Students and staff within the Department of Anthropology, Archaeology and Development Studies enjoy a dynamic and research-intensive environment. We offer undergraduate courses which are research led and which link the understanding of the past with the present, and contextualise the local within the global. Our undergraduate teaching places heavy emphasis on student participation in tutorial discussion and debate, leading to a lively academic environment.

The breadth of undergraduate teaching is wide, particularly because the department has a policy of encouraging distinguished colleagues from elsewhere in South Africa and other parts of the world to visit, lecture, and present seminars. Research in the department has for a long time focussed on southern Africa, but there is now a concerted effort to direct staff and postgraduate students to work elsewhere in Africa as well. Prospective students who wish to further their studies and experience, and study abroad, are equipped with a top-quality foundation that is gained at the University of Pretoria.

The department aims to introduce students to the rich past and complex present of human activity. We aim to develop undergraduates into graduates of a high calibre who can hold their own anywhere in the world. As a research entity, we publish research of international standing. We also strive to be of service to the many publics in Southern Africa and beyond.