XClose

Institute of Archaeology

Menu

UCL Institute of Archaeology

Founded in 1937, the UCL Institute of Archaeology is one of the largest centres for archaeology, cultural heritage and museum studies in Britain.
People (students) sitting in a roundhouse examining artefacts at Butser Ancient Farm

Study

Our Degree Programmes offer an unrivalled variety of thematic module options, both theoretical and practical, and wide-ranging fieldwork opportunities.

A small group of people walking across a seaside landscape on a sunny day

Research

Our world-class research spans archaeology, heritage, conservation, artefact studies, theoretical and analytical work across a range of perspectives.

People at an academic exhibition/open day with banners in the background and tables of merchandise

News & Events

We host both specialist and public events promoting research, teaching and public policy debate on aspects of the study of Archaeology and Heritage.

Close up image of three people in the rain smiling at the camera

People

Find contact information for Institute Academics, Professional Services Staff, Honorary Professors and Researchers. 

Members of UCL Institute of Archaeology and ASE staff at UCL East in March 2024

About Us

Information about our history, publications and our world-renowned Library as well as our management sections.

Indiana Bones, Institute of Archaeology therapy dog

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to inclusivity and access for everyone and aim to create a supportive, welcoming environment.

UCL Institute of Archaeology staff and students actively pursue research on a global scale in the archaeological sciences, heritage studies and world archaeology. We offer Undergraduate, Graduate Taught and Graduate Research Programmes to UK/EU and overseas students. Opportunities are also available to affiliate students wishing to spend some time at UCL during their own degree programmes. 

Applicants

UCL Students welcome event 2021 (Image copyright: James Tye https://jamestye.com/)

Current Students

A dark-haired woman wearing a dark red top and blue plastic gloves holding a patterned pottery item

Staff Members

People at the UCL Institute of Archaeology

Director's message to our students

Prof Kevin MacDonald, UCL Institute of Archaeology, with Downley Field School supervisors

Welcome to the UCL Institute of Archaeology (IoA).

You are now a member of the IoA with its long tradition of excellence and inquiry. You are also a member of UCL and will be able to enjoy the benefits of studying in a diverse, highly-ranked university.

I invite you to take full advantage of the unique opportunities which now lie before you...[read more]

Recent videos

View other videos on the UCL Institute of Archaeology (IoA) YouTube channel.

The Future of Archaeology in England

YouTube Widget Placeholderhttps://youtu.be/YRnVln19AwA

Kevin MacDonald (UCL Institute of Archaeology response) 

The Future of Archaeology in England 

YouTube Widget Placeholderhttps://youtu.be/ypEDmKtlSf0

Andrew Gardner & Vicki Cummings (UAUK response)

ASE is 50!

Archaeology South-East celebrates its 50th anniversary

YouTube Widget Placeholderhttps://youtu.be/TNXq9HDv6W4

 

 

What is your most fascinating find?

YouTube Widget Placeholderhttps://youtu.be/jb7OHDRy6Fo

 

 

CIFA/UAUK Degree Accreditation logo
Friend of out@UCL logo
Athena Swan Bronze Award logo

UCL Institute of Archaeology 3rd in the World in the QS World University Rankings by Subject (2025) (infographic with image of UCL portico)

Welcome to our new students!

A large group of students sitting in a white-walled lecture theatre with two men standing in the middle of the rows of seats. Text superimposed on the image 'Welcome! 2024 Archaeology Undergraduates'

Welcome to one of the biggest and most dynamic centres for Archaeology in the UK and the world.  

Time to get excited! 
#ThinkDifferentlyThinkArchaeology
#LocalAndGlobal

Follow us 

Facebook icon

Facebook

Black logo with capital letter X

X (Twitter)

Bluesky social media icon - blue butterfly

Bluesky

Instagram icon

Instagram

Soundcloud icon

Soundcloud

YouTube icon

YouTube 

Contact us

General Enquiries 

Email: ioa-reception@ucl.ac.uk 
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7679 7495

Undergraduate Admissions enquiries

Email: c.frearson@ucl.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7679 1494

Graduate Admissions enquiries

Email: l.daniel@ucl.ac.uk 
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7679 7499 

Press and media enquiries

UCL Media Relations
Telephone: +44 (0)20 3108 3846 or +44 (0)7747 565 056

Location and address for courier deliveries

UCL Institute of Archaeology, 31-34 Gordon Square, London WC1H 0PY, UK

Getting to us by public transport

The Institute is within walking distance from major national and international railway and underground stations - Euston, King's Cross-St Pancras; Russell Square and Goodge Street. The nearest bus stop is on Tavistock Square and serves routes 68, 91 and 168.

View Map

Sustainable travel

Cycle and Walk to UCL

UCL maps

UCL maps

UCL Student Support 

Support and wellbeing 

UCL 24/7 Student Support Line

Intranet

The intranet, for current staff and students of the UCL Institute of Archaeology, contains information on Institute policies and procedures, facilities, HR, as well as administrative forms. The intranet has been migrated recently to SharePoint and is still under construction.

Access the Intranet here

Information is also available on the Current Students section of the website, including the IoA Student Handbook and IoA Study Skills Guide.