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
Dr. Thom on changes to HCA
January 31, 2026
Dr. Brian Thom wrote a op-ed, "B.C. archeaological sites are not a ‘misfortune'," that was published in the Times Colonist on the weekend. Read the article here.
Dr. Dordunoo's new article
January 28, 2026
Dr. Dzifa Dordunoo has a recently published article, "Systemic barriers to donation for African, Caribbean and Black communities: A qualitative key informant study," in the journal of Transfusion...
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...
