Program Overview

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Archaeology and Ancient History (BA)

Award

Bachelor of Arts

Typical Offer

AAB-ABB

Duration

3 years

Course Type

Full-time

Campus

Avenue

UCAS Course code

V103

About this course

Learn about the ancient world and find ways to understand the foundations of how we live today. On BA Archaeology and Ancient History, you'll develop specialist knowledge in your chosen areas of study and learn in an engaging and supportive research environment. Your research and archiving skills will prepare you for further study, or for a variety of career options. These include heritage management and archaeological research.

Studying archaeology and ancient history will give you an insight into both subjects and you'll be able to explore the topics that interest you through optional modules.

You'll have the choice of a wide range of historical topics, from Ancient Egypt to the rise of Islam in the Middle East. You can also learn what happened during the conquests of Alexander the Great and at the end of the Roman Empire.

The complementary subject of archaeology is the study of the human past through its material remains. These include buildings, monuments, artefacts, biological remains, written sources and landscape. On this ancient history and archaeology degree you can:

• learn from experts in the ancient world (including history, archaeology, ancient and modern languages and literatures, philosophy and film)
• use cutting-edge technology to discover and map new sites, or develop research skills
• do at least 3 weeks of field work, including excavating archaeological sites or collecting archaeological material from ploughed fields
• challenge yourself by learning Latin and Ancient Greek

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.

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

Learn more about these subject areas

History

Studying history with us means you'll research, analyse and debate the past to better understand the present. Explore the ancient and modern, from empires and rebellion to social history and gender.

Archaeology

Develop the skills to explore our human past, so we can understand how we live today. The courses we offer cover areas from maritime archaeology to bioarchaeology, paleoanthropology and heritage management.

Entry requirements

For Academic year 2025/26

A-levels

ABB including a Humanities subject*

A-levels additional information

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. * Related subject includes subjects such as English, History, Philosophy, Politics, Law, Criminology, Sociology, Geography, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation or other humanities based essay writing subjects.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in a Humanities subject*

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

*A Humanities subject includes subjects such as History, English, Philosophy, Geography, Law, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation or other humanities based essay writing subjects.

BTEC

RQF BTEC

Distinction, Distinction, Merit in the BTEC National Extended Diploma or Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus B in an A level Humanities subject* or Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AB to include an A level Humanities subject*

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.

Additional information

The University aims to recruit students from a wide range of backgrounds who we believe have the potential and motivation to succeed on our challenging programmes. We are committed to fair admissions and strive to ensure we give equal consideration to all applicants who possess the necessary knowledge and skills. To support the BTEC we also ask for a complementary humanities subject A Level. *A Humanities subject includes subjects such as History, English, Philosophy, Religious Studies or Classical Civilisation or other humanities based essay writing subjects.

Access to HE Diploma

60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit, to include 6 Distinctions in a Humanities subject*

Access to HE additional information

*A Humanities subject includes subjects such as History, English, Philosophy, Geography, Law, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation or other humanities based essay writing subjects.

Access Offer Contextual

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.

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

H1 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3 including a Humanities subject*

Irish certificate additional information

*A Humanities subject includes subjects such as History, English, Philosophy, Geography, Law, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation or other humanities based essay writing subjects.

Irish Offer Contextual

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 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.

Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

Cambridge Pre-U

D3 M2 M2 in three principal subjects including a Humanities subject*

Cambridge Pre-U additional information

*A Humanities subject includes subjects such as History, English, Philosophy, Geography, Law, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation or other humanities based essay writing subjects.

Cambridge Pre-U Offer Contextual

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.

Welsh Baccalaureate

ABB from 3 A levels including a Humanities subject* or AB from two A levels including a Humanities subject* and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate

Welsh Baccalaureate additional information

Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. *A Humanities subject includes subjects such as History, English, Philosophy, Geography, Law, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation or other humanities based essay writing subjects.

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.

Other requirements

• UK students
• International students
• Other ways to qualify

GCSE requirements

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

Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.

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

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.

You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:

• our Ignite your Journey scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
• skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)

Find out more about our Admissions Policy.

Mature applicants

We welcome applications from learners of all ages. Students who are aged 21 and over at the start of their undergraduate course are defined as mature by the University of Southampton. We take a holistic assessment of the application looking for academic ability and commitment to study. Typical entry requirements, which may vary from discipline to discipline, includes for example, evidence of recent formal academic qualifications or professional qualifications, relevant work experience or volunteering. You may also be invited to attend an interview with an Admissions Tutor. For some degree programmes, there may also be a Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirement. We accept many different academic qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.

Course structure

Year 1 overview

Compulsory modules will give you an introduction to the ancient world and to archaeological fieldwork and analysis.

You'll also be able to choose optional modules. These include topics such as human origins, death in the ancient world, and debates in archaeological science.

Year 2 overview

You'll deepen your understanding of archaeology with at least 3 weeks of practical experience in a field school or research project in the UK or overseas.

You'll delve deeper into the issues and debates surrounding contemporary archaeology, as well as examining professional and academic practice in archaeology.

Optional modules include studies of:

• bones, bodies and burials
• myths of the ancient world
• scientific diving

Year 3 overview

You'll be able to follow your interests and complete a research project and dissertation on either ancient history or archaeology. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your planning, research, analysis, and communication skills. You'll also show how you engage with primary source materials.

You can choose from specialist module options, including:

• the Emperor Julian
• Ancient Egypt
• molecular archaeology

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

We don't have module information for this course yet. Please check again later.

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 1

Study time

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

• 18% Scheduled learning & teaching
• 82% Independent learning

How we'll assess you

• dissertations
• essays
• individual and group projects
• written and practical exams

Your assessment breakdown

Year 1:

• 44% Written exam
• 50% Coursework
• 6% Practical exam

Year 2

Study time

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

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

How we'll assess you

• dissertations
• essays
• individual and group projects
• written and practical exams

Your assessment breakdown

Year 2:

• 50% Written exam
• 50% Coursework

Year 3

Study time

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

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

How we'll assess you

• dissertations
• essays
• individual and group projects
• written and practical exams

Your assessment breakdown

Year 3:

• 50% Written exam
• 50% Coursework

Academic support

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

Careers and employability

Employability skills

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.

The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:

• Research
• Critical thinking
• Commercial awareness
• Self-management
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Creativity
• Problem solving

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

Career pathways

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:

• Local and national government bodies,
• regional councils,
• museums and galleries,
• British Library,
• universities,
• Libraries,
• archaeological contractors and consultants,
• archaeological and heritage service providers.

Careers directly related to this course:

• Heritage manager
• Archivist
• Archaeologist
• Historic buildings officer
• Conservation officer
• Academic researcher
• Museum curator
• Gallery exhibitions officer
• Secondary school teacher
• Museum education officer

See more

Wider career opportunities:

• Museum grants officer
• Academic librarian
• Information officer
• Policy officer
• Editorial assistant
• Library trainee
• Archaeologist
• Broadcast journalist
• Political assistant
• Social researcher

See more

Example job titles of Southampton BA Ancient History and Archaeology graduates*:

• Archives assistant
• Human resources specialist
• Secondary school teacher
• Tax assistant
• Assistant archaeologist
• Marketing executive
• Primary school teacher
• Recruitment consultant
• Civil servant
• Trainee solicitor

See more

Job prospects for BA Ancient History and Archaeology graduates

• £24.5k Average professional salary
• 80% In a skilled profession or further study
• 92% Graduate employment rate

Source

*Example graduate job titles and job prospect statistics taken from The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.

Year in employment

You can apply for a year in employment placement on this course. This is a great way to improve your employability and confidence in your career prospects. Recommended by 100% of students who've taken part, you can apply for a UK or global placement in any sector.

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.

How to apply

When you apply use:

• UCAS course code: V103
• UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for this course

What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

• predicted grades
• academic achievements
• personal statement
• academic reference

We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Related courses

Archaeology and Ancient History (BA) is a course in the History and Archaeology subject areas. Here are some other courses within these subject areas:

• BA Ancient History
• BA Ancient History and History
• BA Ancient History and History with Year Abroad
• BA Ancient History with Year Abroad
• BA Archaeology and Ancient History with Year Abroad
• BA English and History
• BA English and History with Year Abroad
• BA Film and History
• BA Film and History with Year Abroad
• BA History
• BA History and Modern Languages
• BA History with Year Abroad
• BA Liberal Arts
• BA Modern History and Politics
• BA Modern History and Politics with Year Abroad
• BA Philosophy and History