ARCHAEOLOGY

Have you ever been fascinated by ancient civilizations buried under layers of time? Do you love history, enjoy exploration, and dream of uncovering humanity's forgotten past? If so, pursuing a degree in Archaeology at one of China's top universities might be the perfect path for you.

Program Overview

Archaeology is the scientific study of human history and cultural heritage through the excavation, analysis, and interpretation of stratigraphy, sites, and artifacts. This program equips students with a solid foundation in archaeological theory, methods, and practical skills, along with a broad understanding of both Chinese and global cultural heritage. Graduates are prepared for careers in field archaeology, heritage conservation, museum research, and related fields.

Educational Objectives

The program aims to cultivate well-rounded professionals with strong theoretical knowledge and practical skills in archaeology. Graduates will be capable of conducting excavations, processing archaeological data, writing research reports, and engaging in academic research. They are expected to work in archaeological institutes, museums, universities, government agencies, and cultural enterprises, with interdisciplinary competence and a global perspective.

Graduation Requirements

Students must acquire the following competencies:

1. Mastery of core archaeological knowledge, theories, and research methods;
2. Ability to conduct field excavations, data processing, and report writing;
3. Familiarity with Chinese and world history, museology, epigraphy, and related disciplines;
4. Awareness of current trends in archaeological research and education;
5. Proficiency in literature review, data retrieval, and basic research skills;
6. A solid foundation in both the humanities and natural sciences, with interdisciplinary literacy.

Core Courses

• Introduction to Archaeology
• General Archaeology (from the Paleolithic to the Song-Yuan-Ming periods)
• Fundamentals of Field Archaeology
• Archaeological Techniques and Scientific Archaeology
• Ancient Chinese History, World Civilizations
• Introduction to Museology
• Epigraphy, Introduction to Art History
• Chinese Bronzes, Ceramics, Cave Temples, and Art Archaeology
• Interdisciplinary courses: Geology, Physical Anthropology, Zooarchaeology, Paleoethnobotany

Research Directions

• Prehistoric Archaeology of China
• Xia, Shang, and Zhou Archaeology
• Archaeology from the Warring States to the Ming Dynasty
• Cultural Relics and Museology
• Scientific Archaeology
• Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage
• Foreign Archaeology

Degree Awarded

Bachelor of Archaeology degree

Program Duration

4 years (full-time undergraduate)

Credits and Curriculum Structure

Complete the required number of credits as stipulated in the university's academic program.

Practical Training

Includes but is not limited to:

• Military training, safety education, labor education
• Field archaeology internship
• On-site experimental archaeology (e.g., stone tool and pottery making)
• Heritage and conservation field studies
• Graduation internship and thesis 

Career Prospects

Graduates can pursue careers in:

• Archaeological research and excavation (e.g., cultural heritage bureaus, archaeological institutes)
• Museum and exhibition curation and management
• Cultural heritage conservation and restoration
• Teaching and research at universities and research institutions
• Journalism, publishing, cultural media, and heritage protection
• Government agencies and enterprises in cultural policy and project management

Related Majors

• History
• Museology and Cultural Heritage Studies
• Cultural Heritage and Cultural Industry Management
• Ethnology, Anthropology
• Epigraphy, Art History

Top Universities Offering Archaeology in China

1. Peking University
2. Renmin University of China
3. Northwest University
4. Jilin University
5. Sichuan University
6. Nanjing University
7. Sun Yat-sen University

Additional Notes

• The curriculum follows a modular teaching system, emphasizing both foundational knowledge and practical skills;
• Students are encouraged to participate in research training, academic competitions, and paper publication;
• A wide range of interdisciplinary and elective courses are available to enhance overall competence.