Archaeology

Archaeology lets you explore past humanity. It spans from prehistoric times to industrialization and globalization. And, it lets you consider key challenges of modern society. These include climate change, new technology's impact, and subtle understandings of gender, culture, and conflict.

We study past people through science. We analyze artefacts, texts, inscriptions, architecture, human remains, and landscapes. In the course, you will cover Egypt, the Near East, the Mediterranean, the British Isles, and North-West Europe.

You will work in the department of Classics, Ancient History, Archaeology and Egyptology (CAHAE). You will have a great chance to use staff expertise in material culture, ancient history, language, and literature. Staff are also experts in the fields on the subjects of social complexity, ancient writing, belief systems, and funerary rites.

You'll explore artefacts, buildings, and old texts. You'll handle our object collections in our labs and get exclusive access to the archives and experts of the Manchester Museum. You'll also go on trips to amazing sites.

Fieldwork training is integral to all our courses: you will have the opportunity to dig for at least four weeks, with your first two weeks in year one, followed by a further two weeks in year two.

Our past students have worked on sites of global importance, such as Stonehenge, Star Carr, and Easter Island. They have uncovered everything from the first British Mesolithic art to a Viking boat burial in Scotland.

Use our dedicated collections, labs, study spaces, and libraries to pursue your interests. Our award-winning teachers and top researchers will support you. You'll join our community, which is passionate about understanding the ancient world.