The Master of Archaeological Science is a bridge between the humanities orientation of traditional archaeology and the "hard science" of applying modern scientific principles, analytical techniques and methods to archaeological research questions and field investigations.  The program is designed to provide systematic training to students from either humanities or science-based backgrounds.

It will also provide a postgraduate "top-up" archaeological science training in current practical, analytical, and interpretive skills for consulting professional archaeologists, environmental management practitioners, and professionals in areas as diverse as Cultural and Environmental Resource Management; Heritage Legislation and Management, Forensic Science, Materials Science (eg. the analysis - and experimental replication - of prehistoric ceramics, textiles, foodstuffs), and Ecotourism.

It aims to allow students to tailor the program to their own training objectives, through hands-on experience with a wide-range of supervising specialists, materials and laboratory resources. Graduates from the course should find it a sufficient foundation for further research (e.g. to PhD) or to advance their professional career.