From the Institute's origins, founded in 1937 as a centre for archaeological training, the Institute of Archaeology is today one of the largest archaeology departments in the world with global coverage in its research and teaching activities.
The Institute of Archaeology’s mission is:
- To be internationally pre-eminent in the study, and comparative analysis, of world archaeology.
- To enhance its national and international reputation for the quality and breadth of its multi-disciplinary and thematic approach to the study of the human past.
- To promote best practice in the management of cultural heritage and in the study, care and preservation of archaeological artefacts.
- To promote awareness of the problems caused by illicit trade in antiquities and the destruction of archaeological heritage that it entails.
- To ensure that the social, political and economic contexts of the practice of archaeology are taught and appreciated.
- To be at the forefront of international research in archaeological sciences.
- To play a major role in furthering the understanding of London’s archaeological and historical past.
- To provide archaeological opportunities of the highest quality to all, regardless of background.
The Institute's key strategic research aims are:
- To be internationally pre-eminent in the study, and comparative analysis, of world archaeology.
- To maintain and enhance its reputation for the quality and breadth of its multi-disciplinary and thematic approach to the study of the human past.
- To develop theory, method and practice in the study and management of cultural heritage in its social, political and economic contexts.
- To be at the forefront of international research in archaeological sciences.
The Institute developed several ethical practices and tools regarding the protection of cultural heritage and the prevention against looting and illicit traffic in cultural goods. It provides course that examines national and international legislation enacted to protect cultural heritage from pillage, as well as student induction sessions for incoming BA, MA and PhD students on policies on the illicit trade in antiquities and the UCL Cultural Property Policy.
Furthermore, the Institute has a strong policy with regards to collections accessions. The UCL Institute of Archaeology Collections will only accept donations of provenanced objects where the owner can demonstrate clear title. Objects will not be accepted if there are suspicions that they were not collected in accordance with British and International law. No financial remuneration will be returned in exchange for donated objects.
The Institute of Archaeology is also proactive in researching the history of its collections, with the aim of repatriating material should it fail to meet the standards of our policy regarding the illicit trade in antiquities. Our first such repatriation took place in 2010, of a group of artefacts from the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Ban Chiang in Thailand.
