In response to the announced closures of archaeology departments at the Universities of Sheffield (CA 378), Chester, and most recently Worcester, a new campaign has been launched with the aim of protecting the study of archaeology across Britain.
Commenting on the campaign, its director, Chris Whitwood, said: ‘The closure of world-leading departments of archaeology can only be described as short-sighted. At a time when funding for archaeological research and for the heritage sector in general is tight, willingly abdicating the high reputation of Britain archaeology, facilities, and academic knowledge risks the future of countless research projects at sites of tremendous historical importance. The UK has long been regarded as a pioneer of archaeological practice and technology, with universities often being at the forefront of new research. We aim to ensure that expertise is safeguarded and passed on for generations to come.’
For more about the campaign, visit www.savearchaeology.co.uk.
Dr Hugh Willmott, professor of European Historical Archaeology at Sheffield University, made the case for the discipline’s vital importance as a field of academic study in Don't underestimate Archaeology, and Dr John Schofield from the University of York explored the prospects of studying the subject at university in Archaeology: still the best degree.
