Are you fascinated by ancient history? Do you like discovering and learning about past cultures? If so, you may want to study archaeology in higher education. This field is more than lectures and books. It is an exciting academic discipline that connects you to different branches of the humanities and social sciences and can open many opportunities.
Archaeology studies human history and cultures through material remains, sites, artifacts, and other evidence. Thanks to archaeologists, we can better understand past societies and the ways they continue to shape the present. As an archaeology student, you may take part in fieldwork, laboratory work, research, and heritage projects.
Studying archaeology can also open opportunities for professional growth. Studying abroad can help you gain a wider perspective on the field, but which country should you consider? In this article, let’s talk about the best countries to study archaeology. Let’s dig in!
Top Countries to Study Archaeology
1. United Kingdom
Famous discoveries connected with British archaeology include the tomb of the 18th Dynasty pharaoh Tutankhamun, uncovered in 1922 by a team led by British archaeologist Howard Carter, and the remains of King Richard III, found in Leicester in 2012 by University of Leicester archaeologists. Beyond these discoveries, archaeologists working in the UK have contributed to field methods, research, and heritage practice in Europe and globally. As a student here, you can learn in a country with a long history of archaeological study.
Aside from being a strong country for archaeology, the United Kingdom is home to well-established educational institutions. British universities and colleges are widely known for research and education for local and international students. Studying archaeology at a British university can give you access to lectures, fieldwork, laboratories, museums, libraries, and research resources.
One British university, the University of Oxford, offers undergraduate and graduate study routes in archaeology. Other universities, such as the University of Cambridge and the University of York, also offer archaeology programs at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
2. United States of America
- Universities to consider: Columbia University | University of Pennsylvania
- Reasons: Interdisciplinary archaeology programs, strong research culture, museums, fieldwork opportunities, and a wide range of related social science and humanities courses
Donald Johanson, Linda Braidwood, and Carl Blegen are among the American archaeologists who significantly contributed to the field. These archaeologists worked on different sites, cultures, and research questions. Aside from them, many American archaeologists have had an impact on global historical research. Studying in the United States of America can expose you to a broad and interdisciplinary archaeology environment.
The USA is a strong option for students who want archaeology programs connected to anthropology, art history, classics, history, environmental studies, museum studies, and cultural heritage. American educational institutions include universities with well-developed research facilities, museums, and fieldwork networks. These resources can help students build a wider perspective in archaeology.
American universities have centers, galleries, museums, and other learning resources for students and staff. During their programs, archaeology students may attend lectures, join field or laboratory projects, and collaborate across departments. Universities such as Columbia University and the University of Pennsylvania offer archaeology-related majors, graduate programs, certificates, or research pathways.
3. Switzerland
- Universities to consider: University of Basel | University of Bern
- Reasons: Archaeology and ancient civilizations programs, practical exercises, field trips, excavation opportunities, and access to several archaeological subfields
Moving to Central Europe, Switzerland is another excellent country to consider if you are interested in archaeology. This country has a respected higher education system, and several Swiss universities offer study options in archaeology, ancient civilizations, and related fields.
Archaeology students in Swiss universities can receive training through seminars, practical exercises, field trips, and excavation opportunities. At the University of Basel, the Department of Ancient Civilizations includes subject areas such as Classical Archaeology, Egyptology, and Pre- and Protohistoric and Provincial Roman Archaeology.
You can also find practical and research-focused study options at Swiss universities. The University of Bern offers archaeology study programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels through its Institute of Archaeological Sciences. Additionally, Switzerland has a rich cultural environment and a high quality of life, making it an appealing place to study.
4. Australia
More than its natural wonders, Australia has archaeological evidence connected to Aboriginal occupation of mainland Australia dating back at least 65,000 years. The country also has museums, heritage sites, rock art, maritime archaeology, historical archaeology, and Indigenous archaeology resources. For archaeology majors, learning in this environment can deepen their knowledge and practical skills.
Australia is a strong country for students who want hands-on archaeological training. Australian universities may offer field schools, laboratory classes, heritage management training, and opportunities to study Indigenous, historical, maritime, and environmental archaeology.
If you are going to study here, you can consider Flinders University, which offers a Bachelor of Archaeology as well as postgraduate options in archaeology, heritage management, and maritime archaeology. Another university, the University of Western Australia, offers an archaeology major with units in areas such as archaeobotany, archaeozoology, dating methods, DNA analysis, fieldwork, heritage, maritime archaeology, Indigenous archaeology, and rock art.
5. Netherlands
- Universities to consider: University of Amsterdam | University of Groningen
- Reasons: English-taught archaeology programs, research master’s options, fieldwork and laboratory training, and strong links to European archaeology and heritage studies
The Netherlands is a strong country to consider for archaeology, especially for students interested in European archaeology, heritage, museums, and archaeological research. The country has archaeological sites, collections, and museums that can support classroom learning with real-world examples.
Dutch universities offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in archaeology. As you study here, you can find programs that combine theory, methods, research, and practical training. At the graduate level, students may choose from different research areas and specializations, including European and Mediterranean archaeology, digital archaeology and heritage, and archaeological research.
Dutch educational institutions such as the University of Amsterdam and the University of Groningen offer degrees and programs in archaeology and related fields.
Archaeology is a fascinating discipline if you are interested in discovering new things about the past. From the United Kingdom and Switzerland to the Netherlands, you will not run short of universities to consider for archaeology studies. Many universities and external funders also offer scholarships that may help support your studies, and you can explore this list of fully funded scholarships on our page.
We hope that this article on the best countries to study archaeology abroad was helpful. If you are interested, check out the Available Programs for International Students!
