How to get started?

opeldave

Hi
Im wondering whats the best way for someone to get started in Archaeology as a complete novice?

Are there recommended courses to undertake?
Id be a mature student & live in Meath.
Can you make a living from it;)


Thanks

David

micf

I know that UCD have certificate courses which can be converted to degree courses run throuhg the adult education centre. Contact them and get a brochure maybe.

There is not as much work as there was in the last decade or so. I got some work this summer but it dried up. however there are two more excavations starting in the next week or so in Dublin alone. I have been offered a place on both .

The money is not great though.

Ebi

HI, not to be a partypooper, but, if I were you, I'd considered another careermove and keep it as a hobby. That's my new plan...

There's little work out there, used be loads here in Ireland but now... the pay is bad, and u have to be really dedicated to put up with project work as well as working outside in Irish weather. Its the best thing in the world but I think its only sustainable for a few very dedicated (will I go all in and say crazy?) people.

Bog Butter

Contact a few archaeological companies and tell them you are interested in archaeology and ask them have they any G.O. (general operative) positions. You'd never know your luck. Be perpared to travel though.

opeldave

Thanks for the replies guys.

I had a good look over UCD's website and Im too late to apply this year:o .

As for keeping it as a hobby etc I dont think I could Id rather have a passion for my work as I have always found personally this to be the best way.
I hate working somewhere that I could not care less for just for the money etc.

Ill apply to a few Archaeoogy companies & cross my fingers:D

David

boneless

Sometimes the closing dates for applications are not written in stone. It may be worth your while contacting the Adult Education Centre personally.

As someone who entered third level via this route I have nothing but praise for how helpful they are.

Good luck.

opeldave

boneless wrote: »

Sometimes the closing dates for applications are not written in stone. It may be worth your while contacting the Adult Education Centre personally.

As someone who entered third level via this route I have nothing but praise for how helpful they are.

Good luck.

Thanks Boneless must give that a try maybe there is a space left for me:cool:

Did you do the Degree in UCD?
Is it as good as I hope it is?
David:D

moretothegirl

i did the degree and it definitely is a top notch degree. i would definitely contact the department, those deadlines can sometimes be overlooked

opeldave

moretothegirl wrote: »

i did the degree and it definitely is a top notch degree. i would definitely contact the department, those deadlines can sometimes be overlooked

Thanks Moretothegirl ,will do!

Ps Are you working in Archaeoogy in some way or form?

moretothegirl

opeldave wrote: »

Thanks Moretothegirl ,will do!

Ps Are you working in Archaeoogy in some way or form?

Hi there! no im afraid im not working in Archaeology. i studied it as a joint major and discovered its really more of a hobby for me so im going with my other subject from now on and keeping archaeology as a much loved interest

mattysin

what about working abroad ? on a bigger scale is there much work out there worldwide ?

boneless

mattysin wrote: »

what about working abroad ? on a bigger scale is there much work out there worldwide ?

They are always crying out for diggers in Australia I believe. I had an offer of a job there but I didn't want to go that far !

I have also spoken to Canadian archaeologists who say there is plenty of work there, due to the oil and gas pipelines going in from Alaska. Pay is bad but you get a large-bore rifle and a shotgun in case of bear attacks :eek:!!

Dr Strange

boneless wrote: »

Pay is bad but you get a large-bore rifle and a shotgun in case of bear attacks :eek:!!

Sold! I'm in.

opeldave

Preusse wrote: »

Sold! I'm in.

Beats a company phone & laptop lol:pac: