Archaeology (Paleoanthropology) (Taught)

About this course
Explore the evolution, biology, and behaviour of humankind through the study of Stone Age ancestors on our specialist MSc Archaeology Palaeoanthropology degree. Gain expertise in analysing stone tools and hominin skulls to understand our evolutionary journey, ranked 7th for archaeology and 3rd for research quality in the UK (Complete University Guide 2026).
Work closely with experts in our Centre for the Archaeology of Human Origins (CAHO), based in the dedicated John Wymer Laboratory with its own specialist library and extensive collection of stone tools and hominin skulls. This practical master's requires no prior knowledge of biology or anthropology. You'll learn to interpret behavioural patterns from stone tool assemblages, apply evolutionary models and statistical analysis, and explore Palaeolithic symbolism, language, migration, and environmental responses.
As a student on this course, you automatically become a member of the CAHO research group, joining staff, PhD students, and MSc students in a lively collaborative learning environment.

Your future career
You'll gain subject-specific and employability skills for rewarding careers as a palaeoanthropologist, archaeologist, heritage manager, museum professional, or academic researcher. Graduates work in local and national government, universities, museums, archaeological contractors, and heritage service providers.

Key features of this course
At Southampton you'll:
• develop practical expertise in stone tool analysis, with hands-on experience in the John Wymer Laboratory and access to large collections of tools and hominin skulls
• gain specialist knowledge in human evolution, palaeolithic contexts, primatology, ethnography, and environmental change
• learn statistical analysis using SPSS software to interpret stone tool assemblages and test evolutionary hypotheses
• undertake a four-week professional placement with leading heritage institutions such as Historic England or Wessex Archaeology for real-world sector experience
• conduct original research for your 20,000-word dissertation, with the possibility of publication, whilst embedded with one of our active research groups
• benefit from a collaborative research environment where you work alongside PhD students and leading palaeoanthropology experts
• access close proximity to World Heritage sites including Stonehenge and Avebury

Further information
This one-year full-time master's combines vocational and research training with core specialist modules in palaeolithic analysis and human origins research. You can personalise your studies by selecting additional modules from archaeology or other departments with course leader approval, and can include up to 30 credits from final-year undergraduate modules. You can change to a different archaeology pathway within the first two weeks if needed.

Compulsory modules include: Archaeology Masters Dissertation; Contexts for Human Origins Research; The Analysis of Palaeolithic Stone Tool Assemblages. Optional modules include: Applied Maritime Archaeology; Ecology of human evolution; More than Pyramids & Pharaohs? Ancient Egypt in Context; Molecular Archaeology; Palaeopathology in context; Museums in the Modern World.

For a full list of modules please visit: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/archaeology-palaeoanthropology-masters-msc#modules

We'll assess your knowledge through: reports and portfolios; written exams and essays; digital projects; mapping packages; group presentations; dissertation research project; field,laboratory, and practical tests.