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uclarchaeology.bsky.social
UCL Institute of Archaeology
@uclarchaeology.bsky.social
1.5K followers 120 following 240 posts
This is the official Bluesky account for the UCL Institute of Archaeology one of the largest & most highly regarded centres for #Archaeology, #Heritage & #Museum studies.

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/archaeology

📸 (c) James Tye
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uclarchaeology.bsky.social
And finally we meet Malaika Standley Barrow @malaikasb.bsky.social for #FocusFriday

Malaika is also the recipient of the Irene Sala Prize for Lithic Studies - massive congrats!

💯 bit.ly/3Kuah7V

#LocalAndGlobal

PAPA MSc Degree Info bit.ly/IoAPAPA
Malaika stands in from of a stone wall and green fields on a very sunny day with blue skies. Photo Credit Malaika Standley Barrow Image with writing that reads: I chose the Palaeoanthropology and Palaeolithic Archaeology MSc at UCL because it allowed me to balance digging deeper into interests from my previous studies while also exploring new areas and skills. I found the flexibility of the PaPa course really helpful in doing this, alongside the amazing support from teaching staff throughout the year. I also really benefitted from the many opportunities to access teaching collections and engage with additional elements of the course such as external volunteering and the reading group. I am currently taking a gap year to do some volunteering and travelling but plan to look at working with museum collections or possibly undertaking a PhD after this. Malaika Standley Barrow MSc PAPA 2024-25
November 28, 2025 at 11:43 AM
uclarchaeology.bsky.social
Jess Peers @jess-peers.bsky.social "came to @ucl.ac.uk for one reason – or, rather, one module: Primate Evolution and Anatomy... The PAPA classes were what clinched it for me, as I was able to learn a [...] about what felt like every aspect of human evolution"

#FocusFriday
Jess (second from left) working with colleagues in the field sieving soil. The day is sunny and there is a blue shade behind them. Photo credit - Jess Peers. Jess dressed in formal conference clothing standing in front of her printed conference poster. Photo credit: Jess Peers. Image showing text which reads: I came to UCL for one reason – or, rather, one module: Primate Evolution and Anatomy. The only place in the country I could find offering such a module. The PAPA classes were what clinched it for me, as I was able to learn a little about what felt like every aspect of human evolution. This allowed me to learn about areas I wouldn’t have chosen, yet I enjoyed. The way this course is designed is more like a ‘build-a-degree’ approach; each of us gets to study exactly what we want. This gave me more freedom and passion for the subjects I chose, and this was reflected in the lecturer's enthusiasm. Image showing text which reads: Since finishing classes, I have gone to Mozambique for a month to work with and meet a PhD supervisor and, surprisingly, a PAPA alumnus! This week, I will be presenting a poster of my dissertation at a national conference, and I am in talks with my supervisors to turn this into a publication. Jess Peers MSc PAPA 2024-25
November 28, 2025 at 11:43 AM
uclarchaeology.bsky.social
Next we meet Finn Lewis @finnlewis.bsky.social, who also volunteered at The British Museum & is now working on his PhD proposal.

📲 bit.ly/IoAPhD26

#FocusFriday
Finn Lewis standing on a shingle beach holding a mammoth tooth found on the beach on one of the MSc PAPA fieldtrips. Photo Credit - Finn Lewis Image with writing which reads: I took PaPa as I was interested in how and when human behaviours evolved. The archaeological modules covered the earliest traces of hominin behaviour right up until the beginnings of agriculture, 3 million years. There’s always new developments, either new sites or new techniques being developed and as a result it’s quite a dynamic field, lectures have to change year to year. Amazing field trips as well!!!! Since graduating I’ve taken on a volunteering project at the British Museum, helping label and catalogue their Palaeolithic collections. I’m also working on a PhD proposal studying the Middle Stone Age. Finn Lewis MSc PAPA 2024-25
November 28, 2025 at 11:43 AM
uclarchaeology.bsky.social
Meet Erin Longwell, @erin-longwell.bsky.social MSc PAPA

Erin volunteered for The British Museum & participated in the Jersey Field School, working with Neanderthal assemblages from sites such as La Cotte de St Brelade. A project led by @mattpope.bsky.social bit.ly/4okxcAo

#FocusFriday
Photo credit Jess Longwell. Photo shows Jess looking at the camera with a brown top on. Photo of image with writing which reads: My interest in the Palaeolithic began with my undergrad dissertation, where I studied debitage from the production of obsidian arrowheads, and was solidified when I volunteered at an Aurignacian site in Germany. The PAPA course has allowed me to explore this interest further and develop a strong foundation of knowledge in the field. The core PAPA module truly showcases the strengths of this course. With a new topic each week and engaging guest lecturers, it offers an exciting insight into the wide range of subjects that fall under the Palaeoanthropology and Palaeolithic Archaeology umbrella. The course also opened the door to amazing opportunities, including volunteering at the British Museum in their Department of Prehistory and Europe, where I gained invaluable hands-on experience with diverse assemblages. Another highlight was participating in the Jersey Field School, working with remarkable Neanderthal assemblages from sites such as La Cotte de St Brelade and taking part in field surveys. Finally, being able to study handaxes from the site of Boxgrove for my dissertation was a perfect culmination of the year and I am hoping to pursue a PhD focusing on handaxes in the near future. Erin Longwell MSc PAPA 2024-25
November 28, 2025 at 11:43 AM
uclarchaeology.bsky.social
..Our book is an attempt to revive a dialogue between archaeology and anthropology, which has been dormant since the 1960s, and an invitation to think differently about the course of human history: an experiment, in which we hope many others will join us."

3/3

#ThinkDifferentlyThinkArchaeology
Book cover for the Dawn of Everything by David Wengrow and David Graeber.
November 24, 2025 at 11:02 AM
uclarchaeology.bsky.social
"I am extremely honoured to receive this award for outstanding scholarship from the School of Advanced Research, in recognition of my work with David Graeber...

2/3

#LocalAndGlobal #DawnOfEverything #StaleyPrize
November 24, 2025 at 11:02 AM
uclarchaeology.bsky.social
Want to find out more about the MSc & how to apply - click below!

📲 bit.ly/BAFAMSc

Email Lisa Daniel [email protected] for info & how to sign up for the Graduate Virtual Open Events on Thurs 27th Nov.

#LocalAndGlobal

#ThinkDifferentlyThinkArchaeology

2/2
Photo of the following text: When I committed to pursuing both forensic anthropology and bioarchaeology, I worried that I would struggle to find a program offering a truly well-rounded education in both disciplines. Discovering UCL was a dream come true, as I had found a program that encapsulated all of my passions and interests into one year. Photo of the following text: From the moment I began exploring the curriculum, I knew it would challenge me intellectually while also providing the hands-on experience I had been seeking. Photo of the following text: Over the last two months, I have already seen a massive improvement in my previous knowledge through the impeccable courses, access to lab spaces, and support from the professors. Their expertise and willingness to engage with students have created an environment where I feel constantly challenged and encouraged to grow. Photo of the following text: My many moments of confusion and hesitation have gradually shifted into a genuine sense of competence as I continue to learn. As each day passes, I gain more confidence, developing stronger analytical skills and a deeper understanding of the discipline.
November 21, 2025 at 2:07 PM
uclarchaeology.bsky.social
Want to find out more about the MSc & how to apply - click below!

📲 bit.ly/BAFAMSc

Email Lisa Daniel [email protected] for info & how to sign up for the Graduate Virtual Open Events on Thurs 27th Nov.

#LocalAndGlobal

#ThinkDifferentlyThinkArchaeology

2/2
Photo of the following text: I chose the MSc in Bioarchaeology and Forensic Anthropology at UCL because I wanted to pursue a more nuanced and specialized approach than my undergraduate degree. In undergrad, I was a biological anthropology major with few opportunities to explore coursework outside of primatology or evolution. Photo of the following text: For my master’s degree, the BAFA program piqued my interest because of the hands-on approach to the study of human remains and its dual subjects of bioarchaeology and forensic anthropology. Photo of the following text: This first term has been simultaneously challenging and rewarding. This degree is fast-paced and the professors hold high expectations, but that is only because they truly believe each of us will succeed. I have enjoyed each practical session, in particular during one of our forensic anthropology classes in which we were tasked with stature estimation of an entire skeleton in a short period of time. Photo of the following text: The time limit provided my classmates and I a chance for in-depth teamwork and a realistic delegation of tasks that may occur in the fi eld when dealing with human remains. I find that the combination of the lectures and practicals provide necessary deeper context with important ethical considerations for when we examine the skeletal material. With all the knowledge I have gained already, I know the BAFA program will provide me with the skills necessary for my future career.
November 21, 2025 at 11:58 AM
uclarchaeology.bsky.social
Want to find out more about the MSc & how to apply - click below!

📲 bit.ly/BAFAMSc

Email Lisa Daniel [email protected] for info & how to sign up for the Graduate Virtual Open Events on Thurs 27th Nov.

#LocalAndGlobal

#ThinkDifferentlyThinkArchaeology

2/2
Photo of the following text: After graduating with a BSc in Biological Anthropology in 2007, my life took an unexpected turn, and I spent over 10 years working as an Epidemiologist. During that time, however, I found myself increasingly pulled back to my initial fascination with bioarchaeology and the stories skeletal remains can tell us about the past. Photo of the following text: In 2023, I finally took the plunge and made a major career change. I joined the MSc in Bioarchaeological and Forensic Anthropology at the Institute of Archaeology, UCL. I was attracted by not only by the excellent reputation of the IoA but also the exciting module options offered by the degree. Photo of the following text: Returning to academia after such a long period away was daunting, but the continued support and encouragement I received from my professors gave me the confidence to continue my academic journey. Photo of the following text: I took a gap year before tackling a PhD, during which I immersed myself in volunteering at the British Museum, collaborating on research projects with professors, and analysing some of the skeletal collections housed at the IoA. I started my PhD at the IoA in October, and I’m excited to see what this next chapter brings!"
November 21, 2025 at 11:14 AM