Organisation profile

Archaeology at Edinburgh has a dynamic, internationally recognised research profile. Teaching and research extends across Eurasia, Africa and the Americas, and spans the whole human past from the Stone Age up to the present day. We have particular strengths in European prehistory, Mediterranean archaeology, Egyptology, osteoarchaeology, bioarchaeology, isotope geochemistry, coastal and marine archaeology, and cultural heritage studies. Our research is challenge-led and considers how past data and practice can inform solutions to modern problems such as climate change, health, conflict, infrastructural development, increasing urbanisation and identity building as well as how heritage can create tangible benefits for local communities and marginalised communities.

The research community of teaching staff and postdoctoral researchers are served by state-of-the-art facilities, including laboratories, postgraduate research rooms, post-excavation work space, lecture and seminar rooms, a graphics suite with high-level computing support, and the Vere Gordon Childe Collection of archaeological materials. Financial mechanisms for promoting research include postgraduate scholarships and bursaries and the Abercromby Fund to support travel relating to dissertation research.

Our research is structured around four broad research themes:

• Prehistoric archaeology
• Classical and historical archaeology
• Bioarchaeology
• Archaeological Science