UoA 15 Archaeology
We are one of the oldest archaeology departments in the UK and celebrated our centenary in 2020. We have an international reputation for excellence in archaeological science and field research, conservation, heritage practice and public engagement.
Archaeology at Cardiff scored an overall GPA of 3.40, placing us 9th in the UK. We are 5th for impact and 6th for our research outputs. Over 90% of our research outputs are deemed world-leading or internationally excellent in terms of originality, significance, and rigour.
We foster an inclusive, diverse and collaborative research community. Reflective of this, we submitted 100% of our eligible staff to this Unit of Assessment.
Our results
| Quality level | 4 star % | 3 star % | 2 star % | 1 star % | Unclassifed % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 46.0% | 48.0% | 6.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Outputs | 41.5% | 48.7% | 9.8% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Impact | 75.0% | 25.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Environment | 12.5% | 87.5% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
Our research environment
Our work centres around 3 major themes: Human and Animal Lifeways, the Material World, and Heritage Science and Practice, and is carried out across the globe with a particular focus on north-west Europe and the Mediterranean.
Research projects include the impact of the Norman Conquest on health and nutrition; the relationship between humans, artefacts, place and time; and conservation of heritage iron ranging from small artefacts to ships such as the SS Great Britain.
Fieldwork and data collection is an important part of our research and recent projects include Çatalhöyük (Turkey), Hillforts of Lippe (Germany), Bornais (South Uist), the Caerleon Roman Legionary Fortress and the award-winning CAER Heritage Project (Cardiff), where we collaborate with colleagues in History and members of the local community.
Our research funding comes from a variety of organisations including Arts and Humanities Research Council, Natural Environment Research Council, Leverhulme Trust, Historic Environment Scotland and European sources, such as Marie Curie-Sklodowska fellowships.
We have extensive laboratories housing a suite of analytical, visualisation and field equipment accessible to staff and students. We have upgraded and extended our facilities and equipment to support innovation in research.
Our staff play an important role in advising museums, archaeology units, governments and agencies in the management of heritage in Wales, the United Kingdom, and across the globe.
Discover our research
Find out how our research is addressing present and emerging global challenges and social responsibilities, related to heritage practice, and enhancing the research base, economy and society.
