Archaeology and Anthropology
Available for Clearing 2026
Course Overview - Archaeology and Anthropology
Summary
What does it mean to be human? Explore how our ancestors engaged with the world, and gain a fascinating insight into what it means to be human. This course invites you to explore that question across time and cultures - how human societies came into being, how they have changed over time, and the underlying reasons for human diversity today.
By combining archaeology and anthropology, you will examine how societies formed, how they changed, and why human diversity exists today. From ancient remains to living cultures, you will study humanit...
Summary
What does it mean to be human? Explore how our ancestors engaged with the world, and gain a fascinating insight into what it means to be human. This course invites you to explore that question across time and cultures - how human societies came into being, how they have changed over time, and the underlying reasons for human diversity today.
By combining archaeology and anthropology, you will examine how societies formed, how they changed, and why human diversity exists today. From ancient remains to living cultures, you will study humanity in a truly global and interdisciplinary way.
You will follow a four field approach, bringing together archaeological, biological, linguistic and cultural perspectives. This gives you a deeper understanding of human life in the past and present, and how different ways of thinking connect.
Along the way, you will gain practical experience working with artefacts, materials, and human and animal remains. As an Archaeology and Anthropology graduate, you have the privilege and responsibility of being a custodian of the past. Whether you're excavating ancient cities, preserving historical landmarks, or educating the public, your work contributes to the incredible stories of human history and culture, today and into the future. Your archaeological expertise can be applied in diverse fields, heritage management and conservation, via education, journalism and creative, entrepreneurial and digital careers, to academia and beyond, making a tangible impact on how we understand and engage with our past.
Key features of the course
Gain hands-on experience through three weeks of fieldwork, including excavation, survey or post-excavation as part of active research projects.
Join a department ranked 7th in the UK for Archaeology in the Complete University Guide 2026.
Learn in £3 million purpose-built facilities, including specialist laboratories for osteoarchaeology, isotope sampling, and ceramic and lithic analysis.
Use digital humanities facilities to explore human history through technologies such as virtual reality, 3D scanning and printing.
100% of Archaeology graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduation Graduate Outcomes 2022/23, published 2025.
Student support
From day one, you will be part of a friendly and supportive community of students and academics. You will be taught by experienced tutors who are active researchers, with small group teaching designed to give you personalised support.
You will develop teamwork and communication skills alongside your peers, with access to wellbeing services, pastoral care and a wide range of student societies to support you throughout your time at university.
Further information
You will complete three weeks of fieldwork as part of an active research project, with opportunities to take part in excavations in the UK or abroad.
If you choose the year abroad pathway, you can spend a year studying at a partner institution such as the University of Malta or the Universidad Autonoma de Barcelona.
Why Choose University of Southampton During Clearing?
As a founding member of the Russell Group, the University of Southampton is renowned for their research impact. You’ll have access to top-class teaching and lecturers. You’ll be taught by the people who are solving some of the world’s most complex problems.
You'll also be put in good stead for the future, as they’ll kick start your career with incredible opportunities. They’re targeted by the top employers, with industry placements and world-class research facilities.
And they're committed to making sure you have everything you need to reach your potential, from g...
As a founding member of the Russell Group, the University of Southampton is renowned for their research impact. You’ll have access to top-class teaching and lecturers. You’ll be taught by the people who are solving some of the world’s most complex problems.
You'll also be put in good stead for the future, as they’ll kick start your career with incredible opportunities. They’re targeted by the top employers, with industry placements and world-class research facilities.
And they're committed to making sure you have everything you need to reach your potential, from guaranteed accommodation in Clearing to 24/7 wellbeing support, 365 days a year (*for accommodation apply by 17th August, see website).
Do you want to study in a buzzing city on the south coast? Join a dynamic global community of 26,000 students, including 9,000 international students from 140 countries.With over 370 clubs and societies to explore, you’ll find endless opportunities to connect and thrive.
Course Information
1 Clearing option available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
3 Years
Start Date
2026-09-14
Campus
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Application Details
Apply for Clearing 2026
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
V402
Institution Code
S27
Points of Entry
Year 1
Entry Requirements
A level
B,B,B
Typical Offer: BBB 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: BBB and grade A in the EPQ We are committed to ensuring that all students 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 student’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
UCAS Tariff
Not accepted
Scottish Higher
We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject). Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4" 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 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.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Scottish Advanced Higher
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 for further information. Applicants are advised to contact Admissions for more information.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DD
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus B in an A level 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.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
30
Pass, with 30 points overall with 15 points at Higher Level 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. International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP): Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
B
BBB from 3 A levels or BB from two A levels and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking. 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.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DDM
Distinction, Distinction, Merit in the BTEC National Extended Diploma 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.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H1,H2,H3,H3,H3,H3
H2 H2 H3 H3 H3 H3 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.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
D
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.
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
M2,M2,M2
M2 M2 M2 in three principal subjects. 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.
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Fees and funding
| Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Channel Islands, Republic of Ireland | £9,535 | 2026/27 | Year 1 | |
| EU, International | £25,500 | 2026/27 | Year 1 |
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