Program Overview

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Archaeology with Year Abroad (BA)

Award

Bachelor of Arts

Typical Offer

ABB-BBB

Duration

4 years

Course Type

Full-time

Campus

Avenue

UCAS Course code

V401

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About this course

From the Aztecs and Maya to Ancient Egypt, the Roman Empire and the medieval world, you'll study the story of human activity and the origins of civilisation on BA Archaeology with Year Abroad. Through the latest techniques and technologies, you'll investigate how our ancestors lived, from the earliest human origins, to Neolithic Britain, Ancient Egypt and the Medieval Middle East.

Archaeology is the study of the human past through its material remains, such as its:

• buildings
• monuments
• artefacts
• biological remains
• written sources
• landscape

Whether in the laboratory on a dig, you'll develop transferable skills through exploring questions about people in the past and in the present. This archaeology bachelor degree with year abroad explores world archaeology, on topics such as:

• excavation and field survey techniques
• underwater archaeology
• artefacts analysis
• museums, heritage and public archaeology

You'll have the opportunity to experience fieldwork, including at least 3 weeks of fieldwork as part of an active research project.

We have a purpose-built archaeology building, equipped with the latest science-based laboratories. You'll gain hands-on experience with archaeological artefacts and materials, and receive practical training for a career in archaeology.

You'll spend a year abroad at one of our partner institutions such as the University of Malta or the Universidad Autonoma de Barcelona. This will give you the chance to discover theories and findings in exotic locations and boost your career opportunities.

This degree gives you the opportunity to study a minor subject alongside the main programme.

We’re also offering up to 10 bursaries of £1000 each to incoming students (subject to criteria). These are from the Terry Mason Bursary and the University of Southampton Archaeology Bursary Fund.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Entry requirements

A-levels

BBB

A-levels additional information

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

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: BBC and grade A in the EPQ

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all applicants 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 an applicant'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 Diploma

Pass, with 30 points overall with 15 points at Higher Level

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

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.

BTEC

RQF BTEC

Distinction, Distinction, Merit in the BTEC National Extended Diploma Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus B in an A level 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.

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

Irish Leaving Certificate

H2 H2 H3 H3 H3 H3

Scottish Qualification

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.

Cambridge Pre-U

M2 M2 M2 in three principal subjects

Welsh Baccalaureate

BBB from 3 A levels or BB from two A levels and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate

Welsh Baccalaureate additional information

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer

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.

T-Level

Not accepted for this course.

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require. Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements.

If you are taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you must get at least the following scores:

• overall score: 6.5
• reading: 6.0
• writing: 6.0
• speaking: 6.0
• listening: 6.0

Course structure

You'll have the freedom to shape your degree to suit your interests. You don't need to choose your modules when you apply. Your academic tutor will help you to personalise your course.

Our Curriculum Innovation Programme offers you the chance to take optional modules outside of your chosen subject area. This allows you to personalise your education, and develop new skills and knowledge for your future. Topics range from how to live and work on the web to developing business skills to improve your chances of getting employment. You can also take a language module, which may count towards your degree. These modules cover 10 languages and range from absolute beginner to near-native speaker level.

Year 1 overview

Compulsory modules will give you a grounding in archaeology, fieldwork and analysis. These cover the development of archaeological and anthropological thought, and the archaeological methods needed for fieldwork and analysis.

You'll also be able to choose optional modules. These modules could be practical, based on a period in time like human origins, or based on a theme such as:

• landscapes and seascapes of Britain's past
• the ethnography of food and culture
• a study of world history through 40 historical objects

Year 2 overview

You will develop your understanding of how archaeology relates to the modern world. You'll also prepare for fieldwork with at least 3 weeks of practical experience in a field school or research project in the UK or overseas.

You'll also prepare for your year abroad.

In addition to these compulsory modules, you can choose modules from approaches and periods, including:

• the Vikings
• archaeological dating
• scientific diving
• archaeological dating

Year 3 overview

You'll study at one of our partner institutions abroad, for example in:

• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• France
• Germany
• Norway
• Poland

Alternatively, you could arrange an approved work placement.

Year 4 overview

In your final year, you'll develop your own specialist interest with a dissertation on a research topic of your choice. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your planning, research, data collation, analysis, and communication skills.

You'll also take a further 6 modules from a wide range of options. You'll be able to specialise in different periods, regions or methods in archaeology. For example, you could study:

• Neolithic Britain
• Iron Age societies
• Ancient Egypt
• museums and heritage
• Roman urbanism
• geographic information systems (GIS)
• molecular archaeology

Learning and assessment

The learning activities for this course include the following:

• lectures
• classes and tutorials
• coursework
• individual and group projects
• independent learning (studying on your own)

Course time

How you'll spend your course time:

• Year 1
• Year 2
• Year 3
• Year 4

Year 1

Study time

Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:

• 22% Scheduled learning & teaching
• 78% Independent learning

How we'll assess you

• coursework, laboratory reports and essays
• dissertations
• essays
• individual and group projects
• oral presentations
• written exams

Your assessment breakdown

Year 1:

• 13% Written exam
• 76% Coursework
• 11% Practical exam

Year 2

Study time

Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:

• 20% Scheduled learning & teaching
• 80% Independent learning

How we'll assess you

• coursework, laboratory reports and essays
• dissertations
• essays
• individual and group projects
• oral presentations
• written exams

Your assessment breakdown

Year 2:

• 44% Written exam
• 56% Coursework

Year 3

Study time

Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 3:

• 100% Independent learning

How we'll assess you

• coursework, laboratory reports and essays
• dissertations
• essays
• individual and group projects
• oral presentations
• written exams

Your assessment breakdown

Year 3:

• 100% Coursework

Year 4

Study time

Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 4:

• 13% Scheduled learning & teaching
• 87% Independent learning

How we'll assess you

• coursework, laboratory reports and essays
• dissertations
• essays
• individual and group projects
• oral presentations
• written exams

Your assessment breakdown

Year 4:

• 25% Written exam
• 63% Coursework
• 12% Practical exam

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Careers and employability

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Download skills overview

Work experience opportunities

Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.

Read more

Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV and interview skills and workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

More about careers support

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,535.
• EU and international students pay £24,200.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.

Find out how to:

• pay your tuition fees
• calculate your student finances

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges, and expenses regulations

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £36,200 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.

If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.

Get in touch for advice about student money matters.

Scholarships and grants

You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.