The DPhil in Archaeology provides students with the opportunity to pursue substantial independent research across a wide range of periods and subjects, including British, European, African, and Asian archaeology, and in theoretical aspects of the discipline.
The DPhil is a full-time degree that is examined only by thesis and there is no formal course of instruction. Applicants are encouraged to contact prospective supervisors, academics in the School of Archaeology, that share similar research interests so that they can discuss project ideas and get advice.
Projects which cross disciplinary boundaries, for example in archaeological science or cultural heritage, are also welcome.
PhD Program Requirements
A master’s degree in archaeology; and
A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in any relevant subject such as (but not limited to) anthropology, history, classics, history of art, 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.
Working experience in archaeology may be an advantage.
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 archaeology 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. Please note that this course does not allow the submission of one longer piece of work instead of the two essays.
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.
