Anthropology
Anthropology is the study of what it means to be human, whether in the past, the present or the future.
Anthropologists apply research approaches including ethnography, audio-visual and digital methods, excavations, fieldwork and lab-based work. Faculty in the department have undertaken research around the world.
Study anthropology at UVic
Drawing on insights from the social sciences, the sciences and the humanities, anthropologists study how humans have emerged and organized ourselves. Embracing the full diversity of humanity across time and space, anthropologists at UVic work in fields such as:
- human history and material culture (archaeology)
- human evolution and primatology (biological anthropology)
- human culture and society (socio-cultural anthropology)
At UVic, anthropology undergraduate and graduate students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of hands-on and experiential learning opportunities, including field schools and co-operative education.
From small class sizes to hands-on and international learning, learn why you should study anthropology at UVic.
Announcements
Dr. Kalan and colleague publish new piece on animal cultures in SCIENCE
April 3, 2025
Protecting animal material culture is important for primate conservation and our understanding of human technical evolution. Read the article here.
PhD candidate's article published
March 27, 2025
Our PhD candidate, Leah Mernaugh Bergman, just had an article published in the Journal of Hindu Christian Studies titled "Disentangling Yoga: A Christian Take on a “Universal”...
GAB Lab interview on ape adaptations to human disturbance
March 24, 2025
News story in the Mongabay based on paper written by Miranda Gilbert and co-author Dr. Ammie Kalan titled "As apes adapt to human disturbance, their new behaviors also put them at risk:...
PhD student Mavis Underwood receives King's Coronation medal
March 19, 2025
Congratulations to our PhD student Mavis Underwood on receiving the King's Coronation medal! Discover her inspiring journey of dedication to First Nations communities, leadership in...
Dr. Thom quoted in The Discourse
March 13, 2025
Dr. Brian Thom was quoted in The Discourse on issues of aboriginal title and rights on Vancouver Island’s private forest lands. This story is connected to our SSHRC-funded The Great Land...
