Archaeology at The University of Manchester

Archaeology at The University of Manchester offers a fascinating journey of discovery into the material and social dimensions of past human societies. It provides unique insights into human origins and cultural diversity, without which our knowledge of humanity would be impoverished. Understanding how others have lived and perceived the world gives students a different vantage point from which to understand their own world.

The University of Manchester is an internationally recognised centre for social archaeology. Our courses offer a unique combination of theoretical sophistication, a concern with the contemporary social and political context, and a commitment to practical field and laboratory-based investigations. Students also benefit from our strong links to other archaeological sciences at the university, as well as with the Manchester Museum.

Our vibrant research addresses themes such as: identity; place, landscape, and monumentality; history, theory, and philosophy; material culture and social practice; social complexity and the development of state-organised societies; and archaeological heritage and the social significance of the past.

These topics are studied in relation to various periods and regions, including prehistory in Britain and Western Europe, the Near East and Mediterranean, Africa and the Pacific, and the historical archaeology of Australia, the United States and Britain.

Why study Archaeology with us?

Our students form a lively, enthusiastic and highly-motivated community. Our lecturers and tutors are renowned for the quality of their teaching and cutting-edge research, as well as their enthusiasm and passionate curiosity.

You will learn about archaeology, not just in the classroom but also in the field and laboratory, using our own teaching collection as well as the rich resources of the Manchester Museum. You will have the opportunity to undertake archaeological fieldwork in the UK or abroad, gaining vital practical and transferable skills. You will also develop your own area of expertise through research projects including long essays and dissertations.

You can study archaeology as a single subject degree in undergraduate, taught masters and research programmes, or in joint undergraduate programmes with Anthropology, Ancient History or Art History.