PhD in Archaeology

Our PhD in Archaeology offers you the opportunity to study archaeology at an advanced level through independent research.

The Archaeology subject area offers research supervision across a wide range of fields. Our research interests range from human osteoarchaeology and forensic anthropology to Roman archaeology, early civilisations and urban societies in the Mediterranean and Europe, the Byzantine world and late antiquity, late hunter-gatherers and the spread of farming in Europe, megalithic monuments, later European prehistory and the archaeology of Scotland. These research areas are complemented by research expertise in related disciplines elsewhere in the School and the University.

The breadth of expertise in the School and in the wider University makes it possible for us to supervise a very wide range of topics. Each student is allocated at least two supervisors, allowing us to combine thematic, chronological and disciplinary expertise in the supervisory team. We also have close links with external organisations, such as the National Museums of Scotland and Historic Scotland, and may be able to include external partners in supervisory teams.

Programme structure

The PhD is a substantial piece of independent research which makes a contribution to the state of existing knowledge in the field. The PhD programme is designed to take three years full-time or six years part-time. The PhD is examined by submission of a thesis of up to 100,000 words and by oral examination.

PhD students work closely with their supervisors, who are recognised experts in the field of study. All PhD students pursue an individually tailored programme of research training agreed with their supervisors. Full details of the training we provide are available on our PhD training pages. PhD students are also encouraged to share their research with other postgraduate students through workshops and seminars, and to take an active part in the research life of the archaeology subject area, the School and the University.

Entry Requirements

You will need a UK 2:1 honours degree in a relevant discipline and a relevant masters degree with an overall mark of at least 65%, or the international equivalent.

We may also consider your application if you have relevant professional experience; please check with your potential supervisor before you apply.

International qualifications

Check whether your international qualifications meet our general entry requirements:

English language

All applicants must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of their English language ability:

• an undergraduate or masters degree, that was taught and assessed in English in a majority English speaking country as defined by UK Visas and Immigration
• IELTS: total 7.0 (at least 6.0 in each module)
• TOEFL-iBT: total 100 (at least 20 in each module)
• PTE(A): total 67 (at least 56 in each of the "Communicative Skills" sections)
• CAE and CPE: total 185 (at least 169 in each module)
• Trinity ISE: ISE III with a pass in all four components

Degrees taught and assessed in English must be no more than three years old at the beginning of your degree programme. Language tests must be no more than two years old at the beginning of your degree programme.

If your language skills only meet the lower end of the requirements, the English Language Teaching Centre at the University run several courses in English for Academic Purposes.