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Isobel

Isobel

Archaeologist (Geomatics)

Wessex Archaeology

1867


  • Video »
  • Case Study »

    Isobel’s day-to-day role includes managing the deployment, maintenance and set up of survey equipment, working with technologies such as photogrammetry, and managing utility risk.

    Isobel has been working in commercial archaeology for around four years. Her background is in the field of archaeology and heritage consultancy and is experienced in writing archaeological reports, carrying out historic building surveys, and undertaking archaeological research.

  • Did you know? »

    Archaeology is the study of the past by looking for the remains and artifacts (historical things) left by the people who lived long ago.

    Archaeologists dig in a scientific way with neat, organized, square holes on a grid system. By doing this they can record everything they find and where the items were found.

  • Routes »

    There are various routes into working in commercial archaeology. Most people now have an archaeology degree although many more experienced, and often older individuals, have many years of experience of working on archaeological excavations. Most people normally start off working as a field archaeologist,although this is not always the case.

    You can do degree courses in archaeology, as well as those specialising in different aspects of the work, like:

    • Conservation
    • Environmental archaeology
    • Human evolution
    • Forensic investigation
    • Archaeological science

    Most archaeology degrees run student fieldschools which are often a great way of getting some practical training in archaeological excavation.

  • Entry Requirements »
    • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
    • A degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

    You may be able to do an archaeological specialist degree apprenticeship.

    • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
  • Skills and Knowledge »

    An understanding of survey data, both in terms of how archaeological surveys are carried out in the field, and also how to process and interpret this data

    Technical skills in being able to use survey equipment such as GPS and Total Stations

    Being able to use AutoCAD and GIS based software

    Be a good communicator

    Have an understanding of 3D data

    Understanding of the significance and importance of archaeological data

    Knowledge of archaeological periods, theory and practice

    Attention to detail

  • 10 reasons why »
    1. No two days are the same
    2. Opportunity to travel
    3. You get the chance to be the first person to see something which hasn’t been seen for thousands of years
    4. Come face to face with history
    5. It’s such a broad subject and covers many different topics
    6. Work in your area/time period of interest
    7. If you work in the field you can spend a lot of time outside
    8. Gain practical skills
    9. Archaeologists are usually really nice people!
    10. It’s a massive privilege to be able to work so closely with objects/sites that are hundreds of years old and to be able to tell their story

  • Other roles that may interest you »

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  • Useful Links »

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I really enjoy working in archaeology. It's a big passion of mine.I love being able to work in something that I have a genuine interest in.