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.
Learn more about this subject area
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.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202324
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*
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.
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.
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 39 must be at Distinction and 6 credits at Merit, to include 6 Distinctions in a science based subject OR 60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit, to include 6 Distinctions in a science based subject
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 to H1 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3 including a science based subject
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A2 A2 A2 B1 B1 B1 to A2 A2 B1 B1 B2 B2 including a science based subject at B1
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 D3 M2 to D3 M2 M2 in three principal subjects including a science based subject
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAB to ABB from 3 A levels including a science based subject or AA to AB from two A levels including a science based subject 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.
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 all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- 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.
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.
For Academic year 202425
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.
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.
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.
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 39 must be at Distinction and 6 credits at Merit, to include 6 Distinctions in a science based subject OR 60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit, to include 6 Distinctions in a science based subject
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 to H1 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3 including a science based subject
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A2 A2 A2 B1 B1 B1 to A2 A2 B1 B1 B2 B2 including a science based subject at B1
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 D3 M2 to D3 M2 M2 in three principal subjects including a science based subject
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAB to ABB from 3 A levels including a science based subject or AA to AB from two A levels including a science based subject 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.
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 all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- 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.
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?
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
Year 1 modules
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...
Year 2 modules
You must study the following modules in year 2:
Contemporary Issues and Debates in Archaeology
Contemporary archaeology operates within a broad remit: its traditional focus on understanding a deep past is now supplemented by studies of more recent material cultures, and issues of heritage, representation and the politics of the past. All of these d...
Digging Data: quantitative data analysis in Archaeology
Archaeology is an immensely data-rich activity that records the characteristics of sites, landscapes and artefacts, sometimes in great detail. Making sense of that data often relies on quantitative or statistical methods to identify patterns, associations...
Professional and Academic Practice in Archaeology
Fieldwork is an integral part of the archaeological process and we want all our students to experience directly the generation of primary data by means of field and related practical activities. At the core of this module, therefore, is participation in a...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:
Bones, bodies and burials: osteology and comparative anatomy
This module examines the variation within the mammalian skeleton from an evolutionary and functional perspective. Additionally, it gives an overview of the main methodological and theoretical issues in the retrieval, treatment and interpretation of bone f...
Cosmology, Ritual and Belief
This module is concerned with how people in different cultures make sense of their world. The spiritual beliefs and ritual practices of a range of different cultures across the world are considered together with some of the ways in which anthropologists ...
Experimental Archaeology: the social prehistory of technology
This module will engage you with prehistoric societies and their available economic options through the active reconstruction and evaluation of their technologies. Knapped stone is the oldest-known surviving technology, and persisted until the 1950s, whe...
Human Dispersal and Evolution
This module explores human evolution in the context of expanding and contracting populations. We shall review the evolutionary landscape and the big questions that face archaeologists. We shall cover the hominin fossil record, learning about the major spe...
Introduction to European Prehistory
The 10,000 years from the end of the last glacial to the emergence of Roman as a major European power were marked by dramatic changes in subsistence, social organisation, material worlds and cosmology. This module provides an introduction to the major the...
Introduction to Scientific Diving
This fifteen credit module will introduce you to the theoretical, logistic, technical and legislative issues that have to be addressed if the theory and practice of archaeology are to be successfully applied in the investigation of sites underwater - thes...
Maritime Archaeology
This course aims to give students a sound introduction to the way archaeology is carried out underwater.
The Life and Afterlife of the Vikings
Blood, violence, terror, raids, pirates, rape and pillage are just some of the words associated with the Vikings in both the medieval and modern imagination. Their fearsome reputation is underlined by nicknames such as ‘Blood Axe' and ‘Skull-splitter', bu...
The power of Rome: Europe’s first empire
The Roman empire has held the imagination of successive generations. Conquest by Rome brought social, cultural and economic change to large swathes of what is now Europe, the Middle East and north Africa. Never before or after did these parts of the world...
Year 3 modules
You must study the following module in year 3:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:
Archaeology of Seafaring
Seafaring lies at the heart of human activity across the world and has taken place from the earliest times to the present day. Reflecting this, in recent years the study of seafaring has become an increasingly important area in our understanding of the hu...
Ecology of human evolution: biological, social and cultural approaches to hominin adaptations.
This module explores human evolution in terms of physiological, social and cultural adaptations. It explores human ecology in the broad sense, combining not just cultural and social variability, but also physiological adaptations in past and present-day h...
GIS for Archaeology
This module aims to acquaint you with Geographic Information Systems including their use for mapping and analysing archaeological sites and landscapes, and to explain the broader context of their application to a range of archaeological research and manag...
Later Anglo-Saxon England
This module examines the major social, economic and cultural developments that took place in England during the period between c. 800 and c. 1100 AD. It makes use of evidence from diverse disciplines, including the study of documentary, archaeological, ar...
Living with the Romans: Urbanism in the Roman Empire
The towns in which the Romans lived are some of the most familiar features of the Roman world. Although they seem to look and feel like modern towns, they actually worked in quite different ways, a reflection of the fact that ancient Roman society was dis...
Molecular Archaeology
The extraction and characterization of ancient molecules and the measurement of stable and radioactive isotopes has revolutionized archaeology over the past two decades and remains at the cutting edge of archaeological science. From the identification of ...
More than Pyramids & Pharaohs? Ancient Egypt in Context
The module provides an introduction to the history and archaeology of ancient Egypt. The module provides a broad sweep of Egyptian history from the Predynastic through to later periods. It introduces aspects of death, burial and commemoration, compares an...
Presenting the past: Museums and Heritage
In this module we will examine how knowledge about the past is presented in museum exhibition and display. We will look at current practices in exhibition design and discuss the contemporary literature on communicating heritage to a range of audiences. Yo...
Seeing beneath the soil: geophysical survey for archaeology
The development of geophysical survey methods has provided archaeologists with a wholly new approach to buried archaeological remains allowing - in some circumstances - plans of entire archaeological sites to be obtained prior to any excavation. The use o...
Stonehenge to Skara Brae: the Neolithic of Britain
The Neolithic period heralds some of the most momentous changes in human history; it is the period when prehistoric people began to live in permanent settlements and adopted agriculture. In Britain, this period is dominated by rich evidence for large monu...
The Archaeology and Anthropology of Adornment
The impulse to adorn the body is as old as human history. This module explores the extraordinary variety of ways in which people have adorned their bodies in a range of archaeological and anthropological contexts, from body painting and tattooing, to the ...
Year 4 modules
You must study the following module in year 4:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 4:
Analysis of archaeological faunal remains
This module will cover the practical skills necessary to identify, record and interpret animal bones from archaeological sites as well as the techniques used for the study of animals in human life in the past. You will learn methods of identification of ...
Ancient Mediterranean Seafaring
A basic appreciation of the cultural phases and events that took place in the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean region from Prehistory to Late Antiquity will be assumed as a prerequisite of the module. With this in hand a thorough examination of the maritime...
Applied Maritime Archaeology
This fifteen credit module will introduce you to the theoretical, ethical, logistic, technical and legislative issues that have to be addressed if the theory and practice of archaeology are to be successfully applied in the investigation of sites underwat...
Bioarchaeology of Human Remains
The first portion of the module comprises the learning of the basics of human osteology and palaeopathology. The second portion is more theoretically driven and integrates bioarchaeology with skeletal analysis, including topics such as age, gender, ethnic...
Contexts for Human Origins Research
The module will focus on the major questions which have been, and are being, asked of Palaeolithic data. These include such issues as language origins, global colonisation, population replacement, and hominin responses to palaeoclimatic and palaeoenviron...
Cultural Heritage within Environmental Impact Assessment
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process required in many countries to predict the consequences of proposed projects (e.g. construction) or policies (e.g. ground water management). This includes assessing the impact on cultural heritage assets. ...
Global Cultural Heritage
This module takes a global perspective and deals with the many varieties of cultural heritage from the tangible built environment to intangible heritage represented by a society’s traditional knowledge and customs. It will explore the reasons we do, or sh...
Maritime Aspects of Culture
This module will introduce you to the key theoretical and technical concepts used in maritime archaeology, along with its evidence base. It has been designed to provide an accelerated learning curve for those who are new to the subject area, developing c...
Maritime Museums and Heritage Management
As maritime archaeology becomes an increasingly mainstream part of the discipline of archaeology, public awareness of the importance of protecting, managing and disseminating maritime cultural heritage assumes a heightened importance. At the same time, cl...
Materials, Technology and Social Life
This module examines the central role of technology in archaeological constructions of social life. It integrates techniques for the investigation of materials in archaeological science with discussions of social theory. Case studies from a range of diffe...
Museums in the Modern World
This module examines the past, present and future of museum and heritage communication. It will explore the ever-changing purposes and practices espoused by and employed by heritage bodies, particularly museums, with a primary but not exclusive focus on U...
Nautical Archaeology
The waters of the world have frequently served to connect rather than divide communities, leading to water transport becoming of vital importance to society. The remains of ships and boats thus constitute a key primary source for maritime archaeology. Th...
Palaeopathology in Context
The module comprises 2 sections; the first comprises seminars based upon current theoretical and methodological developments within palaeopathology and bioarchaeology, whereas the second portion comprises development of detailed skeletal and palaeopatholo...
Professional Placement in the Archaeological and Cultural Heritage Sector
A key component of higher archaeological practice is the development of archaeological vocational skills, and the application of what is learnt at university in the working environment. The archaeological methods and skills taught at university have diver...
Professional Practice
This module is designed to equip students with the essential core skills to engage with higher-level archaeological practice within the UK and overseas. By this, we refer to activities beyond routine fieldwork procedures such as survey and excavation. The...
The Analysis of Palaeolithic Stone Tool Assemblages
This is a practical module in handling and interpreting stone tools and developing behavioural interpretations to explain the patterns seen. Stone tools remain the most significant part of the Palaeolithic cultural heritage. This course provides traini...
Themes in Osteoarchaeology
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)
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- dissertations
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Year 2
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- dissertations
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 2:
Year 3
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 3:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- dissertations
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 3:
Year 4
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 4:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- dissertations
- oral presentations
- written and practical exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 4:
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
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
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