Archaeology at Durham University

Archaeology has been taught and studied at Durham University since 1931, surrounded by incredible examples of medieval architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and close to some of the country’s premier archaeological sites - such as Hadrian’s Wall and the Saxon monastery at Jarrow.  

Throughout the years, the department has grown to become one of the largest departments in the world and the national leader for archaeological research. 

Today, teaching in the department provides comprehensive coverage of British archaeology, with an expert for every period. It is also a leading centre for bioarchaeological research and one of the best departments in the country for research into the European Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, Roman, Early Medieval and Medieval periods as well as Near Eastern-Iran-Indian archaeology. The department is also highly influential in the field of archaeological and museum conservation cultural heritage, and museum management.  

The collections of the Museum of Archaeology are used to support teaching at undergraduate and graduate level across a range of courses.  

Find out more:

• Department of Archaeology