Introduction
This interdisciplinary program aims at preparing doctoral students for research careers in the broader fields of archaeology and cultural heritage based on scientific and technological methods. The program’s structure and content are designed to immerse Ph.D. candidates in research that lies at the crossroads between Science, Technology and the Humanities, and the Social Sciences. It focuses on preparing students to deal with significant research problems in Cultural Heritage and Archaeology that make effective use of advances in digital technologies and scientific methods.
In its essence, this program aspires to educate students in the integration of science and technology in archaeology and cultural heritage. Combining theoretical with practical aspects, the Ph.D. in Science and Technology in Archaeology and Cultural Heritage will provide a comprehensive learning experience for students who wish to advance in the field at its broadest meaning, while engaging with the most up-to-date scientific and technological techniques and research approaches. More specifically, this program will:
Prepare students to deal with significant research problems in applying digital technologies and a range of scientific methods for research in archaeology and cultural heritage, helping them to become leaders in this emerging research field.
Founded upon cutting-edge cross-disciplinary research by CyI faculty, it is the only such program in Cyprus to focus on solving archaeological and cultural heritage research questions through science and technology, while at the same time challenging science and technology to develop new methods and approaches for solving questions in archaeology and cultural heritage.
Finally, the program will provide the necessary educational setting where excellence in education and research is fostered through interdisciplinary collaboration on regional problems of global significance.
At the most fundamental level, during the program students will become independent researchers able to produce a distinct and original contribution to knowledge in their chosen field, or a substantial revision of existing views, or to the development of new methods of research and analysis.
Specifically, students will learn to critically engage with published literature, recognizing and evaluating primary data and their interpretation. Students will be able to apply scientific methods together with research approaches from the humanities in order to advance knowledge in their chosen field. Emphasis will be placed on the critical evaluation of the quality of their sources and the data generated during the research, on the appropriate documentation and publication of their own methods and outcomes of the research, and an unbiased and reasoned interpretation of such data and outcomes in view of previously existing knowledge and current thoughts.
Moreover, during their studies, students will learn to situate their research within a relevant theoretical framework or school of thought, develop an awareness of alternative models, arguments, and practices, and demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the limitations and possibilities of each of these. In addition, program participants will gain a strong hands-on experience in the use of scientific and technological applications in archaeology and cultural heritage. This is a particularly important aspect of the program making use of the availability of CyI’s state-of-the-art laboratory facilities as well as benefitting from a broad range of ongoing research activities.
They will learn to present their work in a variety of academic and public settings, as oral presentations and in written form, and to engage in open discussions about their own views and interpretations and those of others.
Successful students will be fully equipped for a career in academia, research, and development, or leading professional positions in their field.
Program Structure and Requirements
The Ph.D. in Computational Sciences is a full-time, 3-year program, structured in six semesters. It is primarily based on research leading to a written thesis, with taught elements being restricted to the beginning of the program.
The language of instruction and communication of the program is English.
To satisfy the requirements of the program, students require a total of 180 ECTS, of which 160 ECTS derive from research and 20 ECTS derive from the taught component. Specifically, 20 ECTS are earned through a mandatory course worth 10 ECTS, taken during the first semester, and through the elective course(s) worth 10 ECTS, taken during semesters 1-3.
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Semester 1
1 Mandatory Course (10 ECTS) taken during Semester 1
Research Component (160 ECTS)
Semester 2
1 or 2 Elective Courses (total 10 ECTS) taken during Semester 1-3
Research Component (160 ECTS)
At end of the Year, 1 student take the Comprehensive Examination
Semester 3
1 or 2 Elective Courses (total 10 ECTS) taken during Semester 1-3
Research Component (160 ECTS)
Semester 4
Research Component (160 ECTS)
Semester 5
Research Component (160 ECTS)
Semester 6
Research Component (160 ECTS)
At end of the program, students must pass their Doctoral Examination
* Before the student can defend their Ph.D. thesis, they must have successfully completed their coursework, completed the Comprehensive Examination, and have submitted two scientific publications (one submitted, one accepted) inappropriate for each doctoral program international journals.
The information provided in this table is indicative
Program Courses
ACH 500 Frontiers and Methodologies in Science and Technology in Archaeology and Cultural Heritage
ACH 502 Advanced Methods in Archaeobotany: from the field to the interpretation of the data
ACH 504 Advanced Challenges in Archaeological Sciences
ACH 506 Advanced Research Topics in Built Heritage and Cultural Landscapes
ACH 508 Advanced Methods in Human Osteoarchaeology
ACH 509 Advanced Research Topics in Human Bioarchaeology: Contributing to Key Questions within the Archaeology of the Eastern Mediterranean and southwest Asia
General Admissions Information and Requirements
The doctoral programs are highly selective and are designed for research-oriented students aspiring to become leaders in their respective fields of study. Students who are admitted to the program are immersed in a rigorous international research environment that will require a full-time commitment for the duration of the program.
To be considered for admission to a Ph.D. program, a student must have the following:
1. A Master's degree from a recognized accredited institution, with a strong academic record in a major field of study and background relevant to the proposed graduate-level studies.
2. Proof of English language proficiency
If your first language is not English, you must provide recent evidence that your spoken and written command of the English language is adequate for the program to which you are applying. Proof of English language proficiency may be demonstrated by submitting one of the following certificates (or equivalent as deemed by the Admissions Committee).
IELTS Academic Version: at least 6.5 (taken within the past 2 years)
TOEFL Internet-based Test: at least 79 (taken within the past 2 years)
GCSE/IGCSE: Grade C or above (preferably with speaking)
IELTS or TOEFL is preferred.
The English Language proficiency test requirement may be waived if you have/will graduate from a higher education institution in which English is the medium of instruction and communication or if you have a minimum of eighteen months of work experience in a country that CyI considers to be “majority English speaking”, no more than two years prior to the proposed date of registration.
3. Strong computational skills to allow competent search and analysis appropriate for the selected field of study.
Review and Selection Process for Doctoral Program
The Admissions Committee reviews applications and makes its decision on the basis of the student’s academic merit and the match between the Institute’s research activities and the student’s research interests, i.e. Cyi’s capacity to support the students’ Master’s research in terms of facilities, infrastructure, and supervision.
Candidates may be asked for a personal interview. If students are abroad, they may be interviewed through a video conference call.
Criteria and processes for the recognition of previous studies and credit transfers
All CyI’s Ph.D. and Master’s degree programs adhere to the Bologna Process second and third cycle degrees and use the ECTS credit system, ensuring that its degrees are recognized around the world. The ECTS system utilizes a credit concept to compare courses by workload for a typical student. At the CyI, one (1) ECTS is calculated as being the equivalent of 25 hours of workload, both contact and distance learning hours.
Previous degrees are recognized if students have attended an institution(s) that is/are accredited by the appropriate competent body in the country in which it operates. This is stated clearly in the admissions section of our website.
Recognition of ECTS credits
In the cases where a student wishes to transfer ECTS credits acquired previously towards another degree or outside any degree, the Mentor/Dissertation Advisory Committee of the student will assess the relevance of the specific credits in terms of learning objectives and a decision will be made regarding the transfer. The decision will have to be approved by the Academic Committee. A quota of up to 1/3 of the program requirements can be credited from transfer credits if the Academic Committee approves.
How to Apply
The Cyprus Institute offers the opportunity to apply for a Ph.D. program through our Online Application System.
Documents to be submitted with the online application
1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Academic Degree Certificates and Transcripts
An official copy of the Master’s degree and official transcript(s) of past academic work and studies are required. The transcript(s) should include a detailed list of the courses/seminars taken along with the grades received in each course and a GPA. The Institute accepts Master’s degrees obtained from a recognized accredited institution with a GPA of at least 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) or equivalent. If an applicant has not completed a Master’s degree yet, a transcript(s) that list coursework and grades thus far, and the expected date of completion of the Master’s degree, should be provided.
Transcripts must be in English: either issued in English by the Higher Education Institution or if the Higher Education Institution cannot issue a transcript in English then you must provide a duly certified official translation in English.
3. English Language certificates
If your first language is not English, you must provide recent evidence that your spoken and written command of the English language is adequate for the program to which you are applying. Proof of English language proficiency may be demonstrated by submitting one of the following certificates (or equivalent as deemed by the Admissions Committee).
IELTS Academic version: at least 6.5 (taken within the past 2 years
TOEFL Internet-based Test: at least 79 (taken within the past 2 years)
GCSE/IGCSE: Grade C or above (preferably with speaking)
IELTS or TOEFL is preferred
English Language proficiency. test requirement may be waived if you have/will graduate from a higher education institution in which English is the medium of instruction and communication or if you have a minimum of eighteen months of work experience in a country that CyI considers to be “majority English speaking” no more than two years prior to the proposed date of registration.
4. GRE Score Report for General GRE test (optional)
5. Statement of Intent
A statement that describes current academic work and future professional plans in relation to one of the Cyprus Institute’s Research Centers and doctoral program to which the student is applying. It should point to the educational, research and personal experiences that shaped the student’s interest in the proposed field of study. It should outline the research area that the applicant is interested in and the intended research topics to be investigated while in residence at the CyI. It should concisely mention examples of the applicant’s work that explain academic maturity and potential to meet the expectations of the intense graduate program of study at The Cyprus Institute. It should also briefly explain how the work would be innovative and useful to other researchers in the field. The statement should not exceed 1500 words and must be written in English
6. References
Applicants are requested to provide contact details of at least two faculty members or other professionals who are well acquainted with the applicants' academic, research and professional work and are willing to provide references.
Admissions Timeline for Doctoral Program
Students can be admitted twice per year, in the Fall (October) and the Spring (February). The exact date of the beginning of the semesters is decided by the Academic Committee and displayed on the website and in the prospectus.
Application Deadline
Fall Semester
EarlyAdmissions
RegularAdmissions
LateAdmissions
Open for EU and International Students.
Open for EU and International Students.
Open for EU and International Students who do not require a visa
Applicants will be prioritized for consideration for our Dean's Distinguished Scholarships and a limited number of Research Assistantships / Scholarships.
Applicants will be considered for a limited number of Research Assistantships / Scholarships (subject to availability).
Applicants will be considered for a limited number of Research Assistantships / Scholarships (subject to availability).
ApplicationDeadline
December 20
April 1
Open until places are filled
Spring Semester
RegularAdmissions
LateAdmissions
Open for EU and International Students.
Open for EU and International Students who do not require a visa
Applicants will be prioritized for consideration for our Dean's Distinguished Scholarships and a limited number of Research Assistantships / Scholarships.
Applicants will be considered for a limited number of Research Assistantships / Scholarships (subject to availability).
ApplicationDeadline
September 15
December 1
International students should apply early to avoid disappointment due to migration deadlines.
Applicants are informed approximately six weeks after the respective application deadlines.
The dates listed in the sections above are indicative and may change.
