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:
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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:
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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 programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
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 students 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 student’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
Students 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
- Access to HE Diploma
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
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
Access to HE additional information
No additional information
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
Irish certificate additional information
No additional information
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
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
No additional information
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.
European Baccalaureate
80% overall including grade 8 in a science based subject
OR
77% overall including grade 8 in a science based subject
Non-academic entry requirements
There are no additional requirements
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 an overall score of 6.5 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:
IELTS score requirements
- 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.
Other ways to qualify
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?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
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
Students 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 Diploma additional information
Applications where Higher Level subjects have been studied without the full Diploma, will also be considered on a case by case basis.
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
- Access to HE Diploma
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
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
Access to HE additional information
No additional information
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
Irish certificate additional information
No additional information
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
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
No additional information
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.
European Baccalaureate
80% overall including grade 8 in a science based subject
OR
77% overall including grade 8 in a science based subject
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 an overall score of 6.5 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:
IELTS score requirements
- 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.
Other ways to qualify
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?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +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
You must study the following modules in year 1:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
You must study the following modules in year 2:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:
You must study the following module in year 3:
You must study the following modules in year 4:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 4:
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:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- dissertations
- essays
- individual and group projects
- teamwork
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- dissertations
- essays
- individual and group projects
- teamwork
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 2:
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 3:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- dissertations
- essays
- individual and group projects
- teamwork
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 3:
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 4:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- dissertations
- essays
- individual and group projects
- teamwork
- written 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
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 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/EU students pay £9,250.
- International students pay £17,560.
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 international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: F401
- 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?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000