Archaeology with Year Abroad

About this course
From the the beginnings of the human species to the builders of Stonehenge to Ancient Egypt, the Roman Empire and the medieval world, you'll study the stories of human activity and the origins of the diverse societies of the past and present. BA Archaeology explores how human societies came into being, how and why they changed over time, and the underlying reasons for human diversity today. Our academic staff are experts in the field and will guide you through topics ranging from bioarchaeology to classical antiquity, maritime archaeology and human origins. The flexible nature of our degree means that you study what interests you the most. You also have options such as study abroad, work placements and modules in other subjects, which can be used to gain a minor in a different field.

As an Archaeology graduate, you have the privilege and responsibility of being a custodian of the past. Whether you're excavating ancient cities, preserving historical landmarks, or educating the public, your work contributes to the incredible stories of human history and culture, today and into the future. Your archaeological expertise can be applied in diverse fields, heritage management and conservation, via education, journalism and creative, entrepreneurial and digital careers, to academia and beyond, making a tangible impact on how we understand and engage with our past.

Key features of the course

• You'll deepen your understanding of archaeology with three weeks of practical experience of field work, including excavating archaeological sites, survey, or post-excavation.

• Join a department ranked 7th in the UK for Archaeology in the Complete University Guide, 2026.

• Learn in £3m purpose-built archaeology facilities including superb labs for osteoarchaeology, isotope sampling, and ceramic and lithic analysis.

• Our Digital Humanities facilities will allow you to study and research through cutting-edge technology, such as virtual reality, 3D scanners and printers, and a 360 degree fully immersive audio-visual centre.

• 100% of our Archaeology graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduation” Graduate Outcomes, 2022/2023, published in 2025.

Student support
From day one, you’ll be part of a friendly, supportive community of students and academics in Archaeology. Experienced tutors, who are also active researchers, will guide you through practical and academic challenges, while small-group teaching ensures you get personalised support. You’ll develop teamwork and communication skills alongside your peers, and have access to pastoral care, wellbeing services, and a wide range of student-led societies to help you thrive both academically and personally.

Further information
Carry out fieldwork, including 3 weeks as part of an active research project at sites in the UK or abroad. As part of the option for year abroad, you'll study at one of our partner institutions abroad, for example in: Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Japan, Sweden, Australia, Norway or Poland. Alternatively, you could arrange an approved work placement.

Over the four years of this Archaeology course, you will personalise your education, developing new skills and knowledge for your future.

Year 1: Develop the foundations in archaeology, fieldwork and analysis.
Year 2: Deepen your understanding of archaeology and prepare for fieldwork with at least 3 weeks of practical experience in a field school or research project in the UK or overseas.
Year 3: Year Abroad
Year 4: Develop your interests with a wide range of optional modules, including GIS for Archaeology, Ancient Egypt, Urbanism in the Roman Empire, and Molecular Archaeology - and explore your own specialist interest with a dissertation on a research topic of your choice. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your planning, research, data collation, analysis, and communication skills.

You will also have opportunities to tailor your learning through student-selected units and an elective placement.

For a full list of modules available please visit the course page - https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/archaeology-with-year-abroad-degree-ba#modules.

On this course you will learn through a range of activities that may include lectures, classes and tutorials, coursework, individual and group projects, and independent learning (studying on your own).

You will be able to demonstrate what you have learnt through a variety of assessment methods, such as examinations, essays, extended essays, practical assignments in both the laboratory and the field, presentations, portfolios and the dissertation.

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor who will offer support and advice throughout your studies. You will also receive feedback throughout your course, enabling you to identify areas for improvement before your work is formally assessed.