How do you get into archaeology?

Join the Council for British Archaeology (CBA) or, if you are between 9 and 16, the CBA's Young Archaeologists' Club (YAC). Alternatively you can approach your local archaeology unit (check with your local county archaeologist for details) and volunteer for a dig.

If you fancy archaeology as a career, make sure you experience as much of it as you can before making up your mind. You may like the idea of digging, but in reality, it can be boring, cold and wet. If you love it, then go for it. Mick the Dig, one of our most experienced diggers, has a degree in mechanical engineering and found a place on his first dig simply because he happened to have a van. He is now very experienced and has worked all over the world.

Unfortunately, as with most things nowadays, qualifications are very important. Many universities do archaeology degrees, with a very wide variety of specialisations (you can get details from the CBA). Archaeology is a good degree to do as it is very eclectic, combining science, geography, history, academic and physical work, theory and practical skills – as well as many visits to a wide variety of pubs! Once you have your multi-disciplinary degree, you will undoubtedly find that there aren't enough archaeology jobs to go round, but the many skills you have learned will come in useful for other things.

Mick Aston says: 'Related subjects such as biology, geography and computer studies are very useful ways into archaeology. In my experience, no one who has ever really wanted to get into archaeology has failed to do so!'

For more information, contact:

Council for British Archaeology
Bowes Morrell House
111 Walmgate
York YO1 2UA
Tel: 01904 671 417
Website: www.britarch.ac.uk

Archaeology Opportunities also operate a website to help those who are not professional archaeologists to have a go at archaeology. The website also offers help for students looking for work experience based in archaeology or related areas.