Archaeological Field Methods

Undergraduate

Course page banner
Mode icon
Mode
Mode
Your study is delivered on campus and/or online
On campus, Online
area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
ARCY 3003
Course ID icon
Course ID
200880
Campus icon
Campus
Adelaide City Campus East, Online
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course owner
Course owner
School of Humanities
Course coordinator
Course coordinator
Sally K. May
Course level icon
Course level
3
Work Integrated Learning course
Work Integrated Learning course
No
Study abroad and student exchange icon
Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
No
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
No
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
No

Course overview

This advanced archaeological field methods course develops the conceptual knowledge and practical competencies required for contemporary archaeological practice. Students will apply core archaeological concepts to design fieldwork methodologies that are clearly aligned with specific research questions. The course introduces and strengthens key field techniques and professional skills used in archaeology today, including survey, excavation, stratigraphic recording, artefact identification, mapping, and spatial and site documentation. Through applied training and critical engagement with method, students build the technical confidence and analytical awareness essential for effective archaeological investigation. The skills developed in this course are globally transferable and applicable across diverse archaeological contexts such as those in Australia, Greece, Italy, and the broader Mediterranean landscape.

  • Designing fieldwork methodologies
  • Ethics and professional practice
  • Permissions and permits
  • Survey and site identification
  • Excavation
  • Field documentation
  • Artefact handling and processing
  • Safety and conduct
  • Archaeological fieldwork

Course learning outcomes

  • Apply archaeological concepts to develop fieldwork methodologies in line with research questions
  • Identify key fieldwork techniques and skills used by archaeologists today
  • Working collaboratively as part of a team to achieve archaeological and community outcomes
  • Demonstrate industry-appropriate communication skills

Prerequisite(s)

  • Must have completed ARCY1000 Time Travellers: An Introduction to Archaeology

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A

Degree list
The following degrees include this course