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

On completion of the course, graduates will be able to:

  • demonstrate a sound knowledge of the history and practice of maritime and underwater archaeology
  • understand the nature of underwater cultural heritage management practice and theory, and be able to initiate, plan, implement and evaluate it in a maritime archaeology context
  • review, synthesise and analyse major issues in maritime archaeology and underwater culture heritage and conservation
  • communicate maritime archaeology and heritage issues appropriately to a range of audiences
  • undertake their work as independent professional archaeologists or cultural heritage managers in an ethical manner.

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  History, Theory and Issues in Maritime and Underwater Archaeology GE  (4.5 units)
ARCH8153  The Archaeology of Submerged Landscapes (4.5 units)
ARCH8154  Underwater Cultural Heritage: Legislation, Management and Interpretation (4.5 units)
ARCH8155  The Archaeology of Seafaring (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.