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
Tl'ul'thut, Robert Morales, receives honourary doctorate
June 5, 2026
UVic Anthropology professor Brian Thom and UVic Law Professor Sarah Morales co-hosted a symposium on Wednesday, in celebration of the honourary doctorate being presented next week to Tl'ul'thut,...
Article on chimpanzee rock throwing
June 2, 2026
New article by Dr. Ammie Kalan and PhD candidate Robyn Nakano titled "Why do male chimpanzees throw rocks at the same trees for more than a decade? We travelled to remote Guinea-Bissau to find...
New research by Dr. Murray on birth weight and endurance
May 30, 2026
New research by Dr. Alison Murray and colleagues suggests our endurance limits may be shaped at birth. This incredibly unique study shows that birth weight influences how the body responds to...
MA student on Beyond the Jargon Podcast
May 26, 2026
Anthropology master’s student Stephanie Engstrom was featured on an episode of the CFUV 101.9 FM podcast Beyond the Jargon. In the episode, she discusses her research on how human sleep...
Dr. Boudreault-Fournier's photo essay
May 25, 2026
Congratulations to Dr. Alexandrine Boudreault-Fournier (and co) whose photo essay about the real estate situation in Cuba is now published in CITY. In addition to their own, the essay...
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