Archaeology at University of Southampton - UCAS

University of Southampton

Degree level: Undergraduate

Archaeology

University of Southampton has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

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Course summary

From the Aztecs and Mayans to Ancient Egypt, the Roman Empire and the medieval world, you'll study the story of human activity and the origins of civilisation. BA Archaeology explores how human societies came into being, how and why they changed over time, and the underlying reasons for human diversity today. Our academic staff are experts in the field and will guide you through topics ranging from bioarchaeology to classical antiquity, maritime archaeology and human origins. This means that our courses allow you to study what interests you the most. You also have options such as study abroad, work placements and modules in other subjects. You'll deepen your understanding of archaeology with at least three weeks of practical experience of field work, including excavating archaeological sites and collecting archaeological material from ploughed fields. We are ranked 5th in the UK for Archaeology in the Complete University Guide, 2024. Our digital humanities facilities will allow you to study and research through cutting-edge technology, such as virtual reality, 3D scanners and printers, and a 360 degree fully immersive audio-visual centre. Supported by an expert team, these technologies will enable you to start making and exploring in new and immersive ways.

Modules

You will study a variety of topics that cover the fundamental aspects of Archaeology and you will have the opportunity to tailor your course to your interests by choosing some of your modules. Just some of the modules you may study include: Human Origins; The Development of Archaeological and Anthropological Thought; Wonderful Things: World History in 40 objects; Debates and Issues in Archaeological Science; Maritime Archaeology; The Life and Afterlife of the Vikings. For further module information visit https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/archaeology-degree-ba#modules.

Assessment method

On this course you will learn through a range of activities that may include lectures, classes and tutorials, coursework, individual and group projects, and independent learning (studying on your own). You will be able to demonstrate what you have learnt through a variety of assessment methods, such as examinations, essays, extended essays, practical assignments in both the laboratory and the field, presentations, portfolios and the dissertation. You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor who will offer support and advice throughout your studies. You will also receive feedback throughout your course, enabling you to identify areas for improvement before your work is formally assessed.

How to apply

29Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:: V400

Institution code:: S27

Campus name:: Main Site - Highfield Campus

Campus code:: -

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

Year 1

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

A level - BBB

Typical Offer: BBB If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: BBB and grade A in the EPQ We are committed to ensuring that all students with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a student’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM

Distinction, Distinction, Merit in the BTEC National Extended Diploma We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Access to HE Diploma

60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 24 must be at Distinction and 21 credits at Merit We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Scottish Higher

We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject). Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4" We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DD

Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus B in an A level We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) - D

Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus BB in two A levels We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Scottish Advanced Higher

Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact Admissions for more information.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 30 points

Pass, with 30 points overall with 15 points at Higher Level We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme. International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP): Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024) - B

BBB from 3 A levels or BB from two A levels and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H1, H2, H3, H3, H3, H3

H2 H2 H3 H3 H3 H3 We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - M2, M2, M2

M2 M2 M2 in three principal subjects We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

We welcome applicants with other qualifications eg. European Baccalaureate. You will be expected to attain an A level equivalent standard. The University of Southampton requires all applicants to achieve at least a Grade 4 in English and Mathematics GCSEs (taken in England) or a Grade C in both subjects (where taken in Northern Ireland or Wales). Some degree subjects stipulate specific additional GCSE minimum grades, which will be specified as part of the individual degree programme entry requirements. For more details on the suitability of your qualifications or foundation programme please contact the Faculty of Arts and Humanities Admissions Team at [email protected]

English language requirements

Test	Grade	Additional details
IELTS (Academic)	6.5	with no component below 6.0

All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in the medium of English (other than those in modern foreign languages). Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency.

Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements

https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England	£9250	Year 1
Northern Ireland	£9250	Year 1
Scotland	£9250	Year 1
Wales	£9250	Year 1
Channel Islands	£9250	Year 1
Republic of Ireland	£9250	Year 1
EU	£24200	Year 1
International	£24200	Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Please see our website for further details and updates: www.southampton.ac.uk/uni-life/fees-funding.page

Provider information

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University of Southampton
Highfield
Southampton
SO17 1BJ

Course contact details

Visit our course page

Undergraduate Admissions - Faculty of Arts and Humanities

[email protected]

023 8059 4732

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Location	Qualification	Study mode	Duration	Start date	Apply
Main Site - Highfield Campus	BA (Hons) - Bachelor of Arts (with Honours)	Full-time	3 years	22 September 2025	Available to Apply	Course option e35da13e-ede8-4db1-8b30-4690110ac1f3