Anthropology

What you’ll study

• Human history and material culture (archaeology)
• Human evolution and primates (biological anthropology)
• Culture, society and global issues (cultural anthropology)

What you’ll actually do

• Conduct fieldwork and excavations
• Use lab tools and digital research methods
• Work with communities on real projects
• Analyze human behaviour, culture and environments

Customize your degree

Choose a focus that matches your interests and career goals. You can combine areas or specialize as you progress.

• Archaeology
• Biological Anthropology
• Cultural Anthropology
• Visual Anthropology

Community engagement option

• Build experience working directly with communities while earning your degree.
• Take courses focused on community-based research
• Work alongside real organizations and partners
• Learn ethical, respectful approaches to collaboration
• Gain practical skills for careers in policy, non-profits, research and beyond

Earn while you learn

Co-operative Education (Co-op)

• Through UVic’s Co-op program, you’ll apply what you learn in paid, career-related positions that count toward your degree—and give you a head start after graduation.
• Co-op is available to everyone, including international students with co-op work permits.
• On average, 70 percent of UVic Co-op students graduate with a job offer already in hand.
• Unlike at some universities, at UVic, you don’t have to compete for a spot in Co-op.

Labs & research spaces

• Archaeology Lab: Work with collections, microscopes and digital tools
• Biological Lab: Use 3D scanners and analytical tools on skeletal material
• Counter Currency Lab: Analyze archival records and historical materials
• Ethnographic Mapping Lab: Map cultures, communities and environments
• Visual Anthropology & Sound Labs: Produce films, audio and multimedia projects
• Zooarchaeology Lab: Study animal remains to understand past environments and diets

Student life & community

• Undergraduate BBQ: Start your year by meeting students, faculty and Elders. 
• Bunch of Anthropology Students (B.O.A.S.): Meet people who are just as curious about the world as you are. Join a student-led group for events, hangouts and a built-in community from day one.
• Anthropology Colloquium Series: Hear from local and international researchers Learn about current research and career pathways

Real student experience

“I never saw myself doing this.”

Jennifer Preece stepped out of her comfort zone to present her research—and discovered a passion that led to real work in her community.

Read Jennifer's story

Careers

Possible career paths:

• Archaeologist
• Cultural anthropologist
• Policy or social research analyst
• Museum curator or educator
• Public health or community outreach worker
• Immigration or international development specialist

Career-ready skills you’ll build:

• Research and data analysis
• Cross-cultural communication
• Fieldwork and project design
• Critical thinking and problem-solving

Admissions

Apply directly to this program as a high school student or a transfer student from another post-secondary institution.

Alternatively, you can apply to another major and then add this program as a minor after one year of full-time study.

Ready to apply?

We'll walk you through all of the steps in the process, from submitting your online application to accepting your offer of admission.