Anthropology and Archaeology
L6V4By combining the disciplines of Anthropology and Archaeology we can think about the nature of humanity from the perspectives of biology, culture and objects. This course combines an anthropological approach to questions about what it means to be human with an archaeological perspective on the understanding of human societies and cultures.
Course overview
Anthropology investigates the thinking and organisation of present‐day western and non‐western groups in their own terms and takes a long‐term view of the biological aspects of humanity through the lens of evolution. This course connects the humanities with the sciences. You will study both biological and social anthropology throughout the course, in modules that draw on studies in primate and human evolution, as well as ethnographic examples from contemporary societies around the world.
Archaeology examines the physical evidence of past societies to trace the history of humanity. Ancient landscapes, buildings, objects and the physical remains of the people themselves can all reveal a small part of a bigger picture to create a jigsaw of understanding. With Archaeology we take a journey through time - from the earliest human ancestors to modern times - drawing from approaches within the humanities and the sciences to understand past cultures and their modern-day heritage.
You will get hands-on experience with archaeological fieldwork through your required modules and you will also build experience with anthropological fieldwork techniques. Optional modules include computer and laboratory-based studies as well as a wide range of modules that will deepen your knowledge of particular geographical regions or themes.
In your final year you will extend your knowledge of Archaeology or Anthropology in your dissertation, or you may undertake a placement.
What you need to know
Course start date
September
Location
On campus, Winchester
Course length
- 3 years full-time
- 6 years part-time
Apply
L6V4
Typical offer
104-120 points
Fees
From £9,250 pa
Course features
- Explore what it means to be human by delving into a wide array of human societies and movements, both past and present.
- Learn from world-leading archaeology scholars in a stimulating and engaging environment
- Get up close and hands-on with a range of materials, from human skeletal remains to the latest industry-standard surveying equipment, in our University’s cutting-edge laboratories
- Develop intercultural understanding – a key asset in today’s job market
Course details
Work Placements
You have the option to undertake a work placement in Year 3 instead of a dissertation. You can also undertake a volunteering placement in Year 2.
Fieldwork
Students are required to undertake two weeks of compulsory fieldwork which takes place over the summer after Year 1. Students do the fieldwork at one of the Department's local research/ training projects. Local projects have no direct costs for student participants.
Study Abroad
Our BA (Hons) Anthropology and Archaeology course provides an opportunity for you to study abroad in the United States or Canada. For more information see our Study Abroad section.
Learning and Teaching
Our aim is to shape 'confident learners' by enabling you to develop the skills needed to excel in your studies here and as well as onto further studies or the employment market.
You are taught primarily through a combination of lectures and seminars, allowing opportunities to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups.
In addition to the formally scheduled contact time such as lectures and seminars etc., you are encouraged to access academic support from staff within the course team and the wide range of services available to you within the University.
Independent Learning
Over the duration of your course, you will be expected to develop independent and critical learning, progressively building confidence and expertise through independent and collaborative research, problem-solving and analysis with the support of staff. You take responsibility for your own learning and are encouraged to make use of the wide range of available learning resources available.
Overall Workload
Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activity.
While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course
Year 1 (Level 4): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 252 hours
Independent learning: 948 hours
Year 2 (Level 5): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 288 hours
Independent learning: 912 hours
Year 3 (Level 6): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 180 hours
Independent learning: 1020 hours
*Please note these are indicative hours for the course.
Teaching Hours
All class based teaching takes places between 9am – 6pm, Monday to Friday during term time. Wednesday afternoons are kept free from timetabled teaching for personal study time and for sports clubs and societies to train, meet and play matches. There may be some occasional learning opportunities (for example, an evening guest lecturer or performance) that take places outside of these hours for which you will be given forewarning.
Assessment
Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical performances.
We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used on the course you are interested in can be found on the course page, by attending an Open Day or Open Evening, or contacting our teaching staff.
The assessment balance between examination and coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by different assessment modes is as follows:
Year 1 (Level 4)*:
62% coursework
38% written exams
0% practical assessment
Year 2 (Level 5)*:
75% coursework
25% written exams
0% practical assessment
Year 3 (Level 6)*:
69% coursework
25% written exams
6% practical assessment
*Please note these are indicative percentages and modes for the programme.
Modules
Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing. The University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed. For further information please refer to winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions
Modules
This module introduces students to the discipline of social anthropology and provides an overview of the main research methods and approaches that make social anthropology distinctive. Key themes in the study of cultures and societies from a social anthropological perspective will be explored, with a focus on ethnographic research.
This module introduces students to the discipline of biological anthropology and provides an overview of the key principles and approaches to the study of humans from a biological and evolutionary perspective. There will be a focus on primate and human evolution, with discussion of key fossil finds.
An exploration of the archaeological evidence for ancient societies and civilizations from earliest prehistory through to the contemporary period.
The focus of the module is introducing the student to the distinctive character of archaeology as an academic discipline, both in terms of theory and practice. Topics examined will include the development of the subject and its relationship with other cognate disciplines, relative and absolute chronology, different specialisms within archaeology, the relationship between data recovery techniques and the deduction of interpretations, and the importance of material culture.
Modules
This module considers key theoretical approaches in archaeology, anthropology and in the humanities and social sciences more generally. It also provides training in anthropological research methods and encourages students to apply both theoretical and methodological approaches to their own research interests.
This module explores identity categories such as gender, sexualities, race, ethnicity, language, age and disability from both a biological and social point of view. It will evaluate theories related to the evolution of human behaviour, and include discussion of how identity categories are constructed and contested in relation to specific cultures or geographic areas.
The module comprises four weeks of archaeological fieldwork, to be undertaken on one of the field projects run by the Department of Archaeology, within which the student might be involved in excavation or other field-based tasks. Students can expect to learn a variety of essential archaeological field skills, depending on the nature of the project they are participating in. This will be followed by a 12 week post-excavation course that will explore methods of archive collation and analysis.
Students can pick one of the following.
Death, Burials and Bioarchaeology - 30 credits
This module examines a range of approaches, methods and themes within archaeology and anthropology relating to the study of death, burial and funerary customs in the past. The module will also have a practical component which will introduce students to working with human remains from archaeological sites to gain an understanding of how bioarchaeologists determine age-at-death, biological sex, and evidence for pathology from skeletal remains.
Exploring Art and Visual Culture - 30 credits
This module investigates art and visual culture from an archaeological and anthropological perspective to explore Western and non-Western approaches to art in the present and the past. It includes a focus on the role of museums in the production of knowledge about global art worlds, and provides practical experience in researching and writing about cultural objects.
Global Religions - 30 credits
This module explores a range of global religions and spiritual traditions in their home locations and in diaspora, unpacking key concepts and considering understandings of religions in a global world where sacred material culture can be found in non-religious settings such as museums and shops.
Optional
This module considers key theoretical approaches in archaeology, anthropology and in the humanities and social sciences more generally. It also provides training in anthropological research methods and encourages students to apply both theoretical and methodological approaches to their own research interests.
This module explores identity categories such as gender, sexualities, race, ethnicity, language, age and disability from both a biological and social point of view. It will evaluate theories related to the evolution of human behaviour, and include discussion of how identity categories are constructed and contested in relation to specific cultures or geographic areas.
The module comprises four weeks of archaeological fieldwork, to be undertaken on one of the field projects run by the Department of Archaeology, within which the student might be involved in excavation or other field-based tasks. Students can expect to learn a variety of essential archaeological field skills, depending on the nature of the project they are participating in. This will be followed by a 12 week post-excavation course that will explore methods of archive collation and analysis.
Students can pick one of the following.
Death, Burials and Bioarchaeology - 30 credits
This module examines a range of approaches, methods and themes within archaeology and anthropology relating to the study of death, burial and funerary customs in the past. The module will also have a practical component which will introduce students to working with human remains from archaeological sites to gain an understanding of how bioarchaeologists determine age-at-death, biological sex, and evidence for pathology from skeletal remains.
Exploring Art and Visual Culture - 30 credits
This module investigates art and visual culture from an archaeological and anthropological perspective to explore Western and non-Western approaches to art in the present and the past. It includes a focus on the role of museums in the production of knowledge about global art worlds, and provides practical experience in researching and writing about cultural objects.
Global Religions - 30 credits
This module explores a range of global religions and spiritual traditions in their home locations and in diaspora, unpacking key concepts and considering understandings of religions in a global world where sacred material culture can be found in non-religious settings such as museums and shops.
Modules
Students choose one of two tracks for this final-year module: 1. A 10,000 word dissertation on a topic or theme in social or biological anthropology developed through independent research under the supervision of a member of staff; or 2. a project based alternative involving a period of prolonged practical experience of working within an external organisation.
This module will focus on the importance of migration and movement throughout human evolution from both biological and social perspectives. From the first hominins to move out of Africa we will explore the archaeological evidence for the migration of past populations as well as gain a systematic understanding of migration and transnationalism as key issues in contemporary society and for the study of social anthropology.
This module will explore the public communication of anthropological topics in a variety of media including, for example, newspapers, research blogs or television programmes. It will also explore the diversity of interpretation that can be applied to archaeological data from different perspectives and using different types of evidence. Throughout the module students will be encouraged to critically analyse the interpretations provided for anthropological and archaeological data in a variety of forms.
Students can pick one of the following.
Rites, Religions and Rituals - 30 credits
This module examines the ranges of approaches, methods and themes relating to the study of religion, ritual and belief in past societies.
Themes in European Prehistory - 30 credits
This module discusses a series of major areas for debate in European prehistory, from the Palaeolithic to the Iron Age, such as the emergence of modern humans, the impact of climate change, the development of social elites, the appearance of states and civlisations, and periods of greater and lesser cultural similarity across the continent.
Alternative Spiritualities: New and Indigenous Religions - 30 credits
This module introduces students to a range of indigenous spiritual lifeways and to the study of new religions, encouraging them to critically consider, through the anthropological and sociological study of religions, how the study of religions and religious people has developed over time, and consider the historical events that have helped shaped the discipline.
Optional
Students choose one of two tracks for this final-year module: 1. A 10,000 word dissertation on a topic or theme in social or biological anthropology developed through independent research under the supervision of a member of staff; or 2. a project based alternative involving a period of prolonged practical experience of working within an external organisation.
This module will focus on the importance of migration and movement throughout human evolution from both biological and social perspectives. From the first hominins to move out of Africa we will explore the archaeological evidence for the migration of past populations as well as gain a systematic understanding of migration and transnationalism as key issues in contemporary society and for the study of social anthropology.
This module will explore the public communication of anthropological topics in a variety of media including, for example, newspapers, research blogs or television programmes. It will also explore the diversity of interpretation that can be applied to archaeological data from different perspectives and using different types of evidence. Throughout the module students will be encouraged to critically analyse the interpretations provided for anthropological and archaeological data in a variety of forms.
Students can pick one of the following.
Rites, Religions and Rituals - 30 credits
This module examines the ranges of approaches, methods and themes relating to the study of religion, ritual and belief in past societies.
Themes in European Prehistory - 30 credits
This module discusses a series of major areas for debate in European prehistory, from the Palaeolithic to the Iron Age, such as the emergence of modern humans, the impact of climate change, the development of social elites, the appearance of states and civlisations, and periods of greater and lesser cultural similarity across the continent.
Alternative Spiritualities: New and Indigenous Religions - 30 credits
This module introduces students to a range of indigenous spiritual lifeways and to the study of new religions, encouraging them to critically consider, through the anthropological and sociological study of religions, how the study of religions and religious people has developed over time, and consider the historical events that have helped shaped the discipline.
Entry requirements
Our offers are typically made using UCAS tariff points to allow you to include a range of level 3 qualifications and as a guide, the requirements for this course are equivalent to:
- A-Levels: BCC-BBB from 3 A Levels or equivalent grade combinations (e.g. BBB is comparable to ABC in terms of tariff points)
- BTEC/CTEC: DMM from BTEC or Cambridge Technical (CTEC) qualifications
- International Baccalaureate: To include a minimum of 2 Higher Level certificates at grade H4
- T Level: Merit in a T Level
Additionally, we accept tariff points achieved for many other qualifications, such as the Access to Higher Education Diploma, Scottish Highers, UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma and WJEC Applied Certificate/Diploma, to name a few. We also accept tariff points from smaller level 3 qualifications, up to a maximum of 32, from qualifications like the Extended Project (EP/EPQ), music or dance qualifications. To find out more about UCAS tariff points, including what your qualifications are worth, please visit UCAS.
In addition to level 3 study, the following GCSE’s are required:
GCSE English Language at grade 4 or C, or higher. Functional Skills at level 2 is accepted as an alternative, however Key Skills qualifications are not. If you hold another qualification, please get in touch and we will advise further.
If you will be over the age of 21 years of age at the beginning of your undergraduate study, you will be considered as a mature student. This means our offer may be different and any work or life experiences you have will be considered together with any qualifications you hold. UCAS have further information about studying as a mature student on their website which may be of interest.
If English is not your first language, a formal English language test will most likely be required and you will need to achieve the following:
- IELTS Academic at 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all four components (for year 1 entry)
- We also accept other English language qualifications, such as IELTS Indicator, Pearson PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and TOEFL iBT
If you are living outside of the UK or Europe, you can find out more about how to join this course by contacting our International Recruitment Team via our International Apply Pages.
2025 Course Tuition Fees
| UK / Channel Islands / Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland |
International |
|
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | £9,250 | £16,700 |
| Year 2 | £9,250 | £16,700 |
| Year 3 | £9,250 | £16,700 |
| Total | £27,750 | £50,100 |
| Optional Sandwich Year* | £1,850 | £3,340 |
| Total with Sandwich Year | £29,600 | £53,440 |
Additional tuition fee information
If you are a UK student starting your degree in September 2025, the first year will cost you £9,250**. Based on this fee level, the indicative fees for a three-year degree would be £27,750 for UK students.
Remember, you don’t have to pay any of this upfront if you are able to get a tuition fee loan from the UK Government to cover the full cost of your fees each year.
UK Part-Time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £77.08 and a 15 credit module is £1,156. Part-time students can take up to a maximum 90 credits per year, so the maximum fee in a given year will be the government permitted maximum fee of £6,935.
International part-time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £139.14 and a 15 credit module is £2,087.
* Please note that not all courses offer an optional sandwich year.
**The University of Winchester will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year.
Additional costs
As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services.
There might be additional costs you may encounter whilst studying.
Optional
Anthropological Field Studies
In addition to the mandatory archaeological Excavation training, different options for further field studies in anthropology and archaeology may be offered over the course of the degree programme. These may include week-long field trips or field research over the summer on university-led or independent field research projects. Students may have to cover project-specific costs, including travel, accommodation and subsistence for the duration of the project. Indicative costs for these opportunities will depend on the location and duration, and may range from £300 for a week-long field trip to £2000 for a four week field project.
SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES AND AWARDS
We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards page.
CAREER PROSPECTS
Graduates may enter the archaeological profession and work in heritage organisations, commercial archaeology and local authorities, or may work in areas more often related to anthropology, such as museums, international development or business (especially in the area of cross-cultural communication).
The University of Winchester ranks in the top 10 in the UK for graduates in employment and further study according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2023, HESA.
Pre-approved for a Masters
If you study a Bachelor Honours degree with us, you will be pre-approved to start a Masters degree at Winchester. To be eligible, you will need to apply by the end of March in the final year of your degree and meet the entry requirements of your chosen Masters degree.
OUR CAREERS SERVICE
Anthropology means everything about being human. It touches on every aspect of us. Hear from our students and staff on what you can expect studying Anthropology at Winchester.
