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University of Southampton: Archaeology (Higher Archaeological Practice)
| Institution | University of Southampton View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | Archaeology |
| Web | www.southampton.ac.uk/postgraduate |
| AdmissionsPGT.AH@soton.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | 023 8059 4732 |
| Study type | Taught |
MSc
Summary
About this course Prepare for a career in commercial archaeology with this vocational MSc Higher Archaeological Practice degree, ranked 7th for archaeology and 3rd for research quality in the UK (Complete University Guide 2026). Gain practical skills to plan and run archaeological projects from survey and excavation to analysis and reporting. Learn how to navigate the heritage industry, manage commercial projects, and develop professional expertise beyond routine fieldwork. You'll combine specialist modules in archaeological project management with hands-on experience, including a 4-week professional placement with leading institutions like Historic England or Wessex Archaeology, and a 3-day field trip to Devon and Cornwall World Heritage Sites.
Your future career You'll develop skills for rewarding careers as an archaeologist, heritage manager, field director, project manager, or consultant in commercial archaeology and the heritage sector. Graduates work with local and national government, museums, universities, and archaeological contractors.
Key features of this course At Southampton you'll: • learn processes and workflows of commercial archaeology and heritage industry management, professional report writing, and statutory systems for protecting cultural heritage • develop project planning, management, and design skills through practical modules • undertake a 4-week professional placement with heritage institutions for real-world experience • gain practical fieldwork skills through hands-on training and a 3-day World Heritage Site field trip using GIS and remote sensing • conduct original research for your 20,000-word dissertation, with publication potential • access specialist facilities and teaching staff to develop practical capabilities
Further information This one-year full-time master's combines vocational training with advanced research skills through core specialist modules in professional practice and placement experience. You can personalise your studies by selecting additional modules from archaeology or other departments, 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.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | You'll need a 2.2 degree in archaeology, anthropology, history or a related subject |
| Location | Avenue Campus University of Southampton Avenue Campus Highfield Road Southampton SO17 1BF |
Summary
This vocational master’s degree will prepare you for a career in commercial archaeology. Through hands-on experience you’ll gain the skills to plan and run archaeological projects, from survey and excavation to analysis and reporting. You’ll apply your learning by spending 4 weeks on professional placement.
Your specialist archaeological practice learning will cover: processes and workflows of the heritage industry and commercial archaeology; professional report writing; statutory and local government systems for recording and protecting cultural heritage; presentations and exhibitions; how to design and manage archaeological projects.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | You’ll need the minimum of a 2:1 degree in archaeology, anthropology, geography, biology, history or a related subject. |
| Location | Avenue Campus University of Southampton Avenue Campus Highfield Road Southampton SO17 1BF |
Summary
This vocational master’s degree will prepare you for a career in commercial archaeology. Through hands-on experience you’ll gain the skills to plan and run archaeological projects, from survey and excavation to analysis and reporting. You’ll apply your learning by spending 4 weeks on professional placement.
Your specialist archaeological practice learning will cover: processes and workflows of the heritage industry and commercial archaeology; professional report writing; statutory and local government systems for recording and protecting cultural heritage; presentations and exhibitions; how to design and manage archaeological projects.
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | First or upper second-class degree, in archaeology, anthropology, history or a cognate discipline; other qualifications considered |
| Location | Avenue Campus University of Southampton Avenue Campus Highfield Road Southampton SO17 1BF |
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Study your postgraduate degree at the University of Southampton, a Russell Group university ranked in the top 17 in the UK* and 87th among global universities**.
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