School of History, Archaeology and Philosophy

Drawing of Plato sitting by Socrates' tomb

The home of History, Archaeology, Anthropology, Classical Studies and Philosophy

We are a body of cognate subject areas all interested in examining the human experience through time. We are global in outlook and personal in approach. We explore the past and present from a variety of perspectives, with expertise in a wide range of periods, regions and themes, and we offer something for everyone, from Foundation degrees to PhDs.

Our degrees offer a broad as well as deep experience that can open up numerous career paths. Extensive options allow you to either pursue your specific interests or to experience a wide range of time periods. Our Single Honours Archaeology programmes are accredited by the  Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) and University Archaeology UK. This recognises our emphasis on vocational, practical skills and the high quality of the teaching/training we offer, which includes excavation techniques, geomatics and project management.

Over the years we have developed strong external relationships and students have been able to do placements with a wide variety of organisations, in many cases leading to subsequent employment. There are also valuable extracurricular volunteering opportunities for our students to enrich their course experience and enhance their employability. 

State of the art facilities

Our facilities are of a high standard and continually upgraded. We have an excellent reputation for a variety of fieldwork types and are well equipped to undertake most types of field projects. Laboratory teaching and research are supported by a dedicated technician.

Anthropology and Archaeology at Winchester: two early hominin skull casts

Strong research profile

We are a community of internationally recognised scholars. We incorporate our research into our teaching and we actively contribute to current academic debates. We have research strengths in prehistoric, Classical, medieval and modern history and archaeology, geoarchaeology and geomatics, cultural and physical anthropology, heritage management, religions and theology, and philosophy.

Our  staff are currently working as far afield as the Caribbean and the Caucasus and from Latin America to Japan, on periods ranging from the Palaeolithic to the modern era. Topics range from indigenous Caribbean contributions to the development of botanical science to religion and conflict analysis and from royal women in premodern Europe to the mental health benefits of archaeological fieldwork

Our students are a valued part of our research culture;  they have the opportunity to join staff on many of our research projects and we offer exciting opportunities to get directly involved with our research. The Winchester Research Apprenticeship Programme (WRAP) is a pioneering scheme offering bursaries to undergraduate students to work with an academic on a real research project.

We have a dynamic community of Masters, MPhil and PhD students, and we welcome enquiries about postgraduate study. Our academics can supervise a wide range of topics. Find out more about research degrees at Winchester.

An outward-looking school

Free research seminar series, open to staff, students and the general public alike, are organised every academic year, and we frequently organise excavation open days.

Our academics and students routinely participate in public engagement activities such as the annual BBC History Weekend and the Winchester Heritage Open Days. Explore our exciting programme of events for Winchester Heritage Open Days 2023.

We publish popular articles, give interviews and guided tours, and act as historical advisors for TV dramas such as the hit series The Last Kingdom, about King Alfred and Wessex (find out more about the vital role of Winchester historical expertise in the making of The Last Kingdom), as well as for Winchester's immersive experience 878AD, bringing Anglo-Saxon Winchester to life.

Dr Simon Roffey being interviewed for a TV programme

Our flagship consultancy unit is ARCA, Archaeology's successful consultancy arm. Launched in March 2005, it carries out work locally as well as further afield, from Bristol to continental Europe. ARCA has particular expertise in geoarchaeology, geomatics and geophysics. 

Find out more and become part of our vibrant social media communities:

Meet the team

History and Classical Studies team

Academic team

Emeritus Professors

Associate/Visiting Lecturers

  • Dr Richard Aldous
  • Dr Sarah Fry 
  • Dr Winifred Harwood
  • Dr Rosalind Johnson
  • Dr Jean Morrin
  • Dr Mary South
  • Dr Gabrielle Storey
  • Dr Johanna Strong

Visiting Research Fellows

Dr Gabrielle Storey

Archaeology and Anthropology team

Emeritus Professors

Technical Staff

Philosophy, Religion and Ethics team