The city itself is of international importance, a thriving commercial centre and port dating from the medieval period, linked by its trade to many foreign centres. Its hinterland includes the historic landscapes of the Somerset Levels and the Mendips, and it is placed within easy reach of Wales and Wessex. The Department of Archaeology is based in the heart of the University of Bristol precinct, close to the University Library and the Arts Faculty Graduate Centre. An active research forum is maintained by the organisation of conferences, symposia and seminars.
Great emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary approaches to the study of the past.
Archaeology is approached through an inter-disciplinary framework involving collaborations with the Department of Classics and Ancient History, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geography, Geology and Medicine, centred on the Bristol Archaeological Science Research Group which presents regular seminars. The members of staff are principally engaged in research which falls within these foci, as should proposals for postgraduate research degrees. These centres promote multidisciplinary studies and have proved enormously productive. For example, the Centre for Research in Maritime Archaeology and History is playing a pivotal role in the North Somerset project, which aims to advance understanding of the historic environment in an extensive area to the south-west of Bristol. In addition we have around forty MA students studying Landscape Archaeology, Mediterranean Archaeology, Maritime Archaeology and History or working towards an MLitt.