A devastating blow was delivered to archaeology students at The University of Sheffield yesterday morning after it was announced their department was at risk of closure.
In an email received overnight it was revealed their school, which is ranked fifth in the UK in the discipline, could be shut down as part of an ‘institutional review’.
A decision will be made by the University Executive Board (UEB) on 25 May, which could see it either close, be downgraded or investment required to create new posts and programmes.
The head of Department of Archaeology, Caroline Jackson, told students the last two options would “effectively mean the end of archaeology at Sheffield” despite over fifty successful years.
Liam Hand, a third-year archaeology student, said: “I am shocked and upset.
“We are 5th in the UK and 12th globally, and the work we do across the board is well renowned all over, it would be a huge blow to archaeology.”
Hand immediately created a petition in a desperate bid to save the department. Within three hours it had received over 1,500 signatures and there are now over 15,000 signatures.
Hand added: “It is hard for anyone in upper management at the University to question archaeology’s relevance, and honestly, I am touched and moved by the support we have had.”
I am shocked! I am a graduate of Sheffield Archaeology department can not understand why it's under threat of closure. Because of that department I met life long friends, had the most amazing experiences and set my path on a career in museums #ArchaeologistsMadeInSheffield
— Ella 💙 (@Ellanorlovecake) May 20, 2021
Peter Reavill, an MA alumnus from the University, said: “To hear that it is under threat of closure is both disturbing and deeply worrying.”
Reavill, who now works for British Museum’s Portable Antiquities Scheme covering Shropshire and Herefordshire, called the department ‘The backbone of British Archaeology’ and feels closing it would “send a shockwave through British Archaeology.”
He added: “It will impact the way we understand our national story as well as destroying a unique voice and approach to the study of the past, especially prehistory.
“However, the current Conservative government’s attitude of heritage and the past has thrown a huge shadow over how universities view both the humanities.”
A University of Sheffield spokesperson said: “The University of Sheffield has undertaken a review of its Department of Archaeology. Staff and student representatives participated in the review, and no decisions have been taken.”
