ANU is a leading international centre for teaching and research in Anthropology and Heritage Studies, with specialists whose interests touch each corner of the globe. The field encompasses Anthropology (including biological anthropology; culture, health and medicine; development studies; forensic anthropology; human evolutionary biology; and visual anthropology) and Museum and Heritage Studies (including cultural and environmental heritage; museums and collections; and museum education and heritage interpretation).

Anthropology is the study of cultural differences and similarities in a globalised world, utilising a distinctive methodology—long-term ethnographic fieldwork. As a field of study, Anthropology is uniquely placed to interpret the widest range of contemporary social phenomena—from migration to religious fundamentalism, online communities and new social movements, and many changing forms of social relationships. Biological Anthropology is the branch of anthropology that focuses on the evolutionary and biological aspects of humankind. Heritage Studies examines our expression of the past through material culture, museums, cultural events and performance and the processes of remembering, forgetting and commemoration. Development Studies focuses on the challenge of inequality and the industry of promoting economic growth and human development in the Global South.

Check the Centre for Heritage and Museum Studies website for more information on the faculty, research, projects, latest news, upcoming events and more.

Check the School of Archaeology & Anthropology website for more information on the faculty, research, projects, latest news, upcoming events and more.

*QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024

^Times Higher Education - Global University Employability Ranking 2023-24