone, it depends on your level of education as to where you start

[carrot99]

http://www.wessexarch.co.uk/contact

I believe Phil from Time Team is part of Wessex archeology - give them a ring they might be able to put you in touch with `digs' in your area then you could volunteer to see if you like the work.

[Zeuhl]

The last thing I would want to do is dissuade anyone from following their dream but you should bear in mind that the majority of people with good Degrees in Archaeology can't get a permanent job.

On the plus side, if it's a passion and money isn't an issue you may be able to get hands on experience on digs where they have lots to do but not enough money to pay qualified people.

[ladyalex]

Join your local Archaeological Society . There's bound to be one. Ask at your local library or look online.
Once you hook up with some enthusiasts there, I'm sure you'll get some good advice about how to break in to this as a career.
Good luck :-))

[cathfromsaron]

my mum wanted to get into local history (different i know) and started with a gcse, which she failed, then did a part-time Diploma in Local History which she flew and then passed an MA in Local History when she was 55!

she was on tv last week, on 'Coming Home' on bbc wales, telling trevor eve his family history ...

anyway, my point is its never too late and your local college's careers advisor is you first port of call!

[ladyalex]

Have a look here:

http://www.archaeolog...areers-in-archaeology

[jno]

in the last couple of years I've visited a few ancient sites around the world and on each case been shown around not by ordinary guides but by archaeologists - who were out of work and having to take on tourist guide jobs.

A lot of digs are funded by universities, and the first things they cut back when times are tough are overseas projects such as archaological digs.

So as Zeuhl says, this isn't a great time to enter the field, financially speaking. But money isn't a major concern, go head, and I hope it works out for you.

Try here

http://www.online-arc...archaeology-digs.aspx

[VHG]

As others have said, it is badly paid as a full time job (even if you can get one).

Lots of amateurs take part in local digs at weekends and holidays so why not do it as a hobby rather than a job and then take it from there.

[Mosaic]

Hi Moonstone
I did a degree in archaeology as a youngster against a lot of family opposition. I've never regretted it. However I knew even back then in the 70s that the like of me would not be able to hope for a full-tme, mortgage-paying career in it, so I did a PGCE and became a teacher.
Over the years I have had paid work as an archaeologist - in short contracts here and there. I've kept up my interest and some contacts.
The injustice today is that degrees cost so much - mine came to me free of charge. So there's some sound advice in posts here suggesting you go for a batch of experiences that will help decide if, when and how you go the rest of the way in terms of qualifications.

There is no longer a GCSE. You might look at GCSE classical civilisations which is OK but it depends on where your interests lie: mine for example are very mush in field archaeology and built environments, whereas clas. civ concentrates on greek classical texts.

There is an A-level in Archaeology which very few places offer, but most people going into archaeology at degree level don't have this. You need nowse, muscle, perseverence and an analytical approach.
A word of caution: some local societies are a bit backward and don't necessarily practice a good standard of archaeology ie they go round digging random holes. You don't want to get identified with them. Might be worth making a start with your county archaeology service and your regional museums, to get advice and look for some voluntary - maybe even paid - experience.
You can also get a summary of digs, British and foreign, in Current Archaeology. Sadly many now expect you to pay to attend, but if you view it as affordable training it's not too bad.
Go for it, enjoy it.

[saxy_jag]

The Open University does a great introductory course in archaeology, plus a couple of follow-ons, which may interest you. The local university also offers a Certificate in Archaeology as part of its adult learning division.

Something else you might consider is getting involved with a local archaeology or fieldwalking group. Your nearest museum should be able to put you in touch with one, or you could have a look through some of the myriad magazines to see if there are any contacts there. Archaeologists I've spoken to tell me there's nothing like getting down and dirty with some real hands on stuff as a way of getting started.

[saxy_jag]

Hmmm, that bit didn't make sense. What I meant to say was that since our local university offers a certificate course, it may be worth enquiring at your nearest to see if they have a department that offers anything similar. That or the OU could be a way of getting the necessary credentials to go on to a full-time degree course in the subject.

[Buenchico]

A relevant link:
https://nextstep.dire...92/Pages/default.aspx

A first step might be to work towards a foundation degree, possibly with the OU, in a subject such as Analytical Sciences
http://www3.open.ac.u...qualification/g15.htm
One of the optional modules on that course is this one:
http://www3.open.ac.u...uate/course/sa188.htm

Chris

[rov1100]

If all else fails have you considered joining a metal detecting club? In the short time of their existance they have located more archeological sites and finds that have laid dormant than any trowel sifting method.

http://www.detecting....e_United_Kingdom.html

[joko]

i would suggest you start 'small', if you get me... just in case you find its not actually for you...

look into correspondence courses and free online stuff, buy books and DVDs about actually studying the subject rather than just informational... a good one would be a 'diary of an archaologist' type book if you can find one - this will give you an insight into the day to day behaviour of an archaelogist.... its not all digging up treasure... theres a lot of indepth and probably somewhta tedious stuff involved
you may also need to have knopwledge in other similar roles, like geology, geophysics, history, biology etc too.