2 Introduction to the department and parent faculty

Introduction to the department and faculty - published for 2023-24

2.1 Introduction to the department and its history

The Institute of Archaeology (IoA) was formally opened in 1937 as a centre for teaching and research in archaeology.  Originally an independent Institute within the federal University of London, it was incorporated into UCL in 1986, and subsequently amalgamated with several pre-existing UCL Departments (Egyptology, Classical Archaeology, Medieval Archaeology), significantly broadening its coverage of world archaeology. Today, it is pre-eminent in the world of archaeology, archaeological science, heritage studies, museum studies and conservation studies, offering a broad variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programmes and undertaking wide ranging research.  It has close contacts with other Departments in UCL as well as with many other archaeological organisations in Britain and abroad.  Numerous contract research staff, externally-funded researchers, and its own commercial rescue archaeological unit ensure that its work remains both well-grounded and widely-integrated across the full range of archaeological research and practice. It is the largest university-based archaeological institution in Britain, with more than 500 students and over 70 academic teaching staff, all of whom are actively engaged in research.

Institute students come from many different countries, age groups and backgrounds. There are about 200 undergraduates, and over 400 graduates studying taught Master's degrees or engaged in research for MPhil and PhD degrees. They all contribute to the Institute's wide-ranging research, with staff and students currently engaged in field projects and research collaborations in 30 countries on five continents world-wide. All this ensures that the Institute of Archaeology is a lively and exciting place in which to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies.  

Our mission is:

• To be internationally pre-eminent in the study, and comparative analysis, of world archaeology.  
• To enhance our national and international reputation for the quality and breadth of our multi-disciplinary and thematic approach to the study of the human past.  
• To promote best practice in the management of cultural heritage and in the care and preservation of archaeological artefacts.  
• To promote awareness of the problems caused by illicit trade in antiquities and the destruction of archaeological heritage that it entails.
• To ensure that the social, political and economic contexts of the practice of archaeology are taught and appreciated.  
• To be at the forefront of international research in archaeological sciences.  
• To play a major role in furthering the understanding of London's archaeological and historical past.  
• To provide archaeological opportunities of the highest quality to all, regardless of background.  

2.2 Explanation of the relationship between department and faculty

Social and Historical Sciences

The Institute is part of the Faculty of Social and Historical Sciences, one of UCL’s 11 faculties. 

The Faculty of Social and Historical Sciences is a large and vibrant community of academics and students working across nine academic departments and institutes. The work of the faculty ranges across the social sciences, humanities and sciences, and cuts across traditional disciplinary boundaries. Its academics are opening up new areas of study and they are deepening knowledge about issues that have long been on research agendas.

The Faculty’s academic and administrative management is aligned with that of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities and the School of Slavonic and East European Studies. The close collaboration between these areas creates a vibrant interdisciplinary culture, providing students with a vast range of opportunities to enrich their academic experience at UCL.

Most issues concerning your studies will be dealt with by the department in the first instance, but some matters, particularly those affecting your registration as a student, such as a change of programme or an interruption of study, may need to be referred to the Joint Faculties Education and Student Team for approval. The Faculty Tutor, Prof Arne Hofmann oversees all learning and teaching matters as well as student care issues for taught degree programmes in the faculty. The Faculty Graduate Tutor, Prof Andrew Bevan, oversees research degree programmes.

2.3 Key staff members within the department and faculty 

The Joint Faculties Education and Students Team coordinates all work related to taught students’ learning, teaching, and assessment on behalf of the faculty. They will usually be contacted via the department office, but can be contacted by using the below email address: 

• ah-shs-faculty@ucl.ac.uk

Research student matters, including, where appropriate, the research aspects of programmes such as the MRes, are overseen by the Faculty Graduate Tutor. Again, they will usually be contacted via the department, but can also be reached by using the above email address. 

Enquiries

Please contact the Academic Administrator, Judy Medrington, with queries related to your schedule, module or degree changes, coursework extensions, and provision for those with disabilities. Arrangements for in-person or Teams meetings will be made as appropriate.

Key Departmental Contacts

Academic Contacts:

Faculty contacts:

Faculty Tutor: Dr Arne Hofmann 
Deputy Faculty Tutor: Matteo Fumagalli
Faculty Head of Student Casework: Claire Hartill
Faculty Quality Assurance and Governance Officer: Kitty Ho
Faculty Student Administrator: Matteo Fumagalli

Postgraduate Research students

Prof Andy Bevan, Faculty Graduate Tutor (Research)

To contact any of the above please email ah-shs-faculty@ucl.ac.uk.