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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.

Find out more about us
3rd Archaeology and Forensic Science, The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
4th The Complete University Guide 2026
Athena Swan Silver Award since December 2022
6th in the world QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025

The Melsonby Hoard

The Melsonby Hoard is one of the most important Iron Age finds in decades, with over 800 artefacts found.

Find out more about the hoard and its excavation, and how the Department of Archaeology has been involved in preserving and analysing this historic find.
Explore the Melsonby Hoard
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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. 

Find out more about us

  

Our research

This is how we make an impact on the world around us.

Archaeology at Durham has a worldwide reputation for research and impact. Embracing humanities, social sciences and sciences, our inclusive environment thrives upon collective endeavour and co-production and a commitment to address challenges of local, national and global significance.

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Study with Us

  • 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.

    Someone digging, with a bucket full of soil next to them
  • 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.

    PG Photography Summer 2011 - Archaeology Sacrum - resize

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.

Someone digging, with a bucket full of soil next to them

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.

PG Photography Summer 2011 - Archaeology Sacrum - resize

Student Updates

We offer a unique opportunity to write a new chapter in Durham University's proud history.

Highlights

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.
students did in a trench at auckland castle

Work with Us

Interested in joining our vibrant and diverse team? Check out the university jobs portal to see our current vacancies.
Join the Department
Man uncovering a skull on a fieldwork exercise

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.