Department of Archaeology
Welcome to the Department of Archaeology
We are proud of our colleagues across the Archaeology Departments of the UK who have contributed to the outstanding research and societal benefits showcased by the Archaeology Unit of Assessment. Archaeology in the UK is world-leading and internationally renowned for its academic, research and teaching excellence and the REF results have recognised Durham as a leading Department in the UK sector.
Our overall GPA (Grade Point Average) of 3.59 is second in the UK, with 97% of our research outputs graded world-leading or internationally excellent. Our world-leading research environment was recognised by a 100% grading at 4*, with our three Impact Case Studies each receiving a 4* rating, again reflecting the world-leading societal impact and benefit from our research.
Improving the identification of human remains
Our Department of Archaeology’s innovative research is helping the world’s forensic scientists to better identify human remains.
About Us
The Department of Archaeology submitted 32 members of staff, comprising 30 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) staff, to the REF Archaeology Unit of Assessment (UoA).
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 museum 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.
Archaeology REF Impact Case Studies
Archaeology submitted three impact case studies including forensic analysis and cultural heritage.
Click below to read more about our case studies
Bodies of evidence: Transforming approaches to the location, recovery and analysis of human remains in forensic contexts.
Achieving accessible and resilient heritage: the work of Durham’s new UNESCO Chair in South Asia.
Training in Action: securing heritage and building resilience after conflict in North Africa.
Research Themes
The department has six research and impact groups that represent key strengths in our current research profile: Bioarchaeology, Landscapes of Complex Society, Prehistoric Worlds, Northern Communities, Heritage Partnerships, and Material and Visual Culture.
Like to Know More?
As well as the departmental research and impact groups, Archaeology is home to the Durham Centre for Cultural Heritage Protection (DCCHP), which builds on expertise available in the Department.
Archaeology also hosts archaeological commercial units, offering a range of specialist services:
- Archaeological Services, Durham University (main commercial unit of the Department)
- Durham Archaeomaterials Research Centre (DARC – an example of our range of specialist commercial archaeological services available in the Department)