Public Archaeology is a multi-dimensional scholarly platform focused on political, ethical, social, educational, managerial, economic and philosophical issues in archaeology and heritage. It recognizes that archaeology is not just the study of the past, but also involves the complex web of stakeholders and value systems in contemporary society.

The journal provides a stage for debate around archaeological and heritage issues, which are often closely linked to broader social issues. For example, ethnic and Indigenous archaeology explores how archaeology relates to the identity and rights of different cultural and social groups. Cultural tourism focuses on how archaeological sites and cultural heritage are used as tourist attractions and the impact of this use on local communities and the cultural heritage itself.