Anthropology and archaeology graduate destinations

Anthropology or Archaeology and Anthropology students develop a wide range of skills from their academic studies, including teamwork, verbal and written communication, digital and IT skills, numeracy and data skills, problem solving, independent thinking and time management, which are transferable to various sectors, from business and finance to public and not-for-profit sectors.

Data obtained from

  • Anthropology (BA)
  • Archaeology and Anthropology (BA)
  • Graduates from the UK 

Responses were received from 35 UK graduates from 2019/20; this is a response rate of 51.5%

Destinations

Most important activityPercentage of graduates
Paid work for an employer 57.1%
Self-employment/freelancing 2.9%
Running my own business 2.9%
Developing a creative, artistic or professional portfolio 2.9%
Voluntary/unpaid work for an employer 2.9%
Engaged in a course of study, training or research 25.7%
Taking time out to travel 0%
Caring for someone 0%
Retired 0%
Unemployed and looking for work 5.7%
Doing something else 0%

Sector information

The skills and strengths developed by Anthropology and Archaeology graduates could be applicable in a range of sectors including academia and education, public sector, charity, international development, heritage, conservation, health, social work, marketing, business and finance.

Those who wish to work as an Archaeologist need to ensure that their vocationally specific skills, such as excavation methods, surveying, and recording techniques, are kept up-to-date and supervisory skills are developed order to progress. It is important to build a network of contacts, particularly in the early years of a career when employment contracts are often short-term.

Employment sectorNumber of graduates

General secondary education

2

Justice and judicial activities

1

Other sectors (16 sectors)

17

Employers and occupations

Some careers, such as some in the Archaeology sector, may require a postgraduate qualification. Other graduates choose to enter careers that do not require a specific degree, as around 70% of jobs are open to graduates of any discipline.

Examples of employers

  • Aviva
  • Citizens Advice Bureau
  • Hertfordshire County Council 
  • OVO Energy Ltd
  • The Access Project

Examples of occupations

  • Administrative Officer
  • Junior Researcher
  • Public Relations Intern
  • Merchandising Assistant

Further study

Qualification typePercentage of graduates

Higher degree, mainly by research (e.g. PhD, DPhil, MPhil, MRes)

0%

Higher degree, mainly by taught course (e.g. MA, MSc, MBA)

80%

Postgraduate diploma or certificate (including PGCE/PGDE)

0%

Professional qualification

10%

Undergraduate degree (including integrated master’s degrees) (e.g. BA, BSc, MBChB, MEng)

0%
Other undergraduate diploma or certificate not specified above 0%
Other qualification 10%
Not aiming for a formal qualification 0%

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