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University of Southampton: Archaeology
| Institution | University of Southampton |
|---|---|
| Department | Archaeology |
| Web | http://www.southampton.ac.uk |
| AdmissionsPGT.AH@soton.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | 023 8059 4732 |
Doctor of Philosophy - PhD
Summary
Join one of the largest archaeology research programmes in the UK. Students from all over the world study a wide range of archaeological topics in an intellectually stimulating environment. You'll work alongside renowned scholars in the field.
| Study type | Research |
|---|---|
| Level | RQF Level 8 |
| Entry requirements | A UK bachelor’s degree with upper second-class honours or higher and a Master of Arts with merit (typically between 60% and 69% in the UK) in archaeology, anthropology, history or a related subject. See international equivalent qualifications:www.southampton.ac.uk/pg/entry |
| Location | Avenue Campus University of Southampton Avenue Campus Highfield Road Southampton SO17 1BF |
Summary
Join one of the largest archaeology research programmes in the UK. Students from all over the world study a wide range of archaeological topics in an intellectually stimulating environment. You'll work alongside renowned scholars in the field.
| Study type | Research |
|---|---|
| Level | RQF Level 8 |
| Entry requirements | A UK bachelor’s degree with upper second-class honours or higher and a Master of Arts with merit (typically between 60% and 69% in the UK) in archaeology, anthropology, history or a related subject. See international equivalent qualifications:www.southampton.ac.uk/pg/entry |
| Location | Avenue Campus University of Southampton Avenue Campus Highfield Road Southampton SO17 1BF |
MSc
Summary
About this course Build essential skills for a career in archaeological research or the heritage industry with our flexible MSc Archaeology degree. Gain practical experience and benefit from our strong partnerships with leading museums and organisations in commercial archaeology, heritage management, and fieldwork.
We're ranked 7th for archaeology and 3rd for research quality in the UK (Complete University Guide 2026). We bring together expertise from across the University—including the National Oceanography Centre, Humanities, Medicine, Engineering, and Winchester School of Art—to provide you with both scientific capabilities and cultural understanding across diverse archaeological specialisms.
Personalise your studies to match your interests without committing to a single specialism. You'll develop practical skills alongside theoretical insights and period-based knowledge, with full access to dedicated facilities including specialist laboratories, extensive skeletal collections, and advanced imaging technology.
Your future career You'll gain subject-specific and employability skills for rewarding careers as an archaeologist, heritage manager, museum professional, academic researcher, or in related heritage, conservation, and cultural sectors. Graduates work in local and national government, universities, museums, archaeological contractors, and heritage service providers.
Key features of this course At Southampton you'll: • gain hands-on experience with world-class facilities including isotope labs, scanning and micro-CT imaging suites, and extensive collections of stone tools, hominin skulls, and skeletal remains • undertake a four-week professional placement with leading heritage institutions such as Historic England, Wessex Archaeology, or The Nautical Archaeology Society to develop real-world sector experience • choose from specialist modules in bioarchaeology, maritime archaeology, palaeoanthropology, GIS, molecular archaeology, and geophysical survey, tailoring your path to your interests • conduct original research for your dissertation, with the possibility of publication, whilst embedded with one of our active research groups • access close proximity to World Heritage sites including Stonehenge and Avebury, and engage with archaeological projects globally
Further information This one-year full-time master's degree offers ultimate flexibility to customise your learning. You can select from the full range of archaeology modules, include up to 30 credits from final-year undergraduate modules, or choose modules from other university departments with course leader approval. Placements with heritage organisations also count toward your credits. We offer four distinct pathways including Bioarchaeology, Higher Archaeological Practice, and Palaeoanthropology, or a general pathway to explore diverse areas. This master's is ideal if you have an undergraduate degree in archaeology, anthropology, geography, biology, history, or a related field. Visit our course page for a full list of modules and detailed entry requirements.
| Study type | Taught |
|---|---|
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
| Entry requirements | A 2:2 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 |
Summary
Build the skills you need for a career in archaeological research or the heritage industry with this flexible archaeology master’s. You’ll gain practical experience and benefit from our close ties with museums and organisations involved in commercial archaeology, heritage management and fieldwork.
With this MSc in Archaeology you can personalise your studies to areas that interest you, without having to specialise in a particular area. We bring expertise together from across the University, including the National Oceanography Centre, Humanities, Medicine, Engineering and Winchester School of Art, to help you gain both scientific skills and cultural understanding through a range of optional modules.
This master's in archaeology enables you to develop your skills in a practical way, whilst learning from theoretical and period-based insights. You’ll have full access to a wide range of dedicated facilities and specialist teachers.
| Study type | Taught |
|---|---|
| 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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