About us

Reading has a friendly and energetic Department of Archaeology, with an international reputation in research and teaching. The University of Reading has been awarded the Queen's Anniversary Prize 2009 in recognition of the excellence of the University's department of archaeology, which, uniquely within the study of archaeology, combines ground-breaking research, enterprise and teaching.

The School of Human and Environmental Sciences combines the disciplines of archaeology, environmental science, geography, geoscience and soil science, providing unique opportunities in study and research, concerning the natural, social and built environments.

We have our own modern building and as part of the School of Human and Environmental Sciences, we have access to a wide range of excellent scientific facilities, laboratories and expertise. Our staff research interests focus on European and Mediterranean archaeology from early prehistory to the later medieval period, and on social archaeology, environmental archaeology and geoarchaeology.

Undergraduate and postgraduate courses are wide-ranging and include archaeological science, theory and practical experience of archaeology in the field through our training excavation at Silchester. 

Our teaching provision has been graded excellent by the Quality Assurance Agency.

The School of Human and Environmental Sciences is a holder of the Bronze Athena SWAN Department award.