Are you interested in studying ancient artefacts to learn about the influence ancient cultures have on modern society? Apply for the BA in Ancient History and Archaeology degree at the University of Southampton and develop archaeological and anthropological thought of the past. Study the landscapes and seascapes of Britain’s past to understand how it has developed over decades and discover human origins to gain an insight into how we have evolved. You will be given the opportunity to use cutting edge technology through this combined bachelor’s degree to develop research and archival skills, preparing you for further study in a postgraduate degree or moving on to a subject related career. Graduates from the Ancient History and Archaeology BA degree have gained employment in heritage management, museums or archaeological research.
This BA programme harnesses the complementary strengths of Archaeology and Ancient History to transform our understanding of the past. In choosing this degree you will gain the opportunity to study and research to a high level, equipping yourself with specialist knowledge in your chosen areas of study. Archaeology and Ancient History at Southampton offers you the opportunity to learn in an engaging, supportive and highly successful research environment. Southampton’s Faculty of Humanities contains leading experts in an enormous range of fields (Archaeology, History, Language, Literature and Film), related to archaeology and the ancient world. From ancient Egypt to Minoan civilisation, from the conquests of Alexander the Great to the Roman empire, from Roman Britain to the ancient Americas and the Middle East, from ancient philosophy and the biblical world to the rise of Islam, studying Archaeology and Ancient History at Southampton affords you the chance to engage with topics about which you are already passionate, or to try something entirely new. This might mean application of cutting edge technology to discover and map new sites, or develop complimentary archival research skills. Whatever you choose, Archaeology and Ancient History at Southampton will enable you to gain invaluable skills and study topics about which both you and our staff are passionate.
Course Details - Modules
Compulsory modules: The development of archaeological and anthropological thought; Introduction to the Ancient World; Archaeological methods for fieldwork and analysis; Professional and Academic Practise in Archaeology; Contemporary Issues and Debates in Archaeology; Dissertation.
Typical optional modules: Masada: History and Myth; Consuls, Dictators, and Emperors; Alexander the Great and his Legacy; Latin Language; Ancient Greek Language; Introduction to Ancient Philosophy; Being Roman; Literary Transformations of Ancient Myth; Apocalyptic Visions; Emperor Constantine; Cleopatra’s Egypt; Augustus; City of Rome; Roman Imperial Women; Christian Origins; Power of Rome: Europe’s First Empire; Maritime Archaeology; The Vikings; The Bible and History; Framing the Past: stardom, history and heritage in the cinema; Presenting the Past: Archaeology and Museums; The Body and Society; Roman Emperors and Imperial Lives; Ancient Greeks at War; The Rise of Islam; Iron Age Societies of Britain and Ireland; Alternative Sexualities; The World of Herod the Great; Art of the Roman Empire; Landscapes and Seascapes of Britain’s Past; Human Origins; The Emergence of Civilisations; Foundations of the Modern World: Classical and Medieval Archaeology; Bones, Bodies, and Burials: Osteology and Comparative Anatomy; Finding the Ancient World; Digging into Data: Quantitative Analysis for Archaeology; Critical Chronologies: Issues and Debates in Archaeological Dating; Molecular Archaeology; Stonehenge to Skara Brae: the Neolithic of Britain
Course Details – Assessment Method
Assessments of your knowledge and understanding are very varied, including examinations, essays, extended essays, practical assignments in both the laboratory and the field, presentations, portfolios and the dissertation. Progression is recognised in the assessment scheme, which tests the breadth and complexity of knowledge and understanding through to consolidation and application.
Course Details – Professional Bodies
Professional Bodies are not listed for this Course.
How to Apply
26 January This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application Codes
Course code:
V103
Institution code:
S27
Campus Name:
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Campus code:
Points of Entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
Year 1
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry (Year 2 and Beyond)
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry are not listed for this Course.
International applicants
Standard Qualification Requirements
Typical Offer: AAB to ABB including a Humanities subject*
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:
ABB including a Humanities subject* 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, as follows:
ABB including a Humanities subject
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
*A Humanities subject includes subjects such as History, English, Philosophy, Religious Studies or Classical Civilisation or other humanities based essay writing subjects.
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.
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 39 must be at Distinction and 6 credits at Merit, to include 6 Distinctions in a Humanities subject*
OR
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*
*A Humanities subject includes subjects such as History, English, Philosophy, Religious Studies or Classical Civilisation or other humanities based essay writing 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.
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.
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus A to B in an A level Humanities subject*
*A Humanities subject includes subjects such as History, English, Philosophy, Religious Studies or Classical Civilisation or other humanities based essay writing 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.
Pass, with 34 to 32 points overall with 17 to 16 points at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level in a Humanities subject*
*A Humanities subject includes subjects such as History, English, Philosophy, Religious Studies or Classical Civilisation or other humanities based essay writing 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.
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.
Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Diploma plus A to B in an A level Humanities subject*.
*A Humanities subject includes subjects such as History, English, Philosophy, Religious Studies or Classical Civilisation or other humanities based essay writing 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.
H1 H2 H2 H2 H2 H2 to H1 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3 including a Humanities subject*
*A Humanities subject includes subjects such as History, English, Philosophy, Religious Studies or Classical Civilisation or other humanities based essay writing 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.
Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus AA to AB to include an A level Humanities subject*
*A Humanities subject includes subjects such as History, English, Philosophy, Religious Studies or Classical Civilisation or other humanities based essay writing 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.
AAB to ABB from 3 A levels including a Humanities subject*
or
AA to AB from two A levels including a Humanities subject* and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
*A Humanities subject includes subjects such as History, English, Philosophy, Religious Studies or Classical Civilisation or other humanities based essay writing 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.
D3 D3 M2 to D3 M2 M2 in three principal subjects including a Humanities subject*
*A Humanities subject includes subjects such as History, English, Philosophy, Religious Studies or Classical Civilisation or other humanities based essay writing 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.
We welcome applicants with other qualifications eg. European Baccalaureate. You will be expected to attain an A level equivalent standard.
The University of Southampton requires all applicants to achieve at least a Grade 4 in English and Mathematics GCSEs (taken in England) or a Grade C in both subjects (where taken in Northern Ireland or Wales). Some degree subjects stipulate specific additional GCSE minimum grades, which will be specified as part of the individual degree programme entry requirements.
For more details on the suitability of your qualifications or foundation programme please contact the Faculty of Arts and Humanities Admissions Team at AdmissionsUG.AH@southampton.ac.uk
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
Minimum Qualification Requirements
Minimum Further Information are not listed for this Course.
English language requirements
Test
Grade
AdditionalDetails
IELTS (Academic)
6.5
with no component below 6.0
All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in the medium of English (other than those in modern foreign languages). Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency.
Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements