Department of Archaeology

Source: https://www.york.ac.uk/archaeology/ Parent: https://www.york.ac.uk/about/departments/

A world-renowned department, exploring the breadth of the human past and pioneering a future in sustainable heritage.

Study with us

Join an outstanding, inclusive academic community with a global outlook.

Develop an understanding of the deep past through creative research-driven teaching. Experience amazing archaeological and heritage sites on your doorstep, and a city renowned for its history and architecture.

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Our research

Groundbreaking research tackling global issues.

At York, we combine cultural approaches and scientific analysis. We challenge issues from the origins of human behaviour to contemporary heritage management.

Our research has taken us from Yorkshire - the Mesolithic site of Star Carr - to international projects in Africa, through to innovations in digital heritage.

We host several international research centres producing impactful research across the breadth of archaeological and heritage study.

Explore our research and centres

Our Department is recognised internationally as one of the best places to study archaeology and heritage and we tackle global issues that are both important and challenging. I really love working at York, not only because staff are so passionate about their work but also because the Department of Archaeology is a really friendly place to be!

Stephanie Wynne-Jones, Head of Department

Top five in the UK

and 25th in the world, according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2025.

A city of history and heritage

York is a contemporary student-friendly city. Rich in history and heritage, it's one of the best places to study and research archaeology and conservation of buildings.

Exceptional facilities

Our exciting range of facilities and research centres offer bespoke laboratories, teaching spaces, and specialist equipment and technologies.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We're proud to hold an Athena Swan Silver award in recognition of our continuing commitment to equality.

News

Ancient societies ‘far more democratic than assumed’, study suggests

18 March 2026

Democracy may be far older and more widespread than previously thought, according to a new study of ancient civilisations.

News

Introducing the Reid Scholarship

6 March 2026

Investing in the Future of Archaeology - Promoting the study of archaeology by removing some financial barriers for under-represented groups.

News

New Bioarchaeological Research Provides Insight Into Mesolithic Cuisine

4 March 2026

New research published in PLoS One by Lara González Carretero and colleagues in BioArCh reveals that Mesolithic hunter-gatherer communities across Northern Europe exhibited surprisingly selective food choices.

News