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.
News & stories
Alum's new book
January 27, 2026
Congratulations to our UVic Anthropology alum Angélique Lalonde (BA '02/MA '07/PhD '13) on a new book titled "Variations on a Dream" coming out in February. Link to the book here.
Dr. Nowell on world’s oldest rock art
January 21, 2026
Dr. April Nowell was interviewed on the world’s oldest rock art—a 68,000 year old handprint from Sulawasi (Indonesia): Art Newspaper (online and print publication with offices...
Dr. Thom on BC Heritage Conservation Act
January 20, 2026
Dr. Brian Thom was quoted in an interview with the Vancouver Sun and Times Colonist this week about the delays to the long-anticiapted and needed reforms to the BC Heritage Conservation...
Dr. Nowell on 60,000-year-old poison arrowheads
January 7, 2026
Dr. April Nowell is quoted in an article about the use of poison arrows in South Africa about 60,000 years ago in Nature and Nature Briefings.
Dr. Stahl on the Banda project
December 22, 2025
Dr. Ann Stahl (ANTH emeriti and adjunct professor) has recently published a piece reflecting on the shifting direction of the Banda project in the African Archaeological Review titled "From...
