Archaeology

Summary

English is more than reading books. We study how stories make and remake the world and how writing can be an expression of curiosity, a source of comfort, a site of resistance.

At Southampton, you will explore literature across time and place, from medieval travellers’ tales to contemporary fiction and environmental writing. You will question how literature engages with issues such as social justice, gender, climate change and globalisation, and consider how it reflects and reshapes society.

As you study, you will develop the skills to think critically, communicate clearly and see the world from new perspectives. You will learn to analyse, question and create, building a deeper understanding of culture and what it means to be human.

An English degree opens up a wide range of possibilities. Our graduates go on to careers in publishing, journalism, marketing, teaching, heritage and more, while others move into areas such as law, business or further study. Many find roles in copywriting, PR, editorial, or media, while others succeed in law, business, or further study. Southampton English graduates are highly employable, with 100% in work or further study within 15 months of graduating (Graduate Outcomes 2022/2023, Published in 2025). Employers value the research, communication, and analytical skills you’ll gain.

Key features of the course

Study in a top 12 English department in the UK, according to the Times and Sunday Times 2026.

Shape your degree through a wide choice of modules, from medieval poetry to contemporary drama, from Austen's predecessors to Atwood's successors.

Take advantage of the comprehensive collection of physical books and journals, as well as extensive digital collections and rare volumes that make us one of the UK's best resourced institutions for the Humanities. We also have established links with Chawton House, God's House Tower, Mayflower Studios, and the John Hansard Gallery, bringing new perspectives to your learning.

Use digital humanities facilities to explore literature through technologies such as virtual reality, 3D scanning and immersive audio visual spaces.

Get involved in Writers in Conversation workshops and a vibrant creative community and over 40 student led performing arts groups.

Choose to study abroad at one of our global partner universities.

Student support

You will be taught by supportive experts who take the time to know you as an individual. Through small group seminars and support from your personal tutor, you will build confidence in your ideas and your voice.

Beyond academics, you’ll have access to wellbeing resources, peer mentoring, and careers advice, all in a friendly, welcoming community. Our English programmes are shaped by our students' feedback and input.

Further information

BA English with a Year Abroad is a four-year full time course; the third year is dedicated to your study broad, while the years 1, 2, and 4 are based at our Avenue Campus.

Find out more on our course page.

Over the three 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: 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-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.