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Department of Archaeology
HomeDepartment of ArchaeologyAbout usFacilities

Facilities

Our exceptional facilities support research and teaching across a wide variety of archaeological methods and techniques. 

Along with our research centres, our facilities promote collaborative research and teaching across the University. They enhance learning opportunities, and support our internationally-recognised reputation for archaeological research.

Students, staff and affiliated researchers all have access to our bespoke teaching spaces, laboratories, specialist equipment, archives and reference collections. These are based on Campus West. They include the YEAR centre, our outdoor experimental archaeology centre, and the Archaeology Data Service (ADS); a world-leading accredited digital repository for heritage data.

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Department of Archaeology

Fieldwork facilities

At York, our students have the opportunity to engage in fieldwork and excavation activities.

We're well-equipped with a wide range of fieldwork, building and landscape survey equipment, giving students an understanding of practical solutions in the study of archaeology.

Specifications - fieldwork
  • Electrical resistance unit
  • GPS units (handheld and differential)
  • Gradiometers
  • Ground Penetrating Radar
  • Laser scanners
  • Portable XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence)
  • Mary Cudworth Lab
  • Magnetic susceptibility meters
  • Metal detectors
  • Quadcopter drones
  • Post Excavation and Archive Lab
  • Resistance meters
  • Specialist cameras, including 360 camera, Go-Pros and video-ready DSLRs
  • Total Station Theodolites

Digital archaeology and heritage facilities

We have Digital Archaeology and Heritage (DAH) Lab and photographic facilities. They offer perfect spaces to experiment with pioneering technologies to bring the past to life. Investigate and disseminate heritage data using virtual reality, photogrammetry, photography and video games. 

We lead the Centre for Digital Heritage, collaborating with partners across the University and conducting interdisciplinary research on immersive storytelling.

Explore our Digital and Heritage Lab

Specifications - digital archaeology and heritage

The Department has a Digital Archaeology & Heritage Lab and photographic lab facilities which are well-equipped with the following:

  • 3D multiscale laser imaging
  • Cameras, tripods and other accessories and photogrammetry
  • Imaging software including:
    • 3D Studio Max
    • Agisoft Metashape
    • ArcGIS
    • AutoCAD
    • Blender
    • Davinci Resolve
    • Unity
  • Immersive 360° cameras
  • Professional lighting
  • RTI dome

Bioarchaeology and biomolecular facilities

Our internationally-renowned bioarchaeology facilities are equipped with specialised lab equipment for analysis of human, animal and plant remains and molecular techniques - proteins, lipids, DNA and stable isotopes.

Explore our BioArCh Centre

Specifications - bioarchaeology and biomolecular

Human Osteology, evolutionary anthropology, archaeobotany and zooarchaeology facilities

We offer a wide range of osteology, evolutionary anthropology, archaeobotany and zooarchaeology facilities, including bespoke teaching and research labs, reference collections and equipment. We maintain an extensive teaching collection of human and skeletal remains.

We work closely with the Centre for Anatomical and Human Sciences, giving our zooarchaeologists access to facilities for geometric morphometrics and anatomical modelling.

Visit the Centre for Anatomical and Human Sciences

Specifications - human osteology, evolutionary anthropology, archaeobotany and zooarchaeology

Material culture and experimental archaeology facilities

Immerse yourself in all aspects of material culture with our outdoor experimental archaeology workspace, the York Experimental Archaeological Research (YEAR) Centre.

Our students gain practical experience in our teaching labs - working with artefacts, soil and environmental samples.

Explore the YEAR Centre

Specifications - material culture and experimental archaeology
Access to extensive libraries and archives
We offer access to extensive historical archives and collections, including the Borthwick Institute for Archives, and the JB Morrell, Raymond Burton, and York Minster libraries.
Research Excellence
We’re ranked 6th overall for our research according to the Times Higher Education’s ranking of the latest REF results (2021).
A city of history and heritage
York is a contemporary student-friendly city. Rich in history and heritage, it's one of the best places to study and research archaeology and conservation of buildings.

Journals

Explore some of the journals edited by our staff and students. We contribute to numerous journals in the discipline, ensuring new archaeological research is made available to all.

Libraries and archives

At York, you'll have access to extensive library and archive collections, including:

  • The JB Morrell and Raymond Burton libraries
  • York Minster Library and Archives
  • The Borthwick Institute for Archives: a significant international archive collection, offering you the opportunity to view original documents from the 12th to the 21st centuries.

Discover our collections

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Department of Archaeology