4th April 2014, 11:52 AM
I have no idea how Scottish archaeology will be organized after independence, but note that other 'newly' independent nations have often made heritage and cultural legislation one of their first priorities. I guess for 2 reasons. One it is cheap, two it helps to provide legalistic identity for the new nation.
I can however chip in with some knowledge on how qualifications and archaeological work in other places in Europe. Some countries insist upon a minimum of a Master's degree, specifically in an archaeology related subject, as a pre-requisite for archaeological employment at supervisor level or above. The same countries often require a minimum of a Bachelor degree to work at any level of professional archaeology, with special arrangements for undergraduate students to gain excavation experience. In some places 'permanent' jobs are restricted to those with PhD level qualifications. It is often difficult to cross over subject divisions however highly qualified one might be e.g a geologist with a Masters would find it as difficult to find work in archaeology unless involved in a specifically designed interdisciplinary project. I mention this because it should be a factor for UK archaeology students when considering their career prospects. You might well get a job in the UK on the basis of a BA/BSc or less, but not find it so easy to get work outside these shores. I don't whole heartedly support support the supposition in these countries that academic qualification 'maketh the archaeologist', but the reality is that if you want to work in these countries, you are expected to toe the line regarding the rules of employment.
As has been pointed out the Valletta convention does commit signatories to only allowing excavation by qualified and authorised persons. The UK government seems to shy around this elephant in the room, although it could be/should be argued that the IfA levels of competence satisfy both criteria. And that doesn't necessarily, at least within the UK, require compulsory academic qualification.
I can however chip in with some knowledge on how qualifications and archaeological work in other places in Europe. Some countries insist upon a minimum of a Master's degree, specifically in an archaeology related subject, as a pre-requisite for archaeological employment at supervisor level or above. The same countries often require a minimum of a Bachelor degree to work at any level of professional archaeology, with special arrangements for undergraduate students to gain excavation experience. In some places 'permanent' jobs are restricted to those with PhD level qualifications. It is often difficult to cross over subject divisions however highly qualified one might be e.g a geologist with a Masters would find it as difficult to find work in archaeology unless involved in a specifically designed interdisciplinary project. I mention this because it should be a factor for UK archaeology students when considering their career prospects. You might well get a job in the UK on the basis of a BA/BSc or less, but not find it so easy to get work outside these shores. I don't whole heartedly support support the supposition in these countries that academic qualification 'maketh the archaeologist', but the reality is that if you want to work in these countries, you are expected to toe the line regarding the rules of employment.
As has been pointed out the Valletta convention does commit signatories to only allowing excavation by qualified and authorised persons. The UK government seems to shy around this elephant in the room, although it could be/should be argued that the IfA levels of competence satisfy both criteria. And that doesn't necessarily, at least within the UK, require compulsory academic qualification.
With peace and consolation hath dismist, And calm of mind all passion spent...