JourneyApprenticeshipsArchaeological specialist (degree)

Archaeological specialist (degree)

Level 7 · Degree (Master’s)Creative and design 3 yr typical
About this apprenticeship

What it involves

An archaeological specialist applies advanced expertise in a specific area of archaeology - such as finds analysis, environmental archaeology, human remains, or geophysics - contributing to research projects, heritage consultancy, or museum collections. This master's-level apprenticeship develops original research skills, specialist technical knowledge, and the ability to communicate findings to academic and public audiences. Graduates can progress to senior specialist, principal archaeologist, or academic research roles.

On the job

What you’ll learn

Advanced specialist knowledge in a chosen archaeological sub-discipline
Research design and the application of scientific methods in archaeology
Post-excavation analysis and interpretation of specialist data
Academic and professional report writing to publishable standard
Presentation of findings to academic, professional, and public audiences
Heritage management, planning policy, and the role of archaeology in development
Project management and leadership within archaeological programmes
On the job

What you’ll do day to day

Carry out specialist analysis of archaeological material or data
Design and execute research programmes using advanced scientific methods
Produce specialist reports to professional and academic standards
Present findings at conferences, public events, or to client teams
Advise project teams on specialist aspects of the archaeological record
Contribute to grant applications and research funding bids
Mentor junior colleagues in specialist techniques and methods
The deal

How this apprenticeship works

You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there

What you need to start

Level 7 (Degree (Master’s)) - roughly Master’s-degree level. Usually needs a relevant degree or Level 6 qualification, or significant experience.
What’s next: Leads into senior and chartered professional roles.

Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.

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What it’s really like

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