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.
Announcements
Dr. Nowell comments on Neandertal diet
October 27, 2025
Dr. April Nowell comments in Live Science on Neandertal diets in an article titled "Did Neanderthals eat anything other than meat?". Read the article here.
Dr. Nowell on Neandertal maternal-fetal incompatibility
October 27, 2025
Dr. April Nowell comments on maternal-fetal incompatibility hastening the extinction of Neandertals in Live Science article titled "Differences in red blood cells may have 'hastened the extinction'...
Dr. Thom on record-breaking lawsuit
October 21, 2025
Dr. Brian Thom comments on "What a record-breaking lawsuit reveals about tensions between private property and Indigenous rights" in The Discourse. Read the article here.
Dr. Degai's new paper
October 15, 2025
Congratulations to Dr. Degai on the publishing of her new paper titled "Multi-level salmon governance and adaptation to institutional change in Indigenous fishing communities in Kamchatka,...
Dr. Thom on parallels between Cowichan Tribes and Japan’s Jōmon peoples
October 4, 2025
Dr. Brian Thom was interviewed by Times Colonist in an article titled "Exchange highlights parallels between Cowichan Tribes and Japan’s Jōmon peoples". Read the article here.
