Archaeology and conservation
Our widely-respected practical degrees deliver the training, skills and knowledge to help you make your mark within the heritage sector, plus the employability skills to carve out your career in related sectors.
Why study with us
Curious about the human experience, across millennia and cultures, we are seeking to better understand our past to illuminate our present and improve our future. We are an inquisitive academic community, passionate about the study of the past and beliefs from prehistoric times to contemporary societies.
After graduation
87% of our postgraduate taught graduates were in employment and/or further study, due to start a new job or course, or doing other activities such as travelling, 15 months after the end of their course. (Graduate Outcomes survey 2020/21.
The test of time
Fresh from celebrating 100 years of archaeology at Cardiff in 2020, our experts bring new discoveries and latest thinking into their teaching.
Our research
Placed 9th in the UK for research in Archaeology and 5th for research impact (REF 2021).
Courses
Our videos
Archaeology and conservation at Cardiff University
Hear from academics and students about what it is like to study archaeology and conservation with us.
Our approach
As a School, we’re committed to preserving what is precious to the world from across the ages, recognising its value and importance in understanding our and telling the story of human experience.
I chose to study the MSc Professional Conservation at Cardiff to improve my understanding of the science behind conservation practice and become a more independent decision-maker. The immersive learning style of the course is really engaging. I was made to feel part of a research team throughout, and planned, evaluated, and conducted practical research in close collaboration with staff and peers. Experience of teamwork, management and delivery of projects has been valuable beyond the laboratory.
Our specialisms
Cardiff Archaeology and Conservation facilities are first-rate, with recent investment in new suites and equipment.
Student conservators remove dirt built up over decades from a 25th/26th dynasty Egyptian coffin.
A student carefully micro-excavates an archaeological ceramic vessel that has been lifted in a plaster jacket from an excavation.
Phil Parkes, reader in conservation, demonstrates the use of the scanning electron microscope.
Conservation involves a considerable amount of very fine motor skills such as using magnification to assist in removing corrosion from this coin.
A conservation student uses a heated micro-spatula (on loan from RH Engineering) to re-lay damaged flakes of paint.
Senior Lecturer in Archaeological Science, Dr Richard Madgwick regularly focuses his research on reconstructing human-animal relations.
A student studying a skeleton excavated by a Cardiff University team from the eroding Glamorgan coastline.
Learn more about us
An innovative and internationally recognised centre of excellence
Our bespoke laboratories and lecture theatres are all on our leafy city-centre campus and within the John Percival Building.
Just next door is the Arts and Social Sciences Library, home to our prestigious Special Collections plus extensive collections and archives in Archaeology, Ancient History and History.
Explore Cardiff University
Next steps
View our archaeology and conservation postgraduate taught courses
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View our archaeology and conservation postgraduate research courses
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Contact us
Ask a question via our enquiry form, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
How to apply
Everything you need to know about our application process.
Other subjects you might be interested in
Source: Contains HESA Data: Copyright Jisc 2023. Jisc cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data.
