Program at a glance
Credential
Certificate
Work experience
None
Delivery
Off campus
Study options
Part-time
Open to International
No
Length
84 hours over four weeks
Offered in Spring
Handling history with care
British Columbia's rich history can be traced back over 12,000 years through oral tradition and archaeological sites. The majority of archaeology work in the province is completed by contract archaeologists in compliance with provincial heritage legislation. Learn how to do this work in a good way.
![Students gathering information oceanside](/sites/default/files/styles/responsive_768/public/2021-02/AFA-students-oceanside_0.jpg?itok=QCQF4zm6)
Evaluating human stories
The Archaeology Field Assistant Program is an intensive program focused on introducing the technical, academic and cultural skills required to be high-quality crew members in cultural resource management in British Columbia. The program covers the competencies required for RISC (Resource Inventory Standards Committee) certification through the provincial Archaeology Branch, through a combination of lectures, hands on labs and field work. Additionally, the program expands on these competencies to include applied learning about Indigenous perspectives regarding heritage and cultural protocols embedded in this work.
This program will prepare individuals for employment in the Cultural Resource Management industry as archaeological field assistants or for work in other resource inventory jobs, and is meant to complement other credentials such as a Bachelor of Arts.
What you'll learn
Current students wanting information about your program, go to student planning in myCamosun.
Program outline
For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar.
What to expect
The program consists of one comprehensive course:
- ARCH 190 - Archaeological Field Assistant Credits: 3
The Archaeological Field Assistant program is offered every spring. You'll learn through hands on labs and lectures, and also hear from local experts such as consultant archaeologists and Indigenous elders. Delivery models can vary, please contact the program leader for this year`s specifics. You can expect that over half of the program takes place outside and can include multi day field trips. You will also participate in a short, applied field project.
Field components of this program are physically demanding. You should be physically fit, be able to perform routine archaeological duties and be prepared to work outdoors in all weather conditions. Appropriate footwear and rain gear is necessary, and you will need to purchase a basic toolkit specified by the instructor. Full participation every day of the program is a requirement.
Tuition and fees
Effective from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025
Estimated tuition
Tuition estimates are for the entire program
Archaeological Field Assistant Certificate
$683 (domestic)
Domestic tuition fees vary depending on the individual course fees for the classes you select.
Student fees
In addition to tuition estimates, student fees are calculated based on your enrolment. Refer to: Student Fees
Financial assistance
You may need to find more than one source of funding to help pay for your education and living costs while attending college. Check out sources of money you don't need to pay back as well as those that need to be repaid.
Admission requirements
One of:
When you apply you will need to submit proof that you meet the program admission requirements listed above. Where a letter grade is specified, you must have proof of that grade or higher.
For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar: Loading...
Ready to get started?
Check our current program availability.
Missing admission requirements?
You may be able to take an assessment or upgrade with us.
Need help applying?
Find out more on How to Apply or speak to an Admissions Advisor.
Contact us
If you have admissions questions contact us today!
If you have questions about what you can expect to learn in this program please contact artsci@camosun.ca or the program leader.
Faculty/staff profile
![Nicole Kilburn](/sites/default/files/2021-02/Kilburn-Nicole.jpg)
Nicole Kilburn
Program Leader, Archaeology Field Assistant
kilburn@camosun.ca
250-370-3344
Young Building
Full bio
![Archaeological Field Assistant students](/sites/default/files/styles/responsive_1280/public/2021-03/AFA-field-work.jpg?itok=3GXMjDeh)
Learn more
For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar.
Contact information
School of Arts & Science