Program at a glance
Credential
Certificate
Area of Study
Arts & Humanities
Indigenous Education
Study options
Part-time
Off-campus
Work experience
Clinical/fieldwork placement
Open to International
No
Length
84 hours over four weeks
At a glance image

Handling history with care
British Columbia's rich history can be traced back 12,000 years through oral tradition and archaeological sites. Over 90% of the archaeology work done in British Columbia is completed by contract archaeologists in compliance with provincial heritage legislation.

Digging for human stories
In the Archaeology Field Assistant program you will learn a diverse set of skills, such as the use of appropriate technology to identify and efficiently record archaeological features and sites, use respectful practices, and follow Indigenous cultural protocols. You'll also be introduced to provincial heritage legislation and Indigenous perspectives of archaeology.
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, in a combination of evening and full day classes for a total of 84 hours of instruction. You'll learn through hands on labs and lectures, and also hear from local experts such as consultant archaeologists and Indigenous elders. You'll get outside for multiple field trips as well as participate in a local 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
Estimated tuition fees
Effective from September 1, 2022, to August 31, 2023
Archaeological Field Assistant Certificate
$657* (domestic)
*Figure is approximate.
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.
Curriculum & courses
Admission requirements
Ready to get started? Get your application in for the April intake.
When you apply you will need to submit proof that you meet the following admission requirements.
Tip: Where a letter grade is specified, you must have proof of that grade or higher.
Admission requirements
One of:
- C in English 12
- C in English 12 Camosun Alternative
For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar.
Missing admission requirements?
Take an assessment or upgrade with us.
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 the program leader.
Faculty/staff profile

Nicole Kilburn
Program Leader, Archaeology Field Assistant

Learn more
For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the Academic Calendar.
Contact information
Social Sciences Department
Program Leader Nicole Kilburn
Campus location
Camosun College Lansdowne
3100 Foul Bay Road
Victoria BC V8P 5J2
Location link