Subjects A-Z: Archaeology

Archaeology at the University of Glasgow is a vibrant community of students and staff working together and in partnership with a range of heritage organisations. We deliver undergraduate, taught postgraduate and research degrees and draw upon the outstanding collections of the University’s Hunterian Museum, the City of Glasgow and Scotland’s world-famous heritage sites and archaeologically rich landscapes. 

Consistently highly ranked in UK league tables and with a reputation for teaching excellence, we are:

• 1st in the UK with 100% student satisfaction (National Student Survey 2018)
• 6th in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2021
• 11th in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2020

The premier provider in Scotland, a key strength is our commitment to practical heritage experience and vocational training that enables our graduates to flourish in diverse future careers.

World-changing research

Archaeology is concerned with the fundamental nature of human societies; through its study we seek to understand complex social processes. Exploring both the deep and the recent human past gives us insights into how people conceive society and community and make sense of the world around them. By the very nature of archaeology, we engage with contemporary society as much as with the past: we bring new data and insights to debates ranging from social inequality and climate change to national identities and the heritage boom. To do this, we collaborate with scientists, artists, policy makers and local communities.

As a research community we are proud of the history and reputation of Archaeology at Glasgow University for innovative applications of archaeological theory and for conducting research that explores the wider contribution of cultural heritage to society. Our research is grounded in archaeological practice – fieldwork, artefact analysis and engagement with communities and organisations outside the university.

Our methodological strengths lie in material culture and landscape studies. Our fieldwork and reseach is focused upon Scotland in its broadest insular and Atlantic contexts, and on the Eastern Mediterranean and Near East, where we have a longstanding and substantial engagement.

Research-led teaching is central to our practice: it drives our teaching across our undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes, and supports research collaborations across the University and with external third sector organisations. 

See more on our research.