Course summary

About this course Uncover the secrets of past lives through the analysis of human and animal skeletons on our specialist MSc Archaeology Bioarchaeology degree. Gain expertise in human anatomy with unlimited access to our extensive skeletal collection—one of the largest mammal, bird, and fish reference collections in the UK. Ranked 7th for archaeology and 3rd for research quality int he UK (Complete University Gudie 2026) , this practical master's requires no prior knowledge of biology or anatomy. You'll develop practical skills in identifying and analysing bones to understand age, sex, diet, health, and migration patterns of past populations, whilst learning about fossilisation and bone modification through hands-on laboratory work. Access world-class facilities including dedicated archaeology laboratories, specialist isotope labs, and advanced scanning and micro-CT imaging suites. Work closely with experts in our Centre for Learning Anatomical Sciences to apply your learning in real-world contexts. Your future career You'll gain subject-specific and employability skills for rewarding careers as an archaeologist, heritage manager, museum professional, bioarchaeologist, 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 laboratory skills in skeletal identification, osteological analysis, and zooarchaeological reporting through intensive lab-based learning • access one of the UK's largest collections of human and animal skeletal remains for hands-on research and analysis • benefit from dedicated bioarchaeological expertise and partnerships with the Centre for Learning Anatomical Sciences • 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 • 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 human osteology, palaeopathology, faunal analysis, and palaeolithic contexts. You can personalise your studies by selecting additional modules, including up to 30 credits from final-year undergraduate archaeology modules or other departments with course leader approval. You can change to a different archaeology pathway within the first two weeks if needed.