DPhil in Archaeological Science

About the course

The DPhil in Archaeological Science provides students with the opportunity to pursue substantial independent research on their own which 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. Suggested projects and recently completed DPhil projects are listed on the School website.

Although there is no formal course of instruction, you will be encouraged to attend lectures and participate in research seminars. These will include the numerous and wide-ranging weekly seminar series organised within the cutting-edge research groups, particularly bioarchaeology, chronology, and materials and technology. These also often provide opportunities for you to present your own work.

Assessment

All students will be initially admitted to the status of Probationer Research Student (PRS). By the fourth term as a PRS student you will be expected to apply for transfer of status from Probationer Research Student to DPhil status.

A successful transfer of status from PRS to DPhil status will require a formal assessment though the submission of written work and an interview. Students who are successful at transfer will also be expected to apply for and gain confirmation of DPhil status within seven terms of admission, to show that your work continues to be on track.

Graduate destinations

Graduates from the DPhil in Archaeological Science are successful in obtaining academic posts at universities in the UK, USA and elsewhere, while others engage in postdoctoral research, or go on to positions in industry, commercial archaeology, and heritage management organisations.

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the equivalent of the following UK qualifications: a master's degree in archaeological science; and a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in any relevant subject¹. 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 a degree from the USA in archaeology or a related subject, 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.