Program Overview

Archaeology or Anthropology, PhD/MSc by Research

Overview

Work with leading scholars on a project of your choice. Make a significant and original contribution to knowledge through a research degree in Archaeology or Anthropology.

Why Study with Us

• Field research is at the core of everything we do. Recent research projects have taken students across the UK, to Greece, Türkiye, and the USA.
• We research collaboratively with many professional archaeological organisations in the UK and abroad.
• The Centre for Field Archaeology and Forensic Taphonomy has a vibrant research student community, with many students working in the centre.

What You'll Do

• Research degrees allow you to work on a project of your choice, producing a dissertation which is a significant and original contribution to knowledge.
• You will work with a supervisory team of two experienced members of staff and meet regularly with your Director of Studies to guide your research.
• You may also broaden your knowledge by attending modules from taught programmes in the school.

Facilities

• Analytical Laboratories
• Archaeology and Anthropology Imaging Suite
• Archaeology and Anthropology Teaching Laboratory
• Archaeology Laboratory
• Forensic Anthropology Laboratory
• Forensic Taphonomy Laboratory
• Stable Isotope Analysis Preparation Facility
• TRACES Facility

Hear from Our Graduates

• "I'm grateful for the community the university provided, and the opportunities to grow as a researcher. I was supported by a generous, knowledgeable and experienced team. The tools and techniques learnt during my PhD have helped my career in research and knowledge exchange operations." - Viki Le Quelenec
• "The chance to study and train in lithics analysis at the university was an opportunity of a lifetime. My experiences on the course have shaped what I do now working for Cotswold Archaeology in Suffolk." - Rob Leedham
• "The continual support and knowledge provided was truly impressive and undoubtedly contributed to my success. I would highly recommend this course to anyone considering studying Archaeology, it was a wonderful experience." - Michael Lawlor

How to Apply for Postgraduate Research

• The application process can vary but we have some helpful tips.
• Find out how to apply

Academic Staff

• Dr James Morris, Senior Lecturer
• Dr Allison Stewart, Senior Lecturer
• Dr Jennifer Jones, Senior Lecturer in Archaeology
• Dr David Robinson, Professor
• Dr Rick Peterson, Reader in Archaeology
• Professor Duncan Sayer, Professor
• Dr Brenna Hassett, Lecturer in Forensic Osteology and Archaeology

Research Areas

• Anglo-Saxon England
• Archaeological ethics
• Archaeology of native North America
• Archaeology of the modern world
• Cave archaeology
• Ceramics
• Computer imaging, visualisation and virtual reality
• Environmental archaeology and palaeoenvironmental reconstruction
• Historical Archaeology of North America
• Landscape archaeology
• Mesolithic, Neolithic and Early Bronze Age of Britain and north-west Europe
• Rock art studies
• Roman Britain
• Social archaeology of death
• Taphonomy
• Urban archaeology
• Zooarchaeology

Entry Requirements

• PhD via MPhil: Masters’ degree with a merit or distinction in a related field or equivalent professional experience in the discipline
• MSc by Research: Honours degree of 2:1 or above in a related field or equivalent professional experience in the discipline

Fees and Funding

• 2025/26
  • UK: Full-time £5,250 per year, Part-time £2,625 per year
  • International: Full-time £17,900 per year

Additional Costs

• As part of your course there may be additional costs to consider that are not included in your tuition fees. Most of these will be optional, but some courses have essential additional costs.

Scholarships and Bursaries

• We offer many scholarships, bursaries and funds to support you during your studies.
• Select your country or region to see if you are eligible and how to apply.

Future Careers

• A research degree in Archaeology or Anthropology shows a wide range of high-level and transferable skills.
• Some graduates go on to research work and teaching within academia. Others work as professional archaeologists or use their skills in a range of related occupations.

Learning and Assessment

• MSc by Research: You will work on a research project of your choice and produce a dissertation of up to 20,000 words. This will be examined by internal and external examiners. You must defend your thesis in a viva voce examination.
• PhD via MPhil: PhD via MPhil allows you to spend an extended period of time working to produce a research thesis, which will be a significant and original contribution to knowledge. You will initially be registered for the MPhil award and must produce a transfer report after eighteen months of full-time study. If you are successful, you will transfer onto the PhD phase of the project. You will then complete a dissertation of up to 80,000 words which is examined by internal and external examiners. You must defend your thesis in a viva voce examination.