XClose

Institute of Archaeology

Home
Menu

Teaching Excellence

The UCL Institute of Archaeology is the largest and one of the most highly regarded centres for archaeology, cultural heritage and museum studies in Britain.

Currently ranked 3rd for subject area in the QS World Rankings, the Institute's degree programmes offer an unrivalled variety of course options, both theoretical and practical, covering a diverse array of archaeological topics, and wide-ranging fieldwork opportunities. 

QS World University Ranking 2024 infographic - image of a portico building with a colourful welcome banner displayed and lots of people in the foreground

League tables

  • The Institute is ranked third in the world in the QS World University Subject Rankings for 2024.
  • The Institute is ranked seventh in the UK in the Guardian Newspaper's University Guide 2024 League Table of institutions teaching archaeology and anthropology.

National Student Survey

Student Satisfaction 94-100% in the National Student Survey for the past five years

A National Student Survey of all undergraduate finalists is carried out annually for the UK government. Students rate their institution on a five-point scale with an opportunity to give feedback on all aspects of university life including teaching, assessment and feedback, academic support, organisation and management, learning resources, personal development and overall satisfaction. Students appear to be very happy with the teaching and academic support they receive at the Institute, with significantly higher scores than the average for Archaeology nationwide being obtained under every heading. Data from previous surveys are currently available on the Unistats website.

UCL Education Awards

(formerly Provost's Teaching Awards)

Provost's Teaching Awards

The Provost's Teaching Awards celebrate leadership in teaching and learning across all of UCL's faculties and demonstrate its commitment to continuous innovation in the teaching it offers its students. Since their inception Institute staff have been successful nearly every year. The following staff have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to excellence and innovation in teaching with the achievement of a Provost's Teaching Award:

  • 2015-16: Matthew Pope
  • 2014-15: Andrew Reid & Sarah Dhanjal
  • 2012-13: Marcos Martinón-Torres
  • 2010-11: Bill Sillar
  • 2009-10: Sue Hamilton
  • 2008-09: Roger Matthews
  • 2007-08: Mark Lake, Judy Medrington
  • 2006-07: Thilo Rehren

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

Student Choice Teaching Awards

Awards for Outstanding Teaching, Support for Teaching and Personal Support

The UCLU Student Choice Teaching Awards celebrate outstanding teaching and recognise those that support students in their learning at UCL.  The awards are completely student led - students determine the award categories, set the criteria, nominate the potential awardees and decide who wins the awards.

CIfA and UAUK accreditation for UCL Institute of Archaeology undergraduate degree programmes

UCL Institute of Archaeology student fieldcourse

The Institute of Archaeology was one of 7 universities to be included in the first cohort of archaeology departments to be awarded CIfA accreditation (2020). Accreditation is awarded to those degrees courses that cover a range of National Occupation Standards and provide the skills relevant to a career in the historic environment. This brings archaeology into line with sectors such as engineering, planning and architecture, where choosing an accredited degree is a well-established entry route leading to professional status. 

The Institute was assessed by a joint panel from CIfA and UAUK who reviewed the degree structure and content, visited our teaching facilities and a field training programme. The panel highlighted:

  • The range of facilities available to students is outstanding.
  • There is clearly a strong emphasis on practical teaching and students are well prepared to undertake work in the sector at graduation.
  • Students are well supported in gaining relevant practical experience both in the field and in other contexts.
  • Students clearly benefit from high quality pastoral support.

Student Prizes