Taking a degree in Mechanical Engineering shouldn't preclude you from a career in archaeology, yet. Archaeologists I've worked with or known over the years have come from a variety of educational backgrounds. Degrees, where attained, were as often in completely unrelated fields. Even the odd Classicist... There's nothing to stop you, after graduation, from moving into archaeology: Obtain some volunteer experience during your vacations; armed with that, evident enthusiasm and some persuasion, you should be able to get work with a unit. That's your toe-in-the-door. That said, in this age of reliance on paper qualifications, you may feel more comfortable doing a post-grad course, even an MA, in archaeology. That would have the added benefit of exposing you to 'insider' opportunities and possibilities. ******************************************************************************************** " This message contains information that may be privileged or confidential and is the property of the Cap Gemini Ernst & Young Group. It is intended only for the person to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, you are not authorized to read, print, retain, copy, disseminate, distribute, or use this message or any part thereof. If you receive this message in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete all copies of this message ". ********************************************************************************************