BREAKING: University of Sheffield archaeological department to close despite mass protests with "key areas of strength" moved to other departments

A Sheffield university department will no longer exist despite last ditch protests to save it, it has been confirmed this morning.
A rally to save the archaeology department at the University of Sheffield. Picture: Chris EtchellsA rally to save the archaeology department at the University of Sheffield. Picture: Chris Etchells
A rally to save the archaeology department at the University of Sheffield. Picture: Chris Etchells

More than 34,000 people have signed a petition calling for the University of Sheffield’s Department of Archeology to be retained after it was placed under institutional review.

A large protest also took place in the city yesterday and concerns have been raised globally about the loss of the world renowned department.

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A meeting was held yesterday to decide whether the department should be closed, invested in, or retain key areas of archaeological interest and teaching.

This morning a University of Sheffield spokesperson said: “The University is committed to retaining areas of strength in archaeology teaching and research at Sheffield.

"The University’s Executive Board is recommending that key areas of strength are aligned to other University departments, with enhanced investment for excellence.

“We will continue to play a role in our local communities and honour our commitment to all current students who will receive high-quality teaching and support.”

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On Twitter, medieval archaelogist Hugh Willmott said:” It is with great sadness and regret that I have to report the @sheffielduni executive board had decided to press ahead with their plan to close @UniShefArch and move only two small elements of our teaching into dispersed departments where they shall surely wither and quickly die.

"The decision to close @UniShefArch has been made by the university executive board. It still has to be approved by the University Council and the Senate, so all support past and future is still required.”

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