About Us

The Institute of Archaeology forms part of the Faculty of Social & Historical Sciences. Administratively we are organised into three Sections - Archaeological Sciences, Heritage Studies, and World Archaeology, with academic, research and technical staff being allocated to the most relevant Section to their interests.

We aim to provide archaeological opportunities of the highest quality to all, regardless of background, focusing on the importance of the past in the present and for the future.

The Institute of Archaeology’s 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 study, 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

Archaeological Sciences

Cutting-edge research and teaching in Environmental Archaeology, Archaeological Materials and Computational Modelling.

Heritage Studies

Interdisciplinary research and teaching in Museum Studies, Conservation, Cultural Heritage Studies and Public Archaeology.

World Archaeology

Unparalleled global expertise building upon 85 years of agenda-setting and progressive research and teaching activity.

History of the Institute of Archaeology

History of the Institute of Archaeology

From its establishment by Mortimer and Tessa Wheeler, the Institute of Archaeology has a long history, celebrating its 85th Anniversary in 2022.

Institute of Archaeology Library

The Institute of Archaeology Library was founded in 1937 to support teaching and research at the new Institute and contains c.70,000 books, and 800 current journals.

Institute of Archaeology Publications

Institute of Archaeology Publications

Institute of Archaeology publications, produced in association with publishers, reflect the breadth of research supported by us.

Manuel Arroyo-Kalin, collaborative partners and indigenous researchers in Brazil

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Partnerships of equality

We believe in a global archaeology that critically engages with the difficult legacies of our field, centres people and places once pushed to the margins, and actively debates our discipline's role in, and obligations, to the world today.

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