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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.

A female student sits with a bone collection

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. Rudnyckyj's new paper

September 10, 2024

Congratulations to Dr. Daromir Rudnyckyj on his new paper in Culture, Theory, and Critique titled “The Protestantism of Neoliberalism". Read the article here.

PhD student's article published

Congratulations to our PhD student Lydia Toorenburgh and Dr. Loren Gaudet (from ATWP) on an article published this week about their success in creating and assessing a section of ATWP 135 that is...

Dr. Brown's new publication

July 26, 2024

Congratulations to Dr. Rachel Brown, our assistant teaching professor (ANTH/CSRS) on her latest publication “Food and Religious Minorities”. You can access the publication here...

Dr. Thom on CBC News Vancouver

July 21, 2024

Dr. Brian Thom was interviewed by the Times Colonist on the upcoming K’ómoks Final Agreement and the opposition to it by the Wei Wai Kum First Nation. Also interviewed by CBC...

PhD student creates safe space

July 15, 2024

PhD student and a Vanier Scholar - Lydia Toorenburgh - creates safe space. As trusted truth tellers, mediators and healers, 2SLGBQIA+ Métis people were once celebrated and respected by...

News & events

Open UVic's Vanier scholars and Banting Fellowship

UVic's Vanier scholars and Banting Fellowship

The University of Victoria is celebrating four outstanding researchers recently announced as 2024 Vanier Canada Graduate Scholars and one prestigious Banting Postdoctoral Fellow.

Open Anthropology grad's international experience

Anthropology grad's international experience

Graduating this spring, anthropology major/sociology minor undergraduate student, Emma Emile appreciates her time at UVic and especially how anthropology “sparked critical reflection on what it...

Open Woolly dog DNA

Woolly dog DNA

In a first high-resolution DNA study of "Mutton"—the only known woolly dog fleece in the world—an international researcher team from the Smithsonian’s Natural Museum of Natural History and UVic,...

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Territory acknowledgement

We acknowledge and respect the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Esquimalt) Peoples on whose territory the university stands, and the Lək̓ʷəŋən and SÁNEĆ Peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.