Archaeology and Ancient History with Year Abroad

Archaeology and Ancient History together form a powerful combination for anyone seeking to understand the ancient world as fully as possible. Archaeology provides the material evidence: the buildings, artefacts, landscapes and biological remains that reveal how ancient peoples actually lived, built, traded and buried their dead. Ancient History provides the textual dimension, drawing on written sources, inscriptions and documentary evidence to reconstruct the political, social and cultural life of ancient civilisations.

Together they give you access to a richer and more rounded picture of the ancient world than either discipline can offer alone.

At the University of Southampton this four-year full-time degree includes a year abroad built into the programme, giving you the opportunity to study ancient material and textual culture in an international context and to experience a different scholarly tradition. You will develop specialist knowledge in your chosen areas of study alongside the research, analysis and archiving skills that are central to both disciplines. Southampton has strong research connections in Roman archaeology, maritime archaeology and the ancient Mediterranean, and these strengths inform the teaching environment.

Graduates from Archaeology and Ancient History degrees go on to careers in heritage management, museum and gallery work, archaeological field units, archiving, cultural tourism and education. Others find roles in local government, conservation organisations, cultural resource management, academic research and publishing. The research skills, analytical rigour and ability to engage with complex evidence that the degree develops are also valued in a range of public sector and professional contexts beyond heritage.

Postgraduate study in archaeology, ancient history, classical studies, museum studies or heritage management is a common route for those wishing to develop specialist expertise or pursue academic careers.