Archaeology at Cardiff University ranked in global Top 100
25 March 2026
Archaeology at Cardiff University has been recognised among the world’s best after entering the Top 100 of the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026.
The QS World University Rankings, published annually, analyse over 6,000 institutions across 166 locations worldwide.
They are a key measure of global success for higher education, evaluating universities based on student experience, global partnerships, research opportunities, and the quality of teaching.
Archaeology is one of eight subjects at Cardiff University that are now ranked in the global Top 100.
Professor Vicki Cummings, current Head of the School of History, Archaeology and Religion and future Co-Head of the new School of Global Humanities, said:
Our success in the rankings clearly demonstrates the outstanding research and student experience in this subject area at Cardiff University. It is a testament to the incredible commitment and dedication of the Archaeology and Conservation team who are passionate about teaching and researching the past.
Archaeology has a long history at Cardiff University with more than 100 years of teaching excellence, transformative research, and strong community engagement.
In recent years, archaeology colleagues have increased cultural participation and community value through the CAER Heritage Project and the Guerilla Archaeology initiative, saved metal heritage for future generations, and created meaningful change in heritage practice. In the last Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), Archaeology at Cardiff University placed 9th in the UK and 5th for the impact of its research.
Since 2020, multi-million pound investment has enhanced lab and specialist facilities - supporting world-class teaching and research that’s shaping the next generation of archaeologists and conservators.
From September 2026, Archaeology will be part of the new School of Global Humanities. Subjects from across the arts and humanities will be brought together in a community focused on global cultures, ideas, values and experiences - exploring how diversity helps us better understand what it means to be human.
Find out more about our archaeology programmes:
Undergraduate
Postgraduate