Archaeology

Overview

Key facts

We have unique strengths for student opportunities in historical archaeology, archaeological sciences, and the ancient indigenous past. State-of-the-art laboratories specializing in applied archaeological sciences, archaeobotany, archaeoentomology, archaeological conservation, prehistoric, historical and aboriginal archaeology integrate researchers into community-university research initiatives from Northern Labrador and the Arctic, to French Guiana and from British Columbia to Northwest Europe. 

As one of the largest Archaeology departments in the country, we train our graduate students to become effective researchers, critical thinkers, and active stewards for our shared archaeological heritage.

The Memorial University of Newfoundland accepted our first M.A. thesis in Archaeology in 1972 and since then our graduate students have completed over 140 Master's theses. We introduced a doctoral program in 2001.

What is archaeology?

• Archaeologists and bioarchaeologists study past human cultures and behaviour through the material left behind: artifacts and features, plant and animal remains, human remains, sediments, sites, and their associated landscapes. 

• Our students engage in practical training and experiential learning in classroom, laboratory and field work settings that provide a comprehensive education and transferable skills. 

• State of the art laboratories specializing in applied archaeological sciences, archaeobotany, archaeological conservation, and prehistoric, historical and Indigenous archaeology integrate students into community-university research initiatives from Northern Labrador to French Guiana and from British Columbia to Northwest Europe.