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. 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...
Endangered Material Knowledge Programme project
December 22, 2025
The digital repository and web landing page for the Endangered Material Knowledge Programme project through the British Museum is now live. This project by Ann B. Stahl (ANTH...
Dr. Nowell on Neanderthals making fire
December 10, 2025
Dr. April Nowell was interviewed for a story on Neanderthals making fire using pyrite in the UK 400,000 yrs ago. Read the article here.
Dr. Murray interviewed on power of female body
December 8, 2025
Dr. Alison Murray was interviewed for Starre Vartan's book, The Stronger Sex, what science tells us about the power of the female body.
Dr. Thom on AI
December 4, 2025
Anthropologists have their eye on AI as a key emerging topic. As early as 2022 Dr. Brian Thom spoke to the potential of AI and machine learning systems to augment Indigenous governments’...
