The Graduate Certificate in Maritime Archaeology is an 18-unit program which is part of the Graduate Program in Maritime Archaeology offered by the Faculty of Education, Humanities and Law.  It is only available part time.

Admission requirements

Applicants must normally hold an approved degree or an equivalent qualification majoring in archaeology from an approved tertiary institution. 

Course aims

The course introduces students to contemporary theory and practice in maritime archaeology and underwater cultural heritage management.

The Graduate Certificate in Maritime Archaeology provides students with a basic knowledge and understanding of the place and role of maritime archaeology in the interpretation of maritime sub-cultures as well as cultures in the wider context, and an introduction to the history of the practice of maritime and underwater archaeology.

Learning outcomes

Students will be able:

  • to demonstrate a sound knowledge of theories and practice in maritime archaeology and underwater cultural heritage management in Australia and more generally around the world
  • to analyse and critically evaluate ideas and solve problems in the field of maritime archaeology and underwater cultural heritage management
  • to demonstrate their understanding of the place and role of maritime archaeology in the interpretation of maritime sub-cultures as well as cultures in the wider context.

Program of study

To qualify for the Graduate Certificate in Maritime Archaeology a student must complete 18 units with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic, according to the following program of study:

Core - Year 1 topics


 ARCH8152  Maritime Archaeological Field School  (4.5 units)
 ARCH8157  Methods in Underwater Archaeology  (4.5 units)

Option - Year 1 topics


Select 9 units as a program of study approved by the coordinator of the Graduate Program in Maritime Archaeology from:

ARCH8150  Maritime Archaeology in Australia  (4.5 units)
ARCH8151  Coastal and Underwater Archaeology  (4.5 units)
ARCH8153 Issues in Maritime and Underwater Archaeology (4.5 units)
ARCH8154 Underwater Cultural Heritage: Legislation, Management and Interpretation (4.5 units)
ARCH8155 Global Perspectives in Maritime Archaeology (4.5 units)
ARCH8156 Advanced Maritime Archaeology Fieldwork Practicum (4.5 units)
ARCH8160   Ships and Seafaring in the Indian Ocean GE  (4.5 units)

OR any other topic approved by the coordinator of the Graduate Program in Maritime Archaeology.