Course contact details
Undergraduate Admissions - Faculty of Arts and Humanities
Email:AdmissionsUG.AH@soton.ac.uk
Phone:023 8059 4732
University of Southampton
Highfield
Southampton
SO17 1BJ
Archaeology and Ancient History
- BA (Hons)
- 3 Years
- Full-time
- 14 September 2026
- Undergraduate
- Main Site - Highfield Campus
Course summary
Summary
On this course, you will explore civilisations across time and place, from Ancient Egypt and the conquests of Alexander the Great to the Roman Empire and the rise of Islam in the Middle East. By combining archaeology and ancient history, you will build a richer understanding of the past through both material evidence and historical interpretation.
You will study in an engaging, supportive and highly successful research environment where new discoveries and ideas shape your learning. Along the way, you will develop the skills to analyse evidence, question assumptions and construct your own understanding of the ancient world.
As a graduate, you will be prepared to play a role in preserving and sharing the past. Graduates from the Ancient History and Archaeology BA degree have gained employment in heritage management, museums or archaeological research. 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 the past 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.
You can also choose to spend your third year abroad at a partner university in Europe, the United States, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea or Australia.
Modules
Over the three years of this course, you will discover the nature of archaeology and ancient history and the relationship between these two disciplines.
Year 1: Introduction to the ancient world and to archaeological fieldwork and analysis.
Year 2: Deepen your understanding of archaeology and ancient history 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 GIS for Archaeology, Ancient Egypt, Urbanism in the Roman Empire, and Resistance to Rome - and explore your interests and complete a research project and dissertation on either ancient history or archaeology. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your planning, research, analysis, and communication skills. You'll also show how you engage with primary source materials.
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/ancient-history-archaeology-degree-ba#modules
Assessment method
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.
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- Main Site - Highfield Campus
Study options
- BA (Hons) • Full-time • 3 Years
Start dates
- 14 September 2026
Apply by
14 January
This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.
Application codes
- Course code:
- V103
- Institution code:
- S27
- Campus name:
- Main Site - Highfield Campus
- Campus Code:
- -
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
University of Southampton has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?
How to apply
Apply by
14 January
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- V103
- Institution code:
- S27
- Campus name:
- Main Site - Highfield Campus
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
Find out about equivalent entry requirements and qualifications for your country: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/uni-life/international/your-country.page
Entry requirements
UCAS TariffNot accepted
A levelABB
Typical Offer: ABB
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:
BBB and grade A in the EPQ
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.
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)DDM
Distinction, Distinction, Merit in the BTEC National Extended Diploma.
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.
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit.
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.
Scottish Higher
We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject).
Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4"
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.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)DD
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus B in an A level subject
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.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)D
Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AB in A level subjects
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.
Scottish Advanced Higher
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 for further information. Applicants are advised to contact Admissions for more information.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme32 points
Pass, 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level.
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):
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.
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate WalesB
ABB from 3 A levels
or
AB from two A levels and B from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)H1, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3
H1 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3
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.
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - PrincipalD3, M2, M2
D3 M2 M2 in three principal subjects
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.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
We welcome applicants with other qualifications eg. European Baccalaureate. You will be expected to attain an A level equivalent standard.
The University of Southampton requires all applicants to achieve at least a Grade 4 in English and Mathematics GCSEs (taken in England) or a Grade C in both subjects (where taken in Northern Ireland or Wales). Some degree subjects stipulate specific additional GCSE minimum grades, which will be specified as part of the individual degree programme entry requirements.
For more details on the suitability of your qualifications or foundation programme please contact the Faculty of Arts and Humanities Admissions Team at AdmissionsUG.AH@southampton.ac.uk
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | with no component below 6.0 |
All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in the medium of English (other than those in modern foreign languages). Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency.
Find out more about the University’s English Language requirementshttps://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
Most of the students who previously enrolled on this course joined us with grades lower than our published entry criteria. After receiving their grades, we carefully considered each students’ individual circumstances before confirming their place on their chosen course. We encourage everyone with the potential to succeed to apply, regardless of their background. Applicants who qualify for contextual admissions will be made an offer lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Historical entry grades data
This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).
It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.
Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not enough data available
We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Per year tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|
* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
Please see our website for further details and updates: www.southampton.ac.uk/uni-life/fees-funding.page
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