Department of Archaeology
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.
The Melsonby Hoard
The Melsonby Hoard is one of the most important Iron Age finds in decades, with over 800 artefacts found.
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Study with Us
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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.
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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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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.
Work with Us
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.
Our research
This is how we make an impact on the world around us.
Find out more
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Student Updates
We offer a unique opportunity to write a new chapter in Durham University's proud history.
Highlights
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Treasure trove no more
Molly Bird reflects on her time at the Auckland Castle excavation as part of her undergraduate degree.
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What’s it like studying Archaeology?
Sebastian Stanford-Hopper shares his experiences of his degree programme, including the opportunity to dig at Auckland Castle.
Treasure trove no more
What’s it like studying Archaeology?
Social feeds
Interested in attending our events?
We host and collaborate on a variety of events throughout the year. These include open days and public-facing activities where you can get a closer look at what our Department is all about!
Our competitive 'Research Dialogues' award also supports our PhD early career researchers in running workshops, seminars, discussion groups, lectures or research and impact activities. Click on the event cards to the right to learn more about this year's 'Research Dialogues' events!
2024 Research Dialogues events
Trash and Floors: Microscopic Exploration of Prehistoric Daily Life
04/05/2024 - 05/05/202409:00 - 16:30This workshop is for all early career and established researchers who are interested in using micromorphology and phytolith analysis to investigate daily activities in ancient societies.
Jealous Laws: a conference on collecting, studying and managing antiquities in the Ottoman Mediterranean during the long 19th Century
17/05/2024 - 17/05/202409:00 - 18:00This interdisciplinary conference brings together leading scholars across history, archaeology, art history, and cultural studies, reflecting upon the genesis of their disciplines and motives of 19th century antiquarian and archaeological scholarship.
Trash and Floors: Microscopic Exploration of Prehistoric Daily Life
This workshop is for all early career and established researchers who are interested in using micromorphology and phytolith analysis to investigate daily activities in ancient societies.
Jealous Laws: a conference on collecting, studying and managing antiquities in the Ottoman Mediterranean during the long 19th Century
This interdisciplinary conference brings together leading scholars across history, archaeology, art history, and cultural studies, reflecting upon the genesis of their disciplines and motives of 19th century antiquarian and archaeological scholarship.
Get in touch
Contact us to find out more about the exciting things our students do, research breakthroughs, and life at the cutting edge of Archaeology.
Department of Archaeology
Durham University
Dawson Building
South Road
Durham
DH1 3LE
Questions about studying here?
Check out our list of FAQs or submit an enquiry form.
Your Durham prospectus
Order your personalised prospectus and College guide here.