On our archaeology courses, you’ll carry out fieldwork including excavations at sites in the UK or abroad. Learn the latest theories and techniques and explore underwater archaeology with our scientific diving module. Opportunities to study overseas give you the chance to immerse yourself in other cultures. At master’s level, specialise in the areas that interest you and apply for heritage work placements to boost your career.

  • 7th

    for research quality

    Complete University Guide 2024

  • We lead the world’s largest maritime archaeology project

  • £3m purpose-built archaeology facilities

  • Excavations at UNESCO World Heritage sites

Archaeology courses

If you're considering studying archaeology with us choose from a range of undergraduate and master's degrees. Make an original research contribution with our popular PhD programme.

Undergraduate courses

  • BA

    Archaeology

    BBB
    3
    V400
    Find out more
  • BA

    Archaeology and Ancient History

    ABB
    3
    V103
    Find out more
  • BA

    Archaeology and Ancient History with Year Abroad

    ABB
    4
    V1V4
    Find out more
  • BA

    Archaeology and Anthropology

    BBB
    3
    V402
    Find out more
  • BA

    Archaeology and Anthropology with Year Abroad

    BBB
    4
    V403
    Find out more
  • BA

    Archaeology with Year Abroad

    BBB
    4
    V401
    Find out more

Related subjects

Study Spaces & Facilities

An archaeology student examines an object at a table, using a measuring device

Archaeology labs

Learn the principles and techniques behind archaeology in our fully equipped laboratories. They include a computation lab with software for modelling archaeological sites, artefacts and shipwrecks.
An industrial looking boat emblazoned with the name RV Callista, moored beside a wooden dock, beneath a sunny sky.

Research boat

Equipped for a range of coastal and shelf research, this 20 metre catamaran is often used by staff and students for fieldwork.
Archaeology researcher

Archaeology reference collections

Our collections are of national and international importance. Used for teaching, and by students working on research, they include fish and bird bones and geological samples.
A student wearing a virtual reality headset and gloves, standing in front of a 360 degree video wall displaying what he can see.

Digital humanities facilities

Our digital humanities facilities are open to all humanities students for a variety of uses, allowing you to study using the latest technology.
Exterior shot of academic building, trees and grass on a sunny day.

Main library

Improve your subject knowledge and academic skills in the Hartley Library. With resources over 5 floors it's one of the largest university libraries in the south.
An engineering student using Mu-VIS X-ray imaging equipment

X-ray imaging equipment

Our dedicated 3D X-ray imaging centre houses a range of scanners that allow you to analyse objects' internal and external structure.
Jon Adams
Professor of Archaeology
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I study maritime archaeology to see what ships can tell us about innovation and social change. I'm also interested in the ethics of deepwater archaeology.
Sonia Zakrzewski
Prof of Bioarchaeology & BioAnthropology
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My focus is on human skeletons. I'm interested in learning about the human body to understand things like migration, diet and social structures of the past.
Ka-Kin Cheuk
Lecturer in Anthropology
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As a social and cultural anthropologist, I have conducted long-term ethnographic research on South Asian diaspora, migration, transnationalism, Hong Kong society and global India-China connections.

Student stories

  • The front of the British Museum on a sunny day.

    Safeguarding cultural heritage objects for the future

    A lifelong love of history and a rich student experience at the University of Southampton put graduate Olivia Keegan Carr (MSci Archaeology, 2022) on the path to early career success.
    Read more
  • Archaeology student recording roman oil lamps in the lab

    Everything I learn feels so relevant, even if it’s a subject rooted in the past

    Amber Williams shares her love for studying Ancient History and Archaeology at Southampton, and how her lecturers continually inspire her through their passion.
    Read more
  • Archaeology student Olivia Keegan Carr

    Getting involved in uni life was a massive confidence boost

    The many volunteering and students' union activities archaeology student Olivia Keegan Carr took part in have had a big effect on her personal development.
    Read more
  • Ben, an archaeology and history BA student, uses surveying equipment on a rocky outcrop surrounded by trees in the mid-day sun

    Practical skills helped me start my archaeological career

    For Ben, the BA Archaeology and History was a launchpad for professional success, opening up opportunities to work at globally important sites.
    Read more

Our research makes a difference

Connect

Get in touch. We're happy to answer your questions.
University of Southampton, University Road, Southampton SO17 1BJ
(Open in Google maps)
We're open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, UK time.

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