University of Southampton

Overview

Archaeology (Higher Archaeological Practice) – Pre-Master’s Programme (PMP) is a comprehensive pathway designed to equip students with the necessary academic English proficiency, research skills, and foundational knowledge required for postgraduate study in archaeology or a related field in the UK. This programme is delivered at OnCampus Southampton, providing structured learning and assessment to support international students. Successful completion of the PMP guarantees progression to selected Master’s degrees at the University of Southampton.

What you'll study

This Pre-Master’s Programme spans two semesters and comprises a blend of archaeology-focused modules, academic English development, and research skills training. The curriculum includes:

• Undergraduate Research Dissertation
• Academic English Language Development
• Research and Digital Literacy Skills
• Personal Development for Employability
• Working in Teams
• Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods

Assessment involves a combination of formative and summative tasks throughout each module, designed to reflect the assessment methods commonly used in UK postgraduate studies. A dissertation-style research project supports your transition to Master’s-level expectations.

Entry requirements

Applicants must have successfully completed a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution. Specific GRE/GMAT and GPA requirements are not stipulated for this programme. Proficiency in English is essential, with an IELTS score of at least 5.0 (or equivalent), ensuring no individual component falls below this threshold.

Career prospects

Completing the Pre-Master’s Programme opens up a range of career opportunities in archaeology and related fields. Graduates may pursue further study at the Master’s level, leading to roles in cultural heritage management, research, education, or consultancy within the archaeological sector. The skills developed during the programme also enhance employability in various interdisciplinary areas, including heritage preservation and community engagement.