As all archaeological sites are part of a wider landscape, an understanding of landscape processes is a key skill for all archaeologists wanting to study past civilisations.

This specialisation offers a STEM-based approach to archaeology by providing a deeper understanding of landscape processes that influence the site formation, such as sedimentology, stratigraphy, palaeoclimates, geomorphological and post-depositional processes. It therefore offers a much wider appreciation of the landscape, sediments and processes than a purely archaeology-driven program, which is an advantage in this highly competitive field. You’ll gain an understanding of landscapes, palaeoclimates and the biosphere, key physical–chemical concepts across a range of environments, and you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of the world around us. You’ll explain how geomorphic processes relate to, influence and form archaeological sites. You’ll apply critical thinking and problem solving to the collection, analysis and interpretation of field data. You’ll develop vital spatial skills and apply knowledge to interpret landscape processes over a range of different timelines.

Key Features

• This specialisation will allow you to develop a deeper understanding of landscape processes that inform the development and evolution of archaeological sites.
• Macquarie is the only university in Sydney with an on-campus simulated archaeological site, so you can do fieldwork using the latest technology.
• You’ll have the opportunity to participate in archaeological excavations and surveys in Croatia, Egypt, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Jordan and Turkey.
• By equipping you with essential landscape process and geographic information system skills, this specialisation prepares you to be very competitive in the consultancy field.
• Macquarie is one of only two universities to be given the top rating of five for environmental sciences research in all three Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) evaluations.
• Macquarie is ranked number one in Sydney for teaching quality and overall graduate satisfaction in science (QILT, 2017).

• Archaeological consultant
• Archaeological field director
• Archaeological field technician
• Archaeological lab technician
• Archaeological surveyor
• Collections manager
• Computer specialist in archaeology
• Cultural heritage consultant
• Cultural resource specialist
• Mining company consultant
• Scientific researcher
• Archaeological consultancies
• Australian Council of National Trusts
• Australian Heritage Council
• Conservation agencies
• Cultural heritage management companies
• Educational organisations
• Government agencies
• International organisations, eg, UNESCO
• Museums and art galleries
• Scientific research organisations, eg, CSIRO