find your perfect postgrad program
Search our Database of 30,000 Courses
University of Southampton: Archaeology (Paleoanthropology)
| 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 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.
| 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
Explore the evolution, biology and behaviour of humankind through the study of our Stone Age ancestors. With this specialist master’s in palaeoanthropology you’ll gain expertise in the analysis of stone tools and hominin skulls to understand our evolutionary journey. You’ll work closely with experts in our Centre for the Archaeology of Human Origins (CAHO) and benefit from opportunities to apply your learning in real-world settings.
Your specialist palaeoanthropology learning will cover: handling and interpreting stone tools; the role of evolutionary models, experimental testing, primatological data and ethnographies in the study of human origins; developing methods to interrogate meaning from collections of stone tools; using SPSS statistical analysis software; Palaeolithic symbolism and language, migration and responses to environmental change.
| 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
Explore the evolution, biology and behaviour of humankind through the study of our Stone Age ancestors. With this specialist master’s in palaeoanthropology you’ll gain expertise in the analysis of stone tools and hominin skulls to understand our evolutionary journey. You’ll work closely with experts in our Centre for the Archaeology of Human Origins (CAHO) and benefit from opportunities to apply your learning in real-world settings.
Your specialist palaeoanthropology learning will cover: handling and interpreting stone tools; the role of evolutionary models, experimental testing, primatological data and ethnographies in the study of human origins; developing methods to interrogate meaning from collections of stone tools; using SPSS statistical analysis software; Palaeolithic symbolism and language, migration and responses to environmental change.
| 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 |
Visit us at a postgraduate open event
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**.
Benefit from an excellent learning experience
Choose from over 200 taught master’s degrees or join one of over 90 research groups in a range of disciplines:
- Arts and Humanities: archaeology, art, English, film, history, modern languages, music and philosophy
- Engineering and Physical Sciences: chemistry, electronics and computer science, engineering, physics and astronomy, and photonics and nanoelectronics
- Environmental and Life Sciences: …
Not what you are looking for?
Browse other courses in Archaeology or Anthropology, or search our comprehensive database of postgrad programs.Postgraduate Bursary Opportunity with Postgrad.com
Are you studying as a PG student at the moment or have you recently been accepted on a postgraduate program? Apply now for one of our £2000 PGS bursaries.
Click here