About this course
Discover how human civilisations evolved, and why people and societies have changed over time on MSci Archaeology. Through the latest techniques and technologies, you'll investigate how our ancestors lived, from the earliest human origins, to Neolithic Britain, and Ancient Egypt. With fieldwork and scientific analysis opportunities across the world, this course also represents a great opportunity to choose your own study path.
Archaeology is the study of the human past through its material remains, such as its buildings, monuments, artefacts, biological remains, written sources and landscape.
On this archaeology MSci course, you'll focus on scientific methods and techniques with options including:
studying human and animal bones
scientific diving
physics and chemistry of archaeological material
laboratory techniques for dating
maritime archaeology
The undergraduate grounding (following the framework of the BSc in Archaeology) will give you a foundation in scientific analyses in archaeology and anthropology.
The final year enables you to develop your own interests in specialist fields so that you can target the career path you want to follow, for example:
forensic or bioarchaeological studies
zooarchaeology
geophysical survey
underwater archaeology
We have a purpose-built archaeology building, equipped with the latest science-based laboratories. Here, you'll gain hands-on experience with archaeological artefacts and materials, and receive the practical training needed for a career in archaeology.
You'll do at least 3 weeks' fieldwork as part of an active research project. This could include excavating archaeological sites, recording a standing building, geophysical surveys or collecting archaeological material from ploughed fields.
There are opportunities for further fieldwork and placements in the UK and abroad. Read more on our partner institutions page.
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, Southampton.
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.