About this course

Discover how human civilisations evolved, and why people and societies have changed over time. Through the latest techniques and technologies, you'll investigate how our ancestors lived, from the earliest human origins, to Neolithic Britain, and Ancient Egypt. On BSc Archaeology with Year Abroad you could look into climate change at the end of the last ice age or what the chemical composition of human bones can tell us about diet during the medieval period.

You'll focus on scientific methods and techniques with options including:

studying human and animal bones
physics and chemistry of archaeological material
laboratory techniques for dating
maritime archaeology

You'll learn through research-led projects, practical field experience and field trips. You'll do a minimum of 3 weeks' fieldwork as part of an active research project. This could include:

excavating archaeological sites
recording a standing building
geophysical surveys
collecting archaeological material from ploughed fields

We have a purpose-built archaeology building, equipped with the latest science-based laboratories for Southampton BSc archaeology year abroad students to use. You'll gain hands-on experience with archaeological artefacts and materials, and receive the practical training needed for a career in archaeology.

You'll study archaeology with a year abroad at one of our partner institutions such as the University of Malta or the Universidad Autonoma de Barcelona. This will give you the chance to discover the theories and findings in exotic locations and boost your career opportunities.

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.

Changes due to COVID-19

Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2022 to 2023. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.

Find out more on our COVID advice page.

ODT

Download 2022-23 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.

More information about A-levels

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

More information about International Baccalaureate Diploma

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

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.

More information about BTEC

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

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.

More information about A-levels

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

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

More information about International Baccalaureate Diploma

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

BTEC

RQF BTEC

Additional information

More information about BTEC

QCF BTEC

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

Year 1 introduces you to key areas of archaeology. In year 2, you'll select from a wide range of optional modules and prepare for your year abroad in year 3. Year 4 includes a dissertation and further optional modules.

On research-led digs you'll work closely with research staff who specialise in areas such as maritime and underwater archaeology and radiometric dating.

You can broaden your studies beyond archaeology by selecting language modules, or interdisciplinary modules from our Curriculum Innovation Programme, or by studying a minor subject.

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.

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 will 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. You will also prepare for your year abroad.

Optional modules cover subjects including:

scientific diving
archaeological dating
archaeological surveying of landscapes and monuments

Year 3 overview

For your archaeology BSc abroad year, you'll study at one of our partner institutions, for example in Cyprus, France, Greece, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland or Spain. You could arrange an approved work placement as an alternative.

Year 4 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, Iron Age societies or Ancient Egypt, or choose to focus on geographic information systems (GIS), molecular archaeology or museums and heritage.

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

Modules

For entry in Academic Year 2022-23

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...

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...

Study Abroad Preparation Module

This module will prepare you for study abroad. You are required to take out appropriate insurance policies and engage in on-going monitoring of risk and this module will provide professional input in both areas as well as rigorous assessment of the docume...

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 ...

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...

You must study the following module in year 4:

Archaeology Dissertation

The dissertation is a key component of your degree, and the culmination of your programme of study. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate the skills of planning, research, data collation, analysis, and communication that you have learned during your p...

You must also choose from the following modules in year 4:

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...

Iron Age Societies

Iron Age Europe witnessed the divergence of a ‘classical' Mediterranean world, whose culture included such features as states, towns, coinage and literacy, from a ‘barbarian' world to the north, where these features developed only much later, if at all. T...

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...

Specialist Research Topic in Archaeology

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 ...

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
essays
individual and group projects
teamwork
written 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

Simon Davies is the course leader.

Careers

You'll graduate with the technical skills needed to develop a career in forensic or bioarchaeological studies, geophysical survey or underwater archaeology. Some specific career paths you can explore include:

international archaeologist
global conservator
heritage manager abroad

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 a wide range of industries, including:

professional archaeology
museums and the heritage sector
cartography and aerial photography
animation and virtual reality graphic design
commerce and marketing
the NHS
financial services
local government
police and forensic services

Like all our archaeology courses, this degree is also a good foundation for further study at master's or PhD level. Many of our students go on to study at universities both here and abroad.

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 2022). 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 £20,340.

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.

Archaeology with Year Abroad (BSc)

About this course

Course location

Awarding body

Download the Course Description Document

Changes due to COVID-19

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

Access to HE additional information

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)

Scottish Qualification

Cambridge Pre-U

Cambridge Pre-U additional information

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

Access to HE additional information

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)

Scottish Qualification

Cambridge Pre-U

Cambridge Pre-U additional information

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 2022-23

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