School of History, Archaeology and Philosophy
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.
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
- Prof. Chris Aldous, Professor of Modern International History
- John Blockley, Lecturer in Modern British and European History
- Neil Curtin, Senior Lecturer in American History
- Dr Sian Edwards, Senior Lecturer in Modern British History
- Dr Carey Fleiner, Senior Lecturer in Classical and Medieval History
- Dr Xavier Guégan, Senior Lecturer in Colonial and Postcolonial History
- Dr Robert Houghton, Senior Lecturer in Early Medieval European History
- Dr Graciela Iglesias Rogers, Senior Lecturer in Modern European and Global Hispanic History
- Prof. Ryan Lavelle, Professor of Early Medieval History
- Dr Gordon McKelvie, Senior Lecturer in Late Medieval History
- Dr Emiliano Perra, Senior Lecturer in Modern European History
- Dr James Ross, Reader in Late Medieval History
- Dr Simon Sandall, Senior Lecturer in Early Modern British History
- Dr Emily Stiles, Lecturer in Modern History
- Dr Polly Stoker, Lecturer in Classical History
- Dr Lena Wahlgren-Smith, Lecturer in Classical History (academic profile forthcoming)
- Dr Katherine Weikert, Senior Lecturer in Early Medieval European History
- Dr Ellie Woodacre, Senior Lecturer in Early Modern European History
- Dr Cindy Wood, Senior Lecturer in Medieval History
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
Archaeology and Anthropology team
- Dr Nick Thorpe, Principal Lecturer in Archaeology and Head of School
- Dr Lisa Bernasek, Senior Lecturer in Social Anthropology
- Dr Heidi Dawson-Hobbis, Senior Lecturer in Biological Anthropology
- Dr Paul Everill, Reader in Archaeology
- Prof. Niall Finneran, Professor of Historical Archaeology and Heritage Studies
- Dr Monika Knul, Lecturer in Archaeological and Geographical Geomatics
- Dr Phil Marter, Senior Lecturer in Applied Archaeological Techniques
- Dr Simon Roffey, Reader in Medieval Archaeology
- Dr Katy Soar, Senior Lecturer in Classical Archaeology
- Prof. Keith Wilkinson, Professor of Geoarchaeology/Director ARCA geoarchaeological consultancy
Emeritus Professors
- Prof. Tom James MBE, Em. Prof. in Archaeology and History
- Prof. Tony King, Em. Prof. in Roman Archaeology
Technical Staff
- Dr David Ashby, Laboratory Manager