The trainings
Today’s archaeologists are scientists and specialists who must learn to read the clues of the past and their context. A solid, long and specialised theoretical and practical training is therefore necessary. It is provided by some institutions and universities. However, it cannot be conceived without field learning.
Mis à jour le
Professional orientations
Archaeologists can be employed by the state or local authorities. They are then civil servants and are recruited by competition. Professional archaeologists and restorers work within private law structures: associations, S.A...
Theoretical training
The university trains in archaeology. It is accessed with the baccalaureate, on file or after an entrance exam. All sections of the baccalaureate allow students to study archaeology. Scientific subjects are an essential training for all archaeologists and more particularly in the case of a specialization in disciplines contributing to the evolution of archaeology (dating, restoration, climatic restitution...). A good command of foreign languages is necessary to access foreign scientific publications and participate in the international evolution of the discipline.
Practical training
The work sur the ground
Archaeological operations vary in size and duration. They require authorization from the Minister of Culture. There are two types of archaeological investigations: preventive archaeology and programmed archaeology. Excavation is one of the fundamental aspects of archaeology. It is an essential complement to theoretical training. Starting to search as soon as possible is therefore essential. The future student will be able to realize what the field work represents.
It is advisable to vary your experiences, on sites of various periods, in order to best choose your specialization. In addition, the worksites facilitate meetings with professional archaeologists, scientific managers of operations.
The middle immerged
There is no specific teaching in underwater archaeology. However, some university professors have specialized in nautical and naval history issues. It is easier to train an archaeologist in diving than it is to train a good diver in archaeology. It is therefore preferable, for excavations in aquatic environments, to already have a good experience of ground excavations.
These archaeologists hold a certificate of professional diving: the certificate of aptitude for hyperbaric, mention B. This certificate is mandatory for any person responsible for archaeological excavation. Participation as a volunteer on sites less than 40 m deep, can be retained with a certificate of certified sports diver and a derogation granted by a commission composed of diving and underwater archaeology professionals. The request for a derogation must be submitted to Drassm (decree of 5 March 1993) stating the level of diving and medical fitness and in agreement with the person in charge of the site in question.
To make excavations: where to turn?
To participate in a excavation site, visit our page "Volunteer excavation or visit an archaeological site". Our list of sites seeking volunteers is updated regularly.
Partager la page