The DPhil in Archaeological Science provides students with the opportunity to pursue substantial independent research that contributes to the development and application of scientific methods to the study of the past.
The DPhil is a full-time degree, during which you will carry out research and produce a substantial thesis. You will be required to complete a research project that you should design with your supervisor, who will be an expert in their field of research. Projects which cross disciplinary boundaries, for example with archaeology or classical archaeology, are welcome.
PhD Program Requirements
A master’s degree in archaeological science; and
Aa first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in any relevant subject such as (but not limited) to anthropology, geography, geology, biology, physics or environmental studies.
Under the UK system, applicants should have a minimum of 65% in their degrees and >67% for their research dissertation. However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first-class degree (> 70%) or the equivalent.
For applicants with degrees from the USA, the minimum overall GPA sought is 3.5 out of 4.0. However, most successful applicants have an overall GPA of 3.7 or above.
Applicants may have either a predominantly archaeological or science based education, although it is advantageous to have some experience of both subjects.
Relevant publications are not expected, but may add to the strength of an application.
PhD Funding Coverage
The University expects to be able to offer over 1,000 full or partial graduate scholarships across the collegiate University in 2024-25.
You will be automatically considered for the majority of Oxford scholarships, if you fulfil the eligibility criteria and submit your graduate application by the relevant December or January deadline.
Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and/or potential.
Application Requirement
1. Online Application
2. Official transcript(s): Your transcripts should give detailed information of the individual grades received in your university-level qualifications to date. You should only upload official documents issued by your institution and any transcript not in English should be accompanied by a certified translation.
3. Research proposal: Your research proposal should state the research question, mention key literature, and discuss the research methods. The proposal must be written in English. If possible, please ensure that the word count is clearly displayed on the document.
4. Written work: Written work in English and relating directly to the field of archaeological science is required. This can be undergraduate essays or excerpts from a longer work such as chapters from a dissertation. An excerpt should be prefaced by a note which puts it in context.
5. GRE General Test scores: No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.
6. English language proficiency: This course requires proficiency in English at the University’s higher level. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement.
Application Deadline
10 November 2024
Application Fee
An application fee of £75 is payable per course application.
