The Graduate Certificate of Archaeology is a postgraduate qualification designed to meet the research and professional needs of graduates with an interest in Australian archaeology, archaeological field practice, and cultural heritage consultancy. It provides a broad understanding of archaeological knowledge and skills, drawing on both theoretical and practical material to help students develop expertise in key specialisations including Indigenous archaeology, historical archaeology, maritime archaeology, and cultural heritage management. In Australia, archaeology is taught across three primary forms: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander archaeology, historical archaeology (post-European settlement), and maritime archaeology — with cultural heritage management uniting all three sub-disciplines. The course builds the theoretical knowledge, research skills, and applied skills required to develop an appropriate depth of understanding of issues across these specialisations. Graduates are equipped with specialist skills in contemporary archaeological practice, including fieldwork methodologies, heritage assessment report writing, First Nations engagement and collaboration, and GIS-based digital approaches. Employers of graduates include federal, state, and local government departments (such as environmental protection, national parks, mining and energy, and heritage planning), cultural heritage management consultancy firms, museums, conservation organisations, universities, and non-government organisations. The commercial archaeology sector — driven by Australia's booming mining, construction, and infrastructure development industries — is a particularly significant employer of archaeology graduates.

Most Australian providers of the Graduate Certificate of Archaeology require applicants to hold an approved bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification from a recognised tertiary institution, in any discipline. Some programs accept applicants from non-archaeology backgrounds, recognising that many students come from related fields such as environmental science, history, anthropology, planning, or social sciences. Alternatively, some institutions will consider applicants who cannot demonstrate a bachelor's degree but can provide evidence of five or more years of relevant professional experience, such as work in professional archaeology, heritage management, parks and wildlife, or a public service role related to the management of cultural heritage. In some cases, a statement or reference from an employer may be required to support an experience-based application. For international students, English language requirements typically include an IELTS Academic score of 6.0 to 6.5 overall, with no individual band falling below 6.0, or equivalent scores in TOEFL, PTE Academic, or Cambridge qualifications. Applicants with non-standard backgrounds are encouraged to contact their chosen institution directly, as many programs consider life circumstances and prior learning when assessing eligibility.