Archaeology

Description

A degree in archaeology will open up new worlds. Whether in the laboratory or the library, you will explore a range of questions about people in the past.

Archaeology brings together diverse approaches to answer questions such as what our ancestors ate, what they wore, who they traded with, and the environments they lived in. You might undertake the chemical analysis of ceramics or human bones, or use theories drawn from anthropology or sociology. Archaeology is one of the broadest subjects taught at university, and you can study it with either science or humanities A levels. All you need is an enquiring mind and an interest in the past.

We cover the full timespan of the human past, from the earliest humans to the modern world. The breadth of subjects available means that you can study the areas you are most interested in. Southampton is a world leader in maritime archaeology, and you can take these units in all three years.

Archaeology is not just a vocational subject. Our graduates go on to a wide range of careers and find that their knowledge can be applied to work in local government planning, in National Trust bodies or in museums.

By studying archaeology you will acquire some key skills sought by employers, such as time management, problem solving, team-work, project management and cultural awareness. Above all, you will learn to communicate ideas and enthusiasm to a wide range of audiences in a way that is relevant and understandable.

Work placements and fieldwork opportunities reflect the dedication we have to embedding employability in our students throughout the degree experience. A balanced mix of practical and theoretical learning means our graduates are equipped with a comprehensive skill-set upon completing the degree. From team-working to problem solving, many are transferable. The destinations of our graduates are as rich and varied as the course we offer.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 14660 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

This programme covers a wide range of world archaeology, from the first appearance of humans two million years ago. You will also learn more about the methods used to find out about the past.

Period-based and practical moduless introduce the breadth of the subject in year one, with specialised modules and research in the second and final years.

Three-week field project in the UK or abroad.

Develop your own specialist interest with the dissertation in your final year.

Option to take up to 25 per cent of your programme in an alternative subject.

Work placements

Wessex Archaeology is one of the largest archaeological units in the UK. Through their Student Bursary scheme, which they operate exclusively with the University of Southampton, they offer a six-month contract as a Project Assistant to one of our third year students. The post is a means of providing an important first step for recent graduates interested in a field-based career by giving an opportunity to gain skills and experience and to advance their careers by working in a professional environment.

Fieldwork opportunities

The course includes three weeks' fieldwork in the UK or abroad and there are opportunities for more fieldwork or placements. Many of the fieldwork projects, which are a required element of the degree course, are overseas. Current research field projects include Nevis (Caribbean), Calabria (Italy), Andalucia (Spain) and Namibia (Southern Africa).

Requirements

A Levels:

AAB from 3 A levels; or ABB from 3 A levels with an A in Extended Project Qualification

or

ABB from 3 A levels; or BBB from 3 A levels with an A in Extended Project Qualification

or

BBB from 3 A levels

IB:

34 points, 17 at higher level

or

32 points, 16 at higher level

or

30 points, 16 at higher level

International Foundation Year

International students who do not currently meet our entry requirements may be able to join this course on successful completion of our International Foundation Year. For more information visit the IFY course page

Selection process:

Intake: 50 Average applicants per place: 6

UCAS application and interview

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Southampton.