The Centre for the Ethics of Cultural Heritage focuses upon the ethical debates surrounding  cultural heritage, in particular relations with indigenous peoples; professional standards and responsibilities; ethical codes; notions of value; concepts of stewardship and custodianship;  the meaning and moral implications of ‘cultural heritage'; who ‘owns' the past or the interpretation of it; roles and responsibilities of museums; the trade in antiquities; opportunities and problems associated with tourism; and the treatment of human remains (including repatriation).

A collaborative research centre, it involves academics and practitioners from the Departments of Archaeology, Anthropology, Philosophy and Law with the intention of creating long-term interdisciplinary research projects, links and publications.

It also aims to provide professional training and consultancy to external bodies, and to create new learning and teaching tools within the university.