About this course
Explore how our ancestors engaged with the world, and gain a fascinating insight into what it means to be human. Studying archaeology and anthropology combines aspects of the humanities and the sciences. You'll study global human diversity in time and space, in a truly interdisciplinary way. Along with studying the theoretical background, you'll do fieldwork as part of an active research project in the UK or abroad.
Our BA Archaeology and Anthropology degree gives teaches you how human societies came into being, how they have changed over time, and the underlying reasons for human diversity today.
This degree integrates the disciplines of archaeology (the study of the human past through its material remains) and anthropology, which is made up of:
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social anthropology (exploring how people in different places create meaning and build communities)
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anthropological linguistics (the study of humans through the languages they use)
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biological anthropology (looking at the physiological and genetic diversity in present and past human and primate societies)
We have a purpose-built archaeology building, equipped with the latest science-based laboratories. On this anthropology and archaeology degree you'll gain hands-on experience with archaeological artefacts and materials, and receive the practical training needed for a career in archaeology or anthropology.
Our archaeology and anthropology degree courses give you the opportunity to study a minor subject alongside the main programme.
We’re also offering up to 10 bursaries of £1000 each to incoming students (subject to criteria). These are from the Terry Mason Bursary and the University of Southampton Archaeology Bursary Fund.
Course location
This course is based at Avenue.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
In light of COVID-19, we’ve made changes to some elements of course delivery for 2020-21. For details as to how this has changed delivery for this course, please view the Addendum to the Programme Specification PDF.
Entry requirements
A-levels
ABB to BBB
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer:
BBB and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all students with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a student’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
BBB
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 32 to 30 points overall with 16 to 15 points at Higher Level
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
Distinction, Distinction, Merit in the BTEC Extended Diploma.
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus B in an A level
Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AB to BB in two A levels
BTEC additional information
No additional information
- Access to HE Diploma
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit
OR
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 24 must be at Distinction and 21 credits at Merit
Access to HE additional information
No additional information
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3 to H2 H2 H3 H3 H3 H3
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A2 A2 B1 B1 B2 B2 to B1 B1 B1 B1 B2 B2
Irish certificate additional information
No additional information
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 M2 M2 to M2 M2 M2 in three principal subjects
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
No additional information
Welsh Baccalaureate
ABB to BBB from 3 A levels
or
AB to BB from two A levels and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
European Baccalaureate
77% overall
OR
75% overall
Non-academic entry requirements
There are no additional requirements
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need an overall score of 6.5 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests, find out which English language tests we accept.
Other ways to qualify
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
A-levels
ABB to BBB
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer:
BBB and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
BBB
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 32 to 30 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Applications where Higher Level subjects have been studied without the full Diploma, will also be considered on a case by case basis.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
Distinction, Distinction, Merit in the BTEC Extended Diploma.
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus B in an A level
Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AB to BB in two A levels
BTEC additional information
No additional information
- Access to HE Diploma
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit
OR
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 24 must be at Distinction and 21 credits at Merit
Access to HE additional information
No additional information
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3 to H2 H2 H3 H3 H3 H3
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A2 A2 B1 B1 B2 B2 to B1 B1 B1 B1 B2 B2
Irish certificate additional information
No additional information
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 M2 M2 to M2 M2 M2 in three principal subjects
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
No additional information
Welsh Baccalaureate
ABB to BBB from 3 A levels
or
AB to BB from two A levels and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
European Baccalaureate
77% overall
OR
75% overall
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need an overall score of 6.5 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
We accept other English language tests, find out which English language tests we accept.
Other ways to qualify
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
You'll have the freedom to shape your degree to suit your interests. You do not need to compare archaeology vs anthropology and choose your modules when you apply. Your academic tutor will help you to personalise your course.
The wide range of modules cover the methods, approaches and techniques used to find out about and understand human societies. This includes:
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archaeological prospection and excavation
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the anthropological and archaeological analyses of artefacts, and human and animal remains
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survey and ethnographic fieldwork techniques
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statistical analysis of social data
-
the exploration and application of a broad range of anthropological ideas
Our Curriculum Innovation Programme offers you the chance to take optional modules outside of your chosen subject area. This allows you to personalise your education, to develop new skills and knowledge for your future. Topics range from how to live and work on the web to developing business skills to improve your chances of getting employment.
You can also take a language module, which may count towards your degree. These modules cover 10 languages and range from absolute beginner to near-native speaker level.
Year 1 overview
Compulsory modules will give you a grounding in archaeology and anthropology. These cover:
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the development of archaeological and anthropological thought
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the methods required for archaeological fieldwork
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aspects of exploring other cultures
You'll also be able to choose from a range of optional modules across all aspects of archaeology and anthropology including:
-
human origins
-
ethnography of food and culture
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elements of linguistics such as sound, structure and meaning
-
emergence of civilisation
Year 2 overview
You will develop your understanding of how archaeology and anthropology relate to the modern world. You'll study cosmology, ritual and belief. You'll also prepare for fieldwork with at least 3 weeks of practical experience in a field school or research project in the UK or overseas.
In addition to these compulsory modules, you can choose modules from a wide range of approaches and periods, including:
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psycholinguistics
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culture, communication and cognition
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the Vikings
-
archaeological dating
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scientific diving
Year 3 overview
In your final year, you'll develop your own specialist interest with a dissertation on a research topic of your choice across any aspect of archaeology or anthropology. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your planning, research, data collation, analysis, and communication skills.
You'll also take a further 6 modules from a wide range of options including:
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sexuality and intimacy
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molecular archaeology
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ecology of human evolution
-
anthropology, film and representations of the 'other'
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
You must study the following modules in year 2:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:
You must study the following modules in year 3:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
How you'll spend your course time:
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- dissertations
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- dissertations
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 2:
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 3:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- dissertations
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 3:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Yvonne Marshall is the course leader.
Careers
An archaeology and anthropology degree is excellent preparation for future employment. The course offers a balance of sciences and arts, and provides a range of both practical and intellectual components.
This degree prepares you for careers in anthropology, professional archaeology and in a range of areas, including:
-
museums and the heritage sector
-
cartography and aerial photography
-
animation and virtual reality graphic design
-
commerce and marketing
-
the NHS
-
financial services
-
local government
You'll also be welcome in a wide range of other sectors with this highly-respected degree that demonstrates your intellectual and problem-solving abilities, and includes transferable skills in:
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teamwork
-
project management
-
evidence-based research
This degree is also a great foundation for further study at PhD level.
You'll get support from your personal academic tutor and an employability coordinator, who can advise you on your career path throughout your course.
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK/EU students pay £9,250.
- International students pay £17,560.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: V402
- UCAS institution code: S27
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000