The UCL Institute of Archaeology is the largest and one of the most highly regarded centres for archaeology, cultural heritage and museum studies in Britain. It is one of the very few places in the world actively pursuing research on a truly global scale in the archaeological sciences, heritage studies and world archaeology.
Its degree programmes offer an unrivalled variety of course options, both theoretical and practical, covering a diverse array of archaeological topics, and wide-ranging global fieldwork opportunities.
The Institute hosts numerous events on many different aspects of archaeology and is linked to many other heritage institutions, archaeological societies and organizations, providing an outstanding research environment for staff, students and visitors.
About the Institute of Archaeology
From the Institute’s origins, founded in 1937 as a centre for archaeological training, to the Institute today, one of the largest archaeology departments in the world with global coverage in its research and teaching activities, the Institute aims to provide archaeological opportunities of the highest quality to all, regardless of background. 2012 marked the Institute’s 75th anniversary and a number of events and activities were held to mark this occasion.
Facilities
The Institute has outstanding facilities for an unparalleled range of archaeological research, including libraries, laboratories, equipment, collections and support personnel associated with these areas. Significant investments in infrastructure including major equipment upgrades and improved postgraduate facilities have taken place in recent years and the benefit of these facilities is reflected in staff publications and PhD research.
Library
The Institute Library was founded in 1937 to support teaching and learning at the new Institute of Archaeology and has subsequently gained an international reputation as one of the finest archaeological collections in the world. It supports the taught programmes offered by the Institute and provides research material on a wide variety of topics covering all aspects of archaeology, museum studies and cultural heritage.
Publications
The Institute of Archaeology produces many key books for archaeologists worldwide in partnership with Left Coast Press. The Institute has a Publications Committee whose role is to promote the publication of material that reflects the breadth and quality of research carried out and supported by the Institute and to offer guidance to Institute staff and students who seek advice on publication.
Centre for Applied Archaeology
The Centre for Applied Archaeology (CAA) is a research and support division within the Institute. The CAA encourages research and innovation in professional archaeological practice, building links between commercial practice, academic research, and local communities. The CAA offers professional advice, support and training In cultural resource management, archaeology, conservation, interpretation and project management.
Research and Teaching Excellence
The Institute is the largest and one of the most highly regarded centres for archaeology and cultural heritage studies in Britain.The Institute’s research covers fieldwork, laboratory analysis and conservation, artefact studies, and theoretical, synthetic, and analytical work across a range of perspectives. The Institute’s degree programmes offer an unrivalled variety of course options, covering a diverse array of archaeological topics, and wide-ranging fieldwork opportunities.