Department of Archaeology

We are a vibrant, welcoming community, hosting and supporting enriching experiences.

Welcome to Archaeology at Durham

The Department of Archaeology is a leading centre for the study of archaeology and one of the top departments in the world. We are an inclusive, vibrant and international community, with expertise in a wide range of areas and important strengths in field and landscape archaeology, archaeological science, and museums and heritage studies.

We work across five continents, offering research and teaching specialisms in world prehistory, early complex societies, India, Egypt and the Near East, Roman and Classical archaeology, the archaeology of South Asia, Eurasia and the medieval, historical and contemporary worlds.

Our community is an exciting place in which to develop knowledge and gain essential and transferable skills, from lab-based training in osteology, isotopic analyses and aDNA to applied skills in field survey, excavation, Geographical Information Systems and remote sensing and the study of artefacts and collections.

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8th in the world QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022

Athena Swan Bronze Award since 2018

6th The Complete University Guide 2023

Ranked 3rd in the Guardian University Guide 2022

Study with Us

Undergraduate study

During an archaeology degree you will learn about fieldwork, finds, historic buildings, scientific methods, archaeological theories, and computer techniques and how they all help us to understand the past.
Postgraduate study

Our postgraduate community is one of the largest in Europe. Our thriving group of taught and research postgraduate students actively contribute to the dynamic research environment we cultivate here at Durham.

Undergraduate study

During an archaeology degree you will learn about fieldwork, finds, historic buildings, scientific methods, archaeological theories, and computer techniques and how they all help us to understand the past.

Someone digging, with a bucket full of soil next to them

Postgraduate study

Our postgraduate community is one of the largest in Europe. Our thriving group of taught and research postgraduate students actively contribute to the dynamic research environment we cultivate here at Durham.

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This is Durham Archaeology

Take a look at our courses, facilities, and opportunities, and hear from our staff and students in this video taster of Archaeology at Durham University.

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Our research

This is how we make an impact on the world around us.

Archaeology at Durham has a worldwide reputation for research and impact. Embracing humanities, social sciences and sciences, our inclusive environment thrives upon collective endeavour and co-production and a commitment to address challenges of local, national and global significance.

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Case Studies

Groups

Group of students looking for artefacts, with a minibus in background

Projects

Arial view of students undertaking field work at Lindisfarne

Research and impact

See more about our Research Degrees

Student Updates

We offer a unique opportunity to write a new chapter in Durham University's proud history.

Highlights

Treasure trove no more

Molly Bird reflects on her time at the Auckland Castle excavation as part of her undergraduate degree.
What’s it like studying Archaeology?

Sebastian Stanford-Hopper shares his experiences of his degree programme, including the opportunity to dig at Auckland Castle.