Research-led teaching lies at the heart of the framework for master's degrees in archaeological science. The course enables the student to undertake a significant tailored research project in the context of a field school within the broad area of archaeological science, completed under the direct supervision of an expert.

The project may use materials, data and/or fieldwork which are quite new, working alongside an ANU research team or individual in the field or in the laboratory. For example, a research project may be designed around materials previously excavated, or collected as reference material, or by researching background material for a publication.

In all cases the result will be a research report or portfolio of materials of potentially publishable quality, or of a quality for submission as a poster or for wider public dissemination. The topic will be negotiated between the student and the supervisor, and/or moderated and supervised, if appropriate, by the course convener.

This course is also designed to provide students with practical skills in archaeological fieldwork on field schools administered or co-administered by faculty members of the School of Archaeology and Anthropology. The participants will learn modern techniques in archaeological excavation, survey, artefact analysis, environmental sampling, building recording and applications in cultural heritage management.

Where the project involves travel outside of Canberra (including to other parts of the ACT), students will only be permitted to undertake this travel upon completion of ANU required documentation and the approval of all documentation by the relevant delegate.