Are you fascinated by human history and prehistory but find the prospect of a desk job unappealing? If you thrive on discovery, pursuing an Archaeology or Anthropology degree could be your ideal career path.
Archaeology is a captivating field that empowers graduates to bridge the gap between historical theory and physical reality through the excavation of artifacts and the analysis of material remains at active dig sites.
But which institutions offer the best archaeology programs worldwide? What do current students and alumni say about their experiences? Let’s explore the top-ranked schools.
1. Best Archaeology schools – QS Rankings by Subject 2021
- , the UK
- , the UK
- , the UK
- , the UK
- , the US
- , the US
- , the US
- , the Netherlands
- , the US
- , Italy
Review the full Archaeology subject ranking created by TopUniversities to see how global institutions compare.
2. Best Archaeology schools – Times Higher Education Rankings 2022
- Stanford University, the US
- , the US
- University of Cambridge, the UK
- University of Oxford, the UK
- UCL, the UK
- Harvard University, the US
- , the US
- UCB, the US
- , the UK
- , the US
You can also compare additional top-ranked archaeology departments by visiting the official Times Higher Education rankings.
In addition to those rankings, here are other prestigious archaeology schools we highly recommend for your studies:
- , the UK
- , Israel
Student reviews of the best Archaeology schools in the world
While university rankings are an excellent starting point for planning your studies abroad, they should be just one factor in your decision-making process.
Real-world student reviews provide invaluable insights into campus culture, lecture quality, and the overall student experience. Here is what some students have to say:
The University of Edinburgh – student review
“My studies have fostered a new way of critical thinking. I truly value how the school promotes inclusivity and kindness alongside rigorous analysis. In a competitive world, this university stands out for its supportive and uplifting community.”
“The curriculum is expertly designed, and the student support services are exceptional—easily the best I’ve experienced in North America. The feedback loop ensures you are consistently guided toward academic success.”
Harvard University – student review
“My overall experience was positive, and I was grateful to receive a research bursary in my final year. The mentorship from my supervisors was highly beneficial. If I had one critique, it would be that I wanted even more time to dedicate to my independent research.”
University College London (UCL) – student review
“UCL offers an incredible variety of modules. The highlight for me has been the practical fieldwork opportunities, which allowed me to gain essential, hands-on experience in the field.”
“The mentorship from both peers and faculty is excellent. I always feel informed about the support services available, whether I need guidance on my academic progress, career planning, or general wellbeing.”
Sapienza University of Rome – student review
“My university life was a transformative experience. I learned to balance hard work with active class participation, ensuring that all my assignments were completed and submitted on time.”
“I always felt encouraged to contribute creative and original ideas during lectures. This experience has fueled my desire to travel and explore different cultures firsthand.”
Leiden University – student review
“It has been an amazing experience. The subjects are deeply engaging, the professors are highly knowledgeable, and the international environment provides a fantastic support network for all students.”