About the Department of Archaeology

Archaeology at Nottingham has always been a friendly and welcoming Department. Our  staff and students form a community, sharing a common enthusiasm for the past, whether it be centred upon:

• the origins of human culture
• prehistory 
• the Greek and Roman world
• the Dark Ages
• the medieval period

Our students are encouraged to develop their own specialist interests, to be involved in the research and field projects carried out by staff, and to study in the relaxed and informal atmosphere which is so much a part of the Department's character. Read more about the history of the Department of Archaeology.

 

Teaching and research

Students in the Department of Archaeology are involved in a variety of teaching environments, research techniques and archaeological periods. Most students study for a BA degree and are expected to understand the advantages of using scientific techniques but are not expected to carry out hard science. However, for those interested in the sciences, we also offer a BSc in Archaeology.

The research interests of our staff are extensive, as is the wide range of specialist knowledge available to students who study archaeology at The University of Nottingham. Although Britain is a core element of our studies, we also cover other regions, from the north of Scotland to Scandinavia, continental Europe to the Mediterranean, and from North Africa to the Near East.

Student support

The importance of pastoral care and support is recognised as a key aspect of our responsibility. All students have regular meetings with tutors, to whom they can turn for help or advice. They can also see the senior tutor, a member of staff with experience and expertise in helping students who have personal problems or need further help in developing study skills.

Facilities

Teaching on materials science, zooarchaeology (the study of ancient animal bones) and archaeobotany (the study of plant remains) is provided in our well-equipped and recently extended laboratories. In addition to our laboratories dedicated to the study of materials, we have a substantial facility of national and international importance, an electron microprobe, which is supported by an archaeological technician and used extensively in international research and in teaching. More about departmental facilities.

Research Centre and Institutes

Research centres play a central role in disseminating results to an international public and coordinating research within the Department. The Department is host to the Centre for Spartan and Peloponnesian Studies (CSPS), the Centre for Late Antique and Byzantine Studies (CLABS), and the Underwater Archaeology Research Centre (UARC). More about our research centres.