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.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

ODT

Download 2023-24 Course Description Document

Entry requirements

Academic year filter options

A-levels

AAB to ABB including a science based subject

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: ABB including a science based subject and grade A in the EPQ

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all applicants 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 an applicant'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, as follows: ABB including a science based subject*

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 34 to 32 points overall with 17 to 16 points at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in a science based subject

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.

or

BTEC

Distinction, Distinction, Distinction to Distinction, Distinction, Merit in the BTEC National Extended Diploma in a science based subject r>Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Diploma plus A to B in a science based A level. Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma in a science based subject plus A to B in an A level
OR

RQF BTEC

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.

Additional information

The University aims to recruit students from a wide range of backgrounds who we believe have the potential and motivation to succeed on our challenging programmes. We are committed to fair admissions and strive to ensure we give equal consideration to all applicants who possess the necessary knowledge and skills.

QCF BTEC

Distinction, Distinction, Distinction to Distinction, Distinction, Merit in the BTEC Extended Diploma in a science based subject OR Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Extended Diploma plus A to B in a science based A level. Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma in a science based subject plus A to B in an A level OR Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus A to B in a science based A level. Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma in a science based subject plus AA to AB in an A level OR Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AA to AB in a science based A level

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.

or

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

A-levels

AAB to ABB including a science based subject

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: ABB including a science based subject and grade A in the EPQ

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all applicants 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 an applicant'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.

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 34 to 32 points overall with 17 to 16 points at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in a science based subject

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.

or

BTEC

Distinction, Distinction, Distinction to Distinction, Distinction, Merit in the BTEC National Extended Diploma in a science based subject r>Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Diploma plus A to B in a science based A level. Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma in a science based subject plus A to B in an A level
OR

RQF BTEC

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.

Additional information

The University aims to recruit students from a wide range of backgrounds who we believe have the potential and motivation to succeed on our challenging programmes. We are committed to fair admissions and strive to ensure we give equal consideration to all applicants who possess the necessary knowledge and skills.

QCF BTEC

Distinction, Distinction, Distinction to Distinction, Distinction, Merit in the BTEC Extended Diploma in a science based subject OR Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Extended Diploma plus A to B in a science based A level. Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma in a science based subject plus A to B in an A level OR Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus A to B in a science based A level. Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma in a science based subject plus AA to AB in an A level OR Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AA to AB in a science based A level

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.

or

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Course structure

Your first 3 years will follow the track of the BSc in Archaeology. The fourth year gives you the chance to develop your interests with an integrated master's degree. During your fourth year, you can choose to focus on a particular area or to continue with a broad curriculum.

At all stages in your degree, you can broaden your studies by choosing to complete 25 per cent of your programme in another subject (such as in modern languages).

Our Curriculum Innovation Programme offers you the chance to take optional modules outside your chosen subject area. This allows you to personalise your education, to develop new skills and knowledge for your future. Modules range from 'Living and Working on the Web' to 'Business Skills for Employability'.

You can also take a language module, which will count towards your degree. These modules cover 10 languages and range from absolute beginner to near-native speaker level.

This degree also gives you the opportunity to study a minor subject alongside the main programme.

You don't need to choose your modules when you apply. Your academic tutor will help you to customise your course.

Year 1 overview

Compulsory modules provide you with a grounding in:

anthropology
fieldwork and analysis
archaeological science

These cover the development of archaeological and anthropological thought, and the archaeological methods needed for fieldwork and analysis. You'll also be able to choose from a range of optional modules, including human origins, and landscapes and seascapes of Britain's past.

Year 2 overview

You'll develop your understanding of how archaeology relates to the modern world. We'll introduce you to statistical concepts and methods in archaeology, through a quantitative data analysis module.

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.

Optional modules include:

archaeological dating
archaeological survey for landscapes and monuments
maritime archaeology
scientific diving

Year 3 overview

You'll carry out research in an area that interests you and write this up for your dissertation. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your planning, research, data collation, analysis and communication skills.

You'll also be able to specialise in different periods, regions or methods in archaeology. For example, you could study Neolithic Britain or Ancient Egypt, or choose to focus on geographic information systems (GIS) or molecular archaeology.

Year 4 overview

In your final year, you will follow master's-level modules. An important part of year 4 is your Master's dissertation, which is a research project completed with guidance from a personal supervisor. It takes place over both semesters of your fourth year, and must involve original research and high-quality formal presentation of material.

For your optional modules, you can embark on a focus area such as:

ancient Mediterranean seafaring
cultural heritage within environmental impact assessment
bioarchaeology
zooarchaeology
palaeopathology

You can also choose to take a professional placement in the archaeological and cultural heritage sector. This will give you the chance to go beyond the lecture room to a placement in an archaeological unit, a museum, or laboratory for example.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Modules

For entry in Academic Year 2023 to 2024

You must study the following modules in year 1:

Archaeological Methods for Fieldwork and Analysis

How do archaeologists find sites, gather data and proceed to make sense of archaeological traces? This module provides a detailed introduction to fieldwork methods and analysis, covering site prospection techniques (e.g., aerial photography and geophysica...

Debates and Issues in Archaeological Science

The application of scientific techniques is increasingly embedded in archaeological studies and is an area where the UK currently leads the world. Techniques such as dating methods, the use of isotopes to reconstruct past diet or human migrations and the ...

Emergence of Civilisation: domesticating ourselves and others

Archaeology reveals how during prehistory certain transformations have profoundly altered human societies. These include the adoption of domesticated plants and animals, sedentism, the adoption of new technologies (such as pottery) and the emergence of co...

Human Origins

The investigation of human origins has been described as the intellectual romance of the social sciences. This module examines the changing ideas about our earliest ancestors and the evolution of hominin culture and biology and explores the links between ...

The development of Archaeological and Anthropological Thought

As is well-known, archaeology has very strong connections with other disciplines. This module explores how the study of archaeology has developed over the centuries, both as a discipline in its own right and as a sister discipline within Anthropology. It ...

Wonderful things: World history in 40 objects

As he broke the seal and opened the door to Tutankamun’s tomb, archaeologist Howard Carter declared, breathlessly, that he could see ‘Wonderful things’. Ancient things have this special appeal. They enchant and captivate. They excite curiosity and unleash...

You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:

Ancient and Medieval Worlds

Classics, Christianity and Islam: these are the three cultural forces which have shaped the modern west. All three impacted on the Mediterranean between between 1000BC and AD1000, and can be traced through the archaeology. In this module, you will have th...

Exploring Other Cultures

We understand that few students have had the previous opportunity to study social and cultural anthropology. In this introductory module you will consider questions like: What is anthropology? What do anthropologists study? What is it like to do anthropol...

Introduction to Ethnography: Food and Culture

Biological science tells us what items in our world are potentially edible, but culture decides what constitutes food. Culture informs us as to whether a specific item is appropriate, appetising, valued, desirable, prohibited, restricted, staple or medici...

Landscapes and Seascapes of Britain’s Past

The landscapes and seascapes of Britain play host to one of the world’s most varied and intriguing archaeological records. With an occupational history spanning one million years, it tells a complex inter-twined story of social, physical and environmenta...

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:

22%

Scheduled learning & teaching

78%

Independent learning

How we'll assess you

coursework, laboratory reports and essays
dissertations
oral presentations
written and practical exams

Your assessment breakdown

Year 1:

13%

Written exam

76%

Coursework

11%

Practical exam

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Course leader

John McNabb is the course leader.

Careers

You'll graduate this archaeology MSci degree with the technical skills needed to develop a career in forensic or bio-archaeological studies, geophysical survey or underwater archaeology.

You'll also have transferable skills such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork and project management, which will equip you for a wide range of careers outside of archaeology.

Our archaeology graduates move into industries, including:

professional archaeology
museums and the heritage sector
cartography and aerial photography
animation and virtual reality game design
the NHS
local government and planning
police and forensic services

Like all our archaeology courses, this degree is also a good foundation for further study at PhD level. Many of our students go on to study at universities both in the UK and abroad.

Careers services at Southampton

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. 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 students pay £9,250.
EU and international students pay £22,300.

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 to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented 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 EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

When you apply use:

UCAS course code: VV40
UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for this course

What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

predicted grades
academic achievements
personal statement
academic reference

We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Related courses

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Archaeology (MSci)

About this course

Learn more about this subject area

Course location

Awarding body

Download the Course Description Document

Entry requirements

For Academic year 202324

A-levels

A-levels additional information

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

A-levels contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Diploma

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

BTEC

RQF BTEC

Additional information

QCF BTEC

Access to HE Diploma

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)

Scottish Qualification

Cambridge Pre-U

Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate additional information

Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

English language requirements

IELTS score requirements

For Academic year 202425

A-levels

A-levels additional information

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

A-levels contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Diploma

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

BTEC

RQF BTEC

Additional information

QCF BTEC

Access to HE Diploma

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)

Scottish Qualification

Cambridge Pre-U

Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate additional information

Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

English language requirements

IELTS score requirements

Got a question?

Course structure

Year 1 overview

Year 2 overview

Year 3 overview

Year 4 overview

Modules

For entry in Academic Year 2023 to 2024

Year 1 modules

Archaeological Methods for Fieldwork and Analysis

Debates and Issues in Archaeological Science

Emergence of Civilisation: domesticating ourselves and others

Human Origins

The development of Archaeological and Anthropological Thought

Wonderful things: World history in 40 objects

Ancient and Medieval Worlds

Exploring Other Cultures

Introduction to Ethnography: Food and Culture

Landscapes and Seascapes of Britain’s Past

Year 2 modules

Contemporary Issues and Debates in Archaeology

Digging Data: quantitative data analysis in Archaeology

Professional and Academic Practice in Archaeology