Archaeology
Archaeology is the systematic study of the human past through its material remains, uncovering and interpreting the physical traces that people have left behind in the ground, in buildings, and in the landscape. From the earliest stone tools to medieval towns and post-industrial sites, archaeologists work to understand how human societies came into being, how they changed over time, and what accounts for the enormous diversity of human cultures across different times and places. The discipline combines fieldwork and laboratory analysis with historical, anthropological, and scientific thinking.
This three-year, full-time programme at the University of Southampton introduces you to the full range of archaeological enquiry, from the study of ancient civilisations in Egypt, the Americas, Greece, and Rome through to medieval and early modern archaeology. You will develop skills in archaeological fieldwork, artefact analysis, geoarchaeology, and the use of scientific methods including remote sensing, environmental analysis, and dating techniques. Southampton has a strong research profile in maritime archaeology, ancient DNA, and environmental archaeology, and the university's museum resources and fieldwork connections provide practical learning opportunities that complement classroom and laboratory study.
Archaeology graduates pursue careers in cultural heritage management, archaeological fieldwork and contracting, museums and galleries, historic environment organisations, planning and development, and academic research. Government agencies concerned with the historic environment, commercial archaeological units that carry out contract archaeology ahead of development, and universities are all significant employers. Many graduates continue to postgraduate study in archaeology or related disciplines, developing specialist expertise in areas such as bioarchaeology, landscape archaeology, or heritage studies.
The analytical skills and practical fieldwork experience the degree develops are also applicable in environmental consultancy, geomatics, and science communication.