The Faculty of Archaeology's mission is to train national specialists in archaelogy and human resource who will undertake the preservation, interpretation and management of Cambodian cultural heritage. The faculty take a leadership role in continuing research on Khmer history and culture. It utilises a multidisciplinary approach to educate students in current methodologies and on goin research , as well as to develop graduates capable of working in a local and international context.
The faculty offers a Bachelor Degree and Master Degree in Archaeology.
Bachelor Degree
The Bachelor Degree in Archaeology is a four year program (8 semesters and 144 credits)
- Level One or Foundation Year:
The first year is comprised of general foundation courses required to all RUFA students
- Level Trow:
The Second year consists of introduction courses in areas such as world prehistory, Khmer and Western art hostory, history of Cambodia, research methodology, anthropology, Southeast Asian archaeology, literature and cultural tourism.
- Level three: Students choose their precialisation in the following five areas of study
- Prehistoric Archaeology is particularly relevant in Cambodia due to its long history paleo-anthropology, geology, geography and ceramics
- Historical Archaeology emphasises Cambodia's rich past in the context of current theory. Courses include Cambodia history, Khmer art history, epigraphy, methods and analysis, and indian art history.
- Heritage and Tourism:is a growing field in Cambodia due to the increasing number of tourists. Cambodia has a great number of archaeological sites that need t obe identified, studied, protected and preserved for future generations. Key area of study include heritage management, museology, anthropology, and conservation of cultural heritage.
- Anthropology explores the cultural diversity of Cambodia's minority groups. Courses include historical and cultural anthropology, linguistics, historics, historic anthropology, Khmer and Indian civilisation.
- Epigraphy facilitates the study of ancient texts and allows for grater understanding of historical records. Pali and Sanskrit are offered as well as linguistic anthropology and study of the evolution of Khmer language.
- Level Four:
Students spend one semester taking general courses in areas such as administration and management to ensure employability in public or private professional roles after graduation. The last semester is spent writing a Bachelor dessertation (mémoire), and the degree is concluded after its oral defense and approval.
Master Program in Archaeology
Beginning in the 2004-2005 academic year, a two-uear Master Program in Archaeology has been offered, in cooperation with the Roayl Academy of Cambodia. The first group of candidates will graduate in September 2006. Students who wish to enroll for a Master Program in Archaeology must first complete their Bachelor Degree, and take an examination. Master Program candidates take courses totaling 30 credits with an additional 6 credits allocated for their final Master dessertation.
Master Program in Archaeology
Field study trips are an essential part of the curriculum in order to enable students to understand the significance of archaeological sites and current research in the field of archaeology, as well as to practice excavation technique.
In addition to regularly scheduled short field trips, an annual field excursion is tailored to undergraduate students depending on thier level of study. Level Two students focus on the Eastern part of Cambodia and specifics stites in Western Cambodia. Level Three students conduct field excursions based on their specialisation. Prehistoric archaeology students have conducted practical field work on circular prehistoric sites in Krek and Memot, as well as Iron-Age prehistoric sites. Heritage and tourism students often focus on the Angkor area due to its high concentration of monuments and visitors. Cultural anthropology students research ethnic minorities in Ratankiri and Mondolkiri.
Seminar and Conderences
In addition, to the regular study program, seminars with visiting national and international specialists are regularly organised. A yearly conference presents newly recovered data from researchers working on Cambodian related archaeology. Local and international students, lecturers and guests from different institutions and organisations are invited to attend the conference and present their findings.
Education, Orientation and Job Opportunities
Since 1988, the faculty has graduated 340 students to take up varied roles related to CAmbodia's heritages.
Graduated are regularly recruited by numerours organisations(public and private) working for the preservation and management of Cambodian heritage, especially the Angkor archaeological park. National organisations such as Apsara Authority and the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts(among others) employ graduates from the university. Numerous NGOs and international efforts sucha as French government projects, the Japanese Government Team for the Safeguarding of Angkor, Sophia University, the World Monuments Fund, Heritage Watch, and many others employ RUFA students for research and conservation work.
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