Anthropology
Anthropology is the study of what it means to be human, whether in the past, the present or the future.
Anthropologists apply research approaches including ethnography, audio-visual and digital methods, excavations, fieldwork and lab-based work. Faculty in the department have undertaken research around the world.
Study anthropology at UVic
Drawing on insights from the social sciences, the sciences and the humanities, anthropologists study how humans have emerged and organized ourselves. Embracing the full diversity of humanity across time and space, anthropologists at UVic work in fields such as:
- human history and material culture (archaeology)
- human evolution and primatology (biological anthropology)
- human culture and society (socio-cultural anthropology)
At UVic, anthropology undergraduate and graduate students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of hands-on and experiential learning opportunities, including field schools and co-operative education.
From small class sizes to hands-on and international learning, learn why you should study anthropology at UVic.
Announcements
Dr. Thom on the Cowichan title case
August 14, 2025
Dr. Brian Thom was had several live CBC engagements discussing the significance of the new BC Supreme Court decision on Cowichan title at the old Tl'uqtinus village site on the Fraser...
Dr. Nowell on Paleolithic Children
July 25, 2025
Dr. April Nowell in the Discovery Magazine on the lives of Paleolithic children titled "Paleolithic Children Played with Mud Balls and Tried to Knock Down Cave Formations". Read the article here.
Coastal Voices Project
July 16, 2025
Newly released 10 minute video: ‘To Do As We Have Always Done’ produced by colleagues Anne Salomon and Hanna Kobluk about the Coastal Voices...
Dr. McKechnie's new article
July 16, 2025
Congratulations to Tinker, M. Tim, Anne K. Salomon, Shawn E. Larson, & Iain McKechnie 2025 on their new article "A catastrophic and unintended experiment: Revising our understanding of sea...
Dr. Thom quoted on CHEK-TV
July 15, 2025
Dr. Brian Thom was quoted on CHEK-TV in an article titled "‘I was disappointed’: SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation says artifacts dug up on Salt Spring...
