Classical Archaeology DPhil

About the course

The DPhil in Classical Archaeology provides you with the opportunity to pursue substantial independent research from within a wide range of periods and subjects, ranging from the prehistoric Aegean through the Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic and Roman periods to Late Antiquity.

The DPhil is a full-time degree that 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.

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 and there are often opportunities for joining fieldwork in relation to projects led by academic staff.

Assessment

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 presentation skills at an early stage of your career.

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. 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.

Graduate destinations

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.