Classical Archaeology

The DPhil is examined only by thesis and there is no formal course of instruction. Instead, students develop their own topic under the guidance of their supervisors, who are experts in their field of research. There is also the possibility to develop projects which cross disciplinary boundaries, for example in ancient history or archaeological science as appropriate.

While the degree of contact varies depending on individual circumstances, students generally develop a close relationship with their supervisors. However, you will be encouraged to attend lectures and participate in research seminars, particularly the numerous and wide-ranging weekly seminar series organised within the cutting-edge Historical and Classical Research Group. These also often provide opportunities for research students to present their own work. The department strongly encourages fieldwork which, if appropriate, can often be in relation to a departmental project.

The DPhil is a full-time degree and students are expected to complete their theses, which have a maximum word length of 80,000 words, within three or at the most four years. To begin with, students are admitted as Probationer Research Students, transferring to full doctoral status within four terms of their arrival. Their progress is formally assessed through the submission of written work and an interview by a small assessment panel ('transfer of status'), while a further similar assessment ('confirmation of status') is held within seven terms of their arrival.

At each stage, you will also make a short formal presentation of your research at one of the doctoral student symposia organised by the School of Archaeology, which will help you develop your presentational skills at an early stage of your career.

Successful doctoral theses must, among other things, display evidence of substantial and original research, lucid and scholarly presentation and a sound knowledge of the general field within which the thesis falls.

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of School of Archaeology and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the School of Archaeology.

Many graduates from the DPhil in Classical Archaeology are successful in obtaining academic posts at universities in the UK, USA and elsewhere, while others engage in post-doctoral research, or go on to positions within museums of classical or fine art. Others find careers elsewhere in education, museums, commercial archaeology and the heritage industry.

Changes to this course and your supervision

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. In certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.

Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.

For further information, please see our page on changes to courses.

Other courses you may wish to consider

If you're thinking about applying for this course, you may also wish to consider the courses listed below. These courses may have been suggested due to their similarity with this course, or because they are offered by the same department or faculty.

All graduate courses offered by the School of Archaeology

Archaeological Science DPhil

Archaeological Science MSc

Archaeology DPhil

Archaeology MSc

Classical Archaeology MPhil

Classical Archaeology DPhil

Classical Archaeology MSt

All graduate courses offered by the Faculty of Classics

Ancient History DPhil

Classical Languages and Literature DPhil

Greek and/or Latin Languages and Literature MSt

Greek and/or Latin Languages and Literature MPhil

Greek and/or Roman History MPhil

Greek and/or Roman History MSt

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Entry requirements