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 programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202021
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 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
BTEC additional information
No additional information
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
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
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 2020-21
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
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
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Simon Davies 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 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 students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £18,520.
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 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 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?
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
