What do archaeology graduates do?

Archaeology graduates were less likely to work in London than the wider cohort but more likely to be in further study 15 months after graduation

This article is part of a series exploring the outcomes of graduates from subjects that are not included in What do graduates do?

According to the latest Graduate Outcomes data, most archaeology graduates were in employment 15 months after graduation. Full-time work was the most common outcome (37.4%), with a further 11.0% reporting that they were in part‑time employment.

These graduates entered a wide range of occupations, including:

• Social and humanities scientists
• Sales and retail assistants
• Sports and leisure assistants
• Waiters and waitresses
• Bar staff
• Conservation professionals
• Secondary education teaching professionals
• Other administrative occupations (not elsewhere classified)
• Kitchen and catering assistants
• Educational support assistants

Overall 8.3% were unemployed at the time of the survey, notably higher than the overall graduate average of 6.2%.

,Percentage of early childhood studies graduates
Employment and further study,12.7
Full-time employment,37.4
Full-time further study,15.3
Other including travel caring for someone or retired,9.6
Part-time employment,11
Part-time further study,2.5
Unemployment,8.2
Unknown pattern of employment,0.3
Voluntary or unpaid work,3

Further study

Archaeology graduates moved into further study at markedly higher rates than the wider graduate population. Full‑time study accounted for 15.3% of the cohort, with an additional 12.7% combining work and study, compared with 6.6% and 10.9% respectively among all graduates. Among those engaged in further study, 47.8 % were studying for a Masters degree, 17.6% were working towards a postgraduate diploma or certificate, and 13.5 % were completing a professional qualification

,Percentage of early childhood studies graduates in further study
Postgraduate diploma or certificate (including PGCE/PGDE),17.6
Masters  (such as MA or MSc),47.8
Professional qualification,13.5
Undergraduate degree (such as BA or BSc),6.0
Foundation degree,1.5
Doctorate,3.0

Occupations of archaeology graduates

Archaeology graduates moved into a wide range of sectors. While a notable share worked in retail, catering and customer service roles, employment was also common in:

• legal, social and welfare roles
• administrative and clerical occupations
• business, HR and finance roles
• childcare, health and education roles

This distribution reflects the breadth of skills developed through archaeology degrees - combining applied scientific methods with data handling, analytical reasoning and problem‑solving. These capabilities support entry into both archaeology‑specific pathways and a wider set of roles where transferable skills are valued.

Just 52% of archaeology graduates found professional-level employment, well below the overall graduate average of 72%. However, it is important to recognise that many graduates in non professional roles may still be meeting their aspirations and contributing meaningfully in their chosen fields.

Graduate voice responses support this. Among archaeology graduates who answered these questions, 69% reported that their work was meaningful and 58%% said it fitted with their future plans. However, less than half (44%) felt they were using the skills gained from their course in their current role.

Those not in professional‑level employment were far less likely to respond positively across these measures: 52.2% said their work was meaningful, 29% felt it aligned with their future plans, and 24% reported using skills developed during their studies.

Location of employment of archaeology graduates

Archaeology graduates were employed across the UK, with the South East accounting for the largest share (19.5%). Within the region, Hampshire, Kent, and Oxfordshire were the most commonly reported employment locations.

The East of England was the next most frequent destination, particularly Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and Suffolk. Furthermore, with areas like Lancashire, Merseyside and Greater Manchester also frequently reported, the North West ranked as the third most common region overall.

Salaries

Archaeology graduates who did not pursue further study after graduation were earning an average of £25,645 fifteen months after graduation, well below the overall graduate average of £30,030.

It is worth noting that these graduates are much less likely than the average graduate to be living in London 15 months after graduation (11.5% compared with 21.9%). This difference in regional distribution may help to explain their lower average earnings, as salaries in the capital tend to be higher to reflect the higher cost of living.

Notes

HESA Graduate Outcomes data is copyright Jisc 2026. Neither Jisc nor Jisc Services Limited can accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from data or other information supplied by Jisc or Jisc Services Limited.

Written by

Micha-Shannon Smith

Information analyst

Prospects Luminate