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Entry requirements and pathways
International students
Academic entry requirement
Prerequisites
Successful completion of an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent).
Prior learning developed through relevant work experience or professional accreditation, where it is deemed to be at least equivalent to that obtained through a Bachelor degree, may be considered. In making an offer to an applicant, the University will give consideration to a range of factors, including academic record, English proficiency and/or employment experience.
Selection criteria
Applicants with an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent) in a cognate discipline or area and marks reflective of the capacity to work at the masters level will receive credit of up to 60 credit points.
Students who have completed an undergraduate major in archaeological and heritage studies or the Bachelor of Archaeology at La Trobe University may be awarded up to 60 CP credit for:
ARC4001
ARC4002
ARC4003
ARC4004
ARC4005
External applicants may be awarded up to 60 CP credit with the approval of the Course Coordinator.
Note: Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available.
English language requirement
6.5 IELTS (Academic) with no individual band less than 6.0.
Please refer to our English Language Requirements page for details of other accepted English Proficiency tests and additional recognised English Language Proficiency Measures, such as English as the language of instruction.
Credit for previous study (advanced standing)
Credit for previous study (advanced standing) is the recognition of prior study or learning that can be counted towards a qualification. This can reduce the number of subjects required to complete your course. The amount of credit received depends on the level and relevance of your previous study and the number of subjects completed.
The University will designate courses where there is only admission into Year 1 of the course. In these cases, there is limited credit. See list of limited entry courses.
To check if this course is available for credit, please visit the Advanced standing webpage.
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
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What you'll study
Sample course structure
Please note, the following course structure is indicative and subject to change depending on your course location, offer year or how you tailor your course with specialisations, majors, minors and electives. Structures for the following year are not normally finalised until October, so the sample provided is based on the most recently approved structure. For more information, please refer to the La Trobe University Handbook.
To qualify for the award of Master of Archaeology, students must complete a total of 240 credit points across 2 years.
Year 1 requires the completion of 120 credit points including:
- 120 credit points from chosen Core
Year 2 requires the completion of 120 credit points including:
- 60 credit points from chosen Specialisation
- 60 credit points from chosen Electives
Study options
Core subjects are required subjects in your course. You need to complete these subjects to attain your degree.
| Subject name | Subject code | Year | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACADEMIC INTEGRITY MODULE | LTU0AIM | 1 | 0 |
| ARCHAEOLOGY OF ABORIGINAL VICTORIA | ARC5AAV | 1 | 15 |
| AUSTRALIAN INDIGENOUS ARCHAEOLOGY | ARC4001 | 1 | 15 |
| HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGY IN AUSTRALIA | ARC4004 | 1 | 15 |
| OBJECTS, THINGS, & ARTEFACTS (A): MANAGING AND RECORDING | ARC4002 | 1 | 15 |
| OBJECTS, THINGS, AND ARTEFACTS (B): ANALYSING AND UNDERSTANDING | ARC4003 | 1 | 15 |
| RESEARCH SKILLS | HUS5ADR | 1 | 15 |
| PRACTICAL ARCHAEOLOGY | ARC4PRA | 1 | 30 |
A range of standalone elective subjects is available in this course. Some electives are recommended for your course, but you may also be able to choose from a range of University-wide electives or electives from other interest areas or disciplines. Note these electives may have their own prerequisites and other requirements. Please refer to the La Trobe University Handbook for the subjects available.
A specialisation is a sequence of related subjects studied in your course. In some courses, you need to complete at least one specialisation to attain your degree.
Students to select one specialisation
| Course specialisations | Specialisation code |
|---|---|
| Advanced research | SPE-ADR01 |
| Professional archaeology | SPE-ARC01 |
For more information on these please refer to the La Trobe University Handbook.
Work-Based Learning
Elective placement opportunities (Work Based Learning)
During this course, you will have the opportunity to participate in a Work Based Learning (WBL) placement experience, designed to allow you to extend your formal academic learning beyond the classroom. The WBL experience will provide the opportunity to bring your learning from the university into a work environment and test out your knowledge in a professional real-world environment. Some courses include compulsory WBL subjects, however, we also offer a range of elective WBL subjects, both cross-discipline and subject-specific. La Trobe University will source placements for some subjects, while others will require you to source your own placement. If you are required to source your own placement, dedicated staff will guide and support you through the process. Elective WBL subjects generally involve an application process and Subject Coordinator approval. The location and number of hours undertaken can vary considerably depending on the activity and the discipline area.
See La Trobe University Handbook for more details
The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course structures, electives and options. The delivery of this course can vary between campuses.
View course information for Melbourne (Bundoora)
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call (+61 3) 6145 0033
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Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Master of Archaeology course and career outcomes
However you choose to structure your study, La Trobe recognises your hard work. Here are the pathways you could follow as you move through your course.
Course intended learning outcomes
- Apply an advanced and integrated understanding of cultural heritage management to professional archaeological practices and/or research.
- Critically evaluate specialist knowledge and apply advanced technical skills in field methods to produce independent practices and research in Aboriginal and historic archaeology in Australia
- Apply an advanced and integrated understanding of Aboriginal and historic heritage legislation to professional archaeological practice.
- Work professionally in consultation with other specialists, communities and organisations as part of a team
Master of Archaeology career opportunities
After graduation, you could work in specialist fields such as professional archaeology, cultural heritage management or research. The State of Victoria has robust laws protecting our heritage and, combined with continued government investment in infrastructure, there's very strong demand for archaeologists.
Possible roles include:
- Professional archaeologist
- Study human activity from the past. Recover artefacts, analyse samples in the laboratory and advise on sites of historical importance.
- Heritage manager
- Identify and protect sites of cultural importance. Advise government and non-government organisations on the maintenance and protection of historically and culturally significant sites and buildings.[1]
- Museum curator
- Educate communities about the past while protecting and maintaining culturally significant collections.
[1] Some additional study may be needed for registration in Victoria as a Heritage Advisor.
Professional recognition
Graduates of the Master of Archaeology may be eligible to apply for registration with Aboriginal Victoria as a Heritage Advisor. Professional registration may be subject to additional or ongoing requirements beyond completion of the degree. Please contact the relevant professional body for details.
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call (+61 3) 6145 0033
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Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Fees and scholarships
Estimated course fees for international students
Estimated fees per year (2025):
Indicative based on 2024 fees
A$37 400 per 120 credit points.
Note: 120 credit points represents full-time study for one year.
Scholarships:
The International estimated fees are indicative only. The tuition fees you pay will depend on the subjects you choose to study, with each subject having its own cost. In some cases, your course fees may be higher than the indicated fees because of the subjects you choose.
International scholarships
Destination Australia – an Australian Government initiative
The Destination Australia scheme supports new international students to study in regional Australia and offers students a high-quality learning experience. For eligible applicants, these scholarships are worth up to A$15 000 per annum for up to four years.
Find out more about Destination Australia scholarships.
If you're a La Trobe graduate, you may be eligible for a 10 per cent fee reduction when you apply for a full-fee postgraduate coursework program. See our Alumni Advantage page for further details.
International students applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate course to study at La Trobe University can be rewarded a bonus grant for completing their admission process early. Recipients will automatically be eligible to receive an Early Bird Acceptance Grant of 5% of the first-year tuition fees.
If you’re a high-achieving international student from either Vietnam, Cambodia or the Philippines and are considering full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study, you can apply to receive a 50 - 100 per cent tuition fees scholarship for the duration of your studies from 2024.
Do you have an excellent academic record? La Trobe High Achiever Scholarships are awarded to high-achieving international students and provide up to a 25 per cent reduction in course fees for selected courses.
Note: You must first have an offer to study at La Trobe before you are eligible to apply for a La Trobe scholarship.
Questions about fees and scholarships?
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Call (+61 3) 6145 0033
Ask a question
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How to apply
Apply now or ask us a question if you need more help. You can also call us on +61 3 9627 4805.
Note: Some courses start earlier than the standard semester, term or study period. Applications for these courses close one week prior. Always check your course’s start date to ensure your application is submitted in time.
CRICOS code: 107140K
Ready to apply?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call (+61 3) 6145 0033
Ask a question
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Overview
Key facts
| Award | Master of Archaeology |
|---|---|
| CRICOS code | 107140K |
| Start dates |
Indicative based on 2024 start dates Semester 1 (March 2025), Semester 2 (July 2025) |
| Duration | 2 years full-time |
| Available locations | Melbourne (Bundoora) |
| Scholarships | View fees and scholarships |
| Specialisations | |
| Annual tuition fee |
Indicative based on 2024 fees A$37 400 per 120 credit points.Note: 120 credit points represents full-time study for one year. |
About the Master of Archaeology
If you're looking to pursue a rewarding career in the field of archaeology, La Trobe's Master of Archaeology will prepare you for a career as a professional archaeologist, heritage manager or researcher.
You'll develop specialist skills in contemporary archaeological practice and acquire comprehensive knowledge of Australian and Australian Indigenous archaeology.
You'll learn from renowned researchers in La Trobe's world-class facilities and benefit from both a hands-on and academic perspective.
For students interested in a global career in archaeology, the Master of Archaeology can be tailored to meet your needs. Develop strong field skills applicable anywhere in the world while undertaking specialist research into your preferred region and time period.
Choose from a wide range of subjects and undertake specialist studies in heritage planning, community consultation, field techniques, analysis of human and animal bone, site identification and recording using digital technologies.
You'll learn:
- Aboriginal and historic archaeology
- Delve into Indigenous Australian and historic archaeology. Examine past practice and contemporary advances and findings.
- Cultural heritage management
- Learn to navigate and guide others in the ethical and regulatory requirements of managing sites and objects of cultural importance.
- Archaeological field methods
- Build the practical skills and knowledge you need to conduct archaeological fieldwork in Australia and overseas.
The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 9 - Masters Degree.
Have questions?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call (+61 3) 6145 0033
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
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