Past unlocked at the University of Southampton

Armchair archaeologists with a passion for the past can now study the subject part-time in Southampton, working towards a nationally-recognised qualification.

Popular TV programmes such as Time Team have prompted a resurgence of interest in archaeology in recent years.

The University of Southampton is offering a programme of short courses covering topics as varied as the Ancient Mediterranean, the archaeology of everyday housing and human skeletal remains. Students may also be able to take part in an excavation or other fieldwork.

By attending courses and completing assignments, students are awarded credits, which will build into a Certificate in Higher Education in Archaeological Studies. All courses assume no prior knowledge of the subject and are suitable for anyone interested in the past.

Programme co-ordinator Dr Mark Grahame has taught for many years and has written a book on the houses of Roman Pompeii. He said, "Archaeology is an exciting, living subject which blends the academic and the practical in a stimulating way. The Certificate is an important first step for anyone who finds the past fascinating, whether they are looking to study just for personal interest or work in archaeology. As a University level qualification the Certificate can also provide a route into Higher Education and help enhance career prospects."

Archaeology remains a very popular subject with full-time undergraduates. Over the past ten years, the number of people taking the subject rose by 152 per cent (source: Universities UK)

Part-time archaeology courses at the University of Southampton New College campus begin on 29 September 2004.