Subject Benchmark Statement: Archaeology
Publication date: 30 Mar 2022
Archaeology
Subject Benchmark Statement
Subject Benchmark Statements describe the nature of study and the academic standards expected of graduates in specific subject areas. They show what graduates might reasonably be expected to know, do and understand at the end of their studies.
Below you will find the full Subject Benchmark Statement for Archaeology. Alongside it, we have also published a summary designed to provide a short and accessible overview of the main Statement for students, employers and academics.
Subject Benchmark Statement: Archaeology - The Basics
Publication date: 30 Mar 2022
About this subject
Archaeology provides a unique perspective on the human past and on what it is to be human. As the only subject that addresses the entire human past in all its temporal and spatial dimensions, archaeology offers a vital perspective on how we shape our future collectively.
Archaeology is fundamental to exploring how our own society and other societies across the world came into being, how they changed over time, and how we create and perceive those narratives. While looking back at the human past, archaeology is also a process of the present. It helps us to understand who we are, the challenges we face and to reflect on varied perspectives of the past.
Professor Chris Gerrard - Chair of the Advisory Group
Professor in the Department of Archaeology, University of Durham
A new Statement provides an opportunity to reflect on everything that has changed in archaeology over the past few years including novel technologies and innovative teaching delivery. Archaeology never stands still as a discipline, and we hope the Subject Benchmark Statement will now be used to inspire and guide the next generation of courses. It is the platform we need to drive change and maintain our world-leading position in education.
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