Palaeolithic Archaeology and Human Origins: University of Southampton

Course Description

The M.A. in Palaeolithic Archaeology & Human Origins has been taught at Southampton since 2001, and is now well-established.

Today, modern humans (Homo sapiens) live in every part of the world. The adaptability of human culture, linked with the ability to manipulate technology, has contributed to the success of our species. But it was not always the case: for a long time, anatomically modern humans did not act in a behaviourally modern way. Many of the species that have contributed to human evolution were technologically sophisticated, while others were behaviourally complex.

This programme offers a unique opportunity to study the rich, global archaeological evidence of our earliest origins, using Palaeolithic and Quaternary archives. You will be trained in the practical analysis of Palaeolithic stone artefacts, and encouraged to place this knowledge into a broad framework, based on current interdisciplinary research, enabling you to investigate the key questions in human evolution.

The course aims to examine the rich, global archaeological evidence for the study of our earliest origins, using Palaeolithic and Quaternary archives, and provides you with the basis for future research work.

Programme structure

Core units

• Research skills
• Analysis and interpretation of stone tools
• Contexts for human origins research
• Dissertation

Entry requirements

Upper second-class honours degree or equivalent

Admissions Tutor: Dr John McNabb