Archaeology, Palaeoanthropology and Indigenous studies
Why study Archaeology, Palaeoanthropology and Indigenous Studies at UNE?
UNE offers an exciting, challenging and thought-provoking suite of units in Archaeology, Palaeoanthropology and Indigenous Studies, which can be undertaken as a part of a degree , or as majors with the Bachelor of Arts of Bachelor of Science. Archaeology is concerned with the origin and development of societies around the world and as such forms one of the foundation disciplines of the Humanities. Units offered range from the study of our earliest ancestors, to the settlement of the Pacific, to the origin and development of complex societies.
We offer specialist training in forensic methods, ancient DNA and the study of Indigenous Rock Art. The method of archaeology is science-based and technical and students will learn practical as well as theoretical skills during their studies. Palaeoanthropology, including forensic anthropology and human evolution more broadly, has been taught at UNE for more than 20 years.
Palaeoanthropology is the study of our immediate human ancestors. It covers areas such as forensic anthropology and human evolution and is taught at UNE by leaders in the field. Students are encouraged to learn by interacting with a variety of archealogical materials, such as fossil sketetal evidence, to discover the origin, evolution and dispersion of humans, and their extinct relatives. Being able to interact directly with such materials, both in the lab and the field, is one of the highlights of this exciting area of Archeaology.
Indigenous Studies offers students a dynamic array of units of study. As an Indigenous or non-Indigenous student, you can learn about issues and factors that have shaped and influenced change within Indigenous communities in Australia and beyond.
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Bachelor of Arts
| Study Mode | On Campus/Distance |
| Duration* | Full Time: 3 years Part Time: Up to 10 years |
| 2013 ATAR/OP | 72.55/12 |
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) gives you the flexibility to tailor a unique degree to suit your individual interests and strengths. The BA is for students looking to enhance their career prospects and personal interests by acquiring a range of analytical and communication skills. The Bachelor of Arts course provides the skills of independent thinking and cultural awareness that underline the creation of an equitable, humane and innovative society.
At UNE you will combine an initial broad range of study by choosing units from four or more subject areas, before specialising in those areas that you find of interest.
Bachelor of Science
| Study Mode | On Campus/Distance |
| Duration* | Full Time: 3 years Part Time: Up to 10 years |
| 2013 ATAR/OP | 72.55/12 |
With the world constantly changing and evolving, Science has never been more important and relevant. Whether it be developing new technologies that save lives, save time, or simply make our lives more pleasurable, a Bachelor of Science degree (BSC) will put you in the driver's seat.
Studying science will not only give you a whole new understanding of the world, it will expose you to a range of new ways of thinking.
Unlike some degrees that have a rigidly constructed pathway of compulsory units and subjects, the flexibility of our BSC allows you to be adventurous and map out a course of study in which you can immerse yourself with enthusiasm. This allows you to develop both your general and specific interests into firm goals. For this reason our BSC is an ideal stepping stone to a wide range of careers, both within and outside science. A science degree leaves your options open regarding career choice.
The Australian Research Council's Excellence in Research Australia 2010 report rated several areas of UNE's science research as being 'world class' or 'above world class'. So when you study science at UNE you will be taught by world leaders in their fields.
Other Study Options
You may also be interested in:
Career Opportunities
Archaeology
An exciting world of research is at the forefront of opportunities open to you. Of our students who have continued their studies overseas, several have returned to take up academic and research positions in Australia. Many others have been employed by archaeological consultancies and have gone on to establish their own consultancies. More generally, as a student of archaeology you may find employment in higher end occupations such as:
- archaeological consulting
- historical site preservation
- government agencies concerned with heritage management
- national parks and wildlife services
- museums and tertiary institutions
Palaeoanthropology
Employment prospects include:
- national parks and wildlife services
- forensic anthropology
- environmental consultancy
- private companies which assess the environmental consequences of developments
- museums and tertiary institutions
- government agencies concerned with heritage management
Indigenous Studies
Opportunities abound as a student of Indigenous Studies in a wide range of careers including:
- the Australian public sector
- health
- education and training
- community welfare
- research
- environmental administration
- humanities
- cultural heritage
- business and policy development


