Archaeology is a lively and welcoming department that celebrated its 50th anniversary as an academic discipline at the University of Southampton in 2017. We have an international reputation as one of the leading centers for the study of archaeology, with high profile research projects carried out all over the world. Our syllabus covers the span of human history, from the emergence of our species to debates about the role of archaeology in contemporary society. Our staff are involved in archaeological fieldwork and investigations that feed into all our teaching. The range of taught programmes, as well as our research community and excellent facilities, emphasise how archaeology is a truly interdisciplinary subject that bridges the divide between the Humanities and the Sciences.
Our research is global in scope, of exceptional quality; in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework, 100% of our research environment and 73% of our research was ranked world leading and internationally excellent. Southampton Archaeology was ranked third in the UK for research impact, recognising the role that our research plays in enhancing the economy, society, culture, public policy or services, health, the environment or quality of life of people in the UK and internationally.
Ongoing work includes protecting maritime coastal heritage globally, influencing policy and management of prehistoric landscapes in the UK, and supporting policy and business development in the context of Roman archaeology in Italy. Our archaeologists make a significant impact on how the past is recorded and presented, this in turn enhances the economic and cultural life of millions, and how it will be preserved for the future.
It is against this backdrop of exceptional archaeological research and education that ACI is situated. We are able to draw upon staff expertise from across the spectrum of the archaeological discipline to ensure that advice and input that we offer is the most suitable for the projects and people concerned.