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
Mapping the aspirations and challenges of the Hul’q’umi’num’ peoples
July 17, 2026
Interview with Dr. Thom on a new book chapter highlighting a series of detailed maps, bearing witness to the territorial challenges to Indigenous livelihoods for the Hul'q'umi'num' peoples on...
UVic libraries featuring local field school
July 17, 2026
New(ish) UVic Libraries Welcome video which features Dr. Brian Thom's 2023 local field school. Discover how library collections and educational initiatives help foster a deeper...
SSCIP 2027 conference at UVic
July 16, 2026
Society for the Study of Childhood in the Past (SSCIP) 19th annual conference in 2027 will be hosted by Dr. April Nowell at the University of Victoria, BC, Canada June 23-25,...
Welcome to new writer-in-residence
July 10, 2026
Did you know anthropology is one of the departments at UVic participating in the new writers-in-residence pilot program? We are excited to welcome Aberdeen Roy as our new undergrad...
Dr. Nowell in Live Science article
July 7, 2026
Dr. April Nowell is quoted in an article "Neanderthals and modern humans may have shared culture 59,000 years ago in Turkey, study finds" in Live Science. Read here.
Events
