Archaeology and conservation at Cardiff University among top 20 in the UK
10 June 2026
Archaeology and conservation at Cardiff University has been recognised among the UK’s best after maintaining its place in the top 20 by subject in the UK’s Complete University Guide for 2027.
The Complete University Guide, published annually, uses publically-available data from HESA (Higher Education Statistics Agency), National Student Survey (NSS) and Research Excellence Framework (REF) to determine its rankings.
The undergraduate-focused guide prioritises, teaching quality, student experience and graduate outcomes, demonstrating the strength of archaeology at Cardiff University.
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:
“I am delighted to see that our outstanding research and student experience in archaeology at Cardiff University has been recognised in these rankings.
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 and conservation has a long history at Cardiff University with more than 100 years of teaching excellence, transformative research, and strong community engagement.
It has recently entered the Top 100 of the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, underlining its reputation on the world stage.
In recent years, Archaeology and Conservation has 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.
Work will continue over the summer as CAER Heritage host its ongoing project at Trelai Park in Ely, while the annual dig at Fonmon – headed by [NAME] – unearths more mysteries from the past.
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
