Archaeology

Archaeology is an integrative field that studies the diverse history of human culture and behaviour. Archaeologists at Wits are actively involved in research and the teaching of a broad spectrum of topics including Archaeological theory, Earlier Stone Age, Middle Stone Age, Later Stone Age, Iron Age

Overview

Why study Archaeology?

Archaeology is a truly multidisciplinary and integrative discipline that embraces evidence from a wide array of fields from earth, biological and social sciences to history, anthropology, and ethnography, to explore the intricacies of our past. Through these studies we can better understand what makes us who we are today and how we have adapted to a changing planet.

Why study Archaeology at Wits?

The Wits Archaeology department was recently rated number 38 in the world, and 1st on the African continent in the QS World University rankings. Our department includes a diverse, research active and passionate faculty and post-graduate cohort working on southern African sites and collections spanning millions of years. Wits Archaeaology prides itself on the breadth of its honours experience which includes choices of specialist modules, a dedicated honours field school, inclusion in archaeological research teams and access to world class archaeological resources like the department collections and the Rock Art Research Centre.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities available with your honours degree in Archaeology include:

  • Cultural Resource Management (after formal accreditation by ASAPA)
  • Heritage Management (including museum sciences, heritage legislation and policy management)
  • Municipal and governmental consultants on heritage practice
  • Research and lecturing in archaeology departments

Curriculum

Course code

Description

Quarter
Compulsory courses:
ARCL4025A
Research Project: Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies
Full-year
ARCL4027A
Theory of Archaeology
1
ARCL4016A
Archaeology in the Field / Laboratory
2
Elective course Q3 choose ONE of the below courses:
ARCL4020A
Geoarchaeology
3
Elective courses Q4: choose ONE of the below courses:
ARCL4026A
Stone Age Archaeology IV
4
ARCL4024A
Rock Art of Africa IV
4

Entry Requirements

  • A Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent.
  • A pass in the relevant major course at this University or any other university whose programme has been approved by Senate.
  • At least 65% average in the final undergraduate course.

Please note that this is a highly competitive programme and the minimum requirements do not guarantee admission. 

For application information contact the postgraduate administrator, Sindiswa Tilane,
sindiswa.tilane@wits.ac.za, 011 717 6525

University Application Process

  • Applications are handled centrally by the Student Enrolment Centre (SEnC). Once your application is complete in terms of requested documentation, your application will be referred to the relevant School for assessment. Click here to see an overview of the Wits applications process.
  • Please apply online. Upload your supporting documents at the time of application, or via the Self Service Portal.
  • Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.
  • Selections for programmes that have a limited intake but attract a large number of applications may only finalise the application at the end of the application cycle.

Please note that the Entry Requirements are a guide. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee a place. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.

International students, please check this section.

For more information, contact the Student Call Centre +27 (0)11 717 1888, or log a query at www.wits.ac.za/askwits.

University Fees and Funding

Click here to see the current average tuition fees. The Fees site also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal.

For information about postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award, click here. Please also check your School website for bursary opportunities. NRF bursaries: The National Research Foundation (NRF) offers a wide range of opportunities in terms of bursaries and fellowships to students pursuing postgraduate studies. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.