Archaeology and Anthropology

Summary

What does it mean to be human? Explore how our ancestors engaged with the world, and gain a fascinating insight into what it means to be human. This course invites you to explore that question across time and cultures - how human societies came into being, how they have changed over time, and the underlying reasons for human diversity today.

By combining archaeology and anthropology, you will examine how societies formed, how they changed, and why human diversity exists today. From ancient remains to living cultures, you will study humanity in a truly global and interdisciplinary way.

You will follow a four field approach, bringing together archaeological, biological, linguistic and cultural perspectives. This gives you a deeper understanding of human life in the past and present, and how different ways of thinking connect.

Along the way, you will gain practical experience working with artefacts, materials, and human and animal remains. As an Archaeology and Anthropology 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

Gain hands-on experience through three weeks of fieldwork, including excavation, survey or post-excavation as part of active research projects.

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

Learn in £3 million purpose-built facilities, including specialist laboratories for osteoarchaeology, isotope sampling, and ceramic and lithic analysis.

Use digital humanities facilities to explore human history through technologies such as virtual reality, 3D scanning and printing.

100% of Archaeology graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduation Graduate Outcomes 2022/23, published 2025.

Student support

From day one, you will be part of a friendly and supportive community of students and academics. You will be taught by experienced tutors who are active researchers, with small group teaching designed to give you personalised support.

You will develop teamwork and communication skills alongside your peers, with access to wellbeing services, pastoral care and a wide range of student societies to support you throughout your time at university.

Further information

You will complete three weeks of fieldwork as part of an active research project, with opportunities to take part in excavations in the UK or abroad.

If you choose the year abroad pathway, you can spend a year studying at a partner institution such as the University of Malta or the Universidad Autonoma de Barcelona.

Course Modules

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

Year 1: Develop the foundations in archaeology and anthropology, fieldwork and analysis.
Year 2: Deepen your understanding 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: Develop your interests with a wide range of optional modules, including Children and Society, Ancient Egypt, Intersectional Perspectives on Modernisation, and the Anthropology of Adornment - and explore your interests 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-anthropology-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.