Program Overview

Archaeology Palaeoanthropology (MSc)

About this course

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.

Entry requirements

You’ll need the minimum of a 2:1 degree in archaeology, anthropology, geography, biology, history or a related subject.

Course structure

Your studies will run for a full year, from September to the following September.

If you’d like to take longer to complete this master’s you can study part-time over 2 to 5 years.

If you decide that you’d like to change to a different archaeology specialism within the first 2 weeks of term you’ll be able to change your degree.

Throughout your studies we’ll encourage you to engage with the wider research community through attending and presenting at seminars, workshops or conferences. In the summer you’ll focus on your personal research project, which you’ll complete with guidance from a personal supervisor.

Modules

• You'll take 2 compulsory modules that focus on specialist palaeolithic knowledge and skills.
• alongside your compulsory specialist modules you can choose modules from the full range of available archaeology modules. You can also:
  • include up to 30 credits from final-year undergraduate archaeology modules
  • choose to study a module from another University department, subject to the approval of the course leader

Learning and assessment

• There is a focus on student-led and independent learning and teaching on this course, though you also work and test ideas with leading experts.
• As well as seminars and presentations, you'll learn through a variety of methods including:
  • reconstructions
  • designing exhibition proposals
  • training in using a Total Station
  • producing publication standard reports
  • site mapping with Geophysical, GIS, LiDaR, remote sensing

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.

Fees, costs and funding

• Fees for a year's study:
  • UK students pay £9,250.
  • EU and international students pay £25,400.
• If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Related courses

• Archaeology (MSc)
• Archaeology Bioarchaeology (MSc)
• Business and Heritage Management (MSc)
• Cultural Heritage Studies (MA)
• Higher Archaeological Practice (MSc)
• Maritime Archaeology (MSc)