Program Overview

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Overview

The Archaeology MPhil and PhD programmes are research degrees that involve conducting original and advanced research into a specialist area of archaeology. These programmes are conducted as supervised independent study and are assessed through a single written document that is supported with a viva voce examination.

How You'll Learn

You'll be guided by a team of two supervisors. The primary supervisor will meet with you at least 10 times a year and the secondary supervisor will attend at least three of these meetings. You'll undertake a Training Needs Analysis with your supervisory team at the start of your studies. This will identify any skills that require further development to enable you to conduct your research.

Your Development

Research projects may involve a period of professional placement or specific training in a partner institution. You'll need to discuss any work placement requirements with the degree programme director. You could also gain experience through volunteering in the Great North Museum: Hancock, eg for the Portable Antiquities Scheme, or participating in educational outreach activities.

Your Future

Our Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. The Archaeology MPhil and PhD programmes are perfect for advancing your academic career in archaeology. You will also develop employability skills including project management, report writing, problem-solving, independent working, and research.

Quality and Ranking

• 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• Global Top 140 University - QS World University Rankings 2026
• Global Top 160 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025
• Top 100 for Archaeology - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Top 125 for Arts and Humanities – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024

Facilities

Archaeologists have exceptional facilities on campus. This includes over 200 years of scholarship, libraries and archaeological collections built up by the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle and the Great North Museum: Hancock. You'll have access to one of the finest archaeological collections in the UK. You can access the following internationally important collections:

• prehistoric
• Greek
• Etruscan
• Roman
• medieval artefacts
• Gertrude Bell archive

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees include the costs of:

• matriculation
• registration
• tuition (or supervision)
• library access
• examination
• re-examination
• graduation The entrance requirements below apply to 2026 entry.
• A minimum of a 2:1 honours degree and a Master's degree at Merit level, or international equivalent, in a related subject.
• We will give specific consideration to any independent research you do as part of your studies and/or appropriate professional experience.
• You must submit two letters of recommendation (obligatory) and a writing sample, such as a chapter from an MA dissertation or a published paper (optional).

Entry Requirements

The academic entry requirements for this course are:

• A minimum of a 2:1 honours degree and a Master's degree at Merit level, or international equivalent, in a related subject.
• We will give specific consideration to any independent research you do as part of your studies and/or appropriate professional experience.
• You must submit two letters of recommendation (obligatory) and a writing sample, such as a chapter from an MA dissertation or a published paper (optional).
• English Language requirements:
  • IELTS: 6.5 - 7.0
  • Pearson's: 62 - 76
  • Duolingo English Test: 105 - 120
  • TOEFL: 90 - 100

How to Apply

Before applying you should identify a supervisor from our staff who specialises in the area you wish to research. You are encouraged to contact them to discuss your intended path of study before you apply. Read our guidelines for producing a research proposal. If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you must pay a deposit of £1,500 or submit an official letter of sponsorship. The deposit is payable after you receive an offer to study with us. The deposit is non-refundable, but we will deduct it from your tuition fees when you register.

Programme codes

• MPhil Full time: 7210F
• MPhil Part time: 7210P
• PhD Full time: 8210F
• PhD Part time: 8210P

Using the application portal

The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them. You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.

Open days and events

Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually. We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University. Visit our events calendar for the latest events.

Get in touch

If you have specific questions about this course you can contact Sandra Fletcher, School of History, Classics and Archaeology, Telephone: +44 (0). For more general enquiries you could also complete our online enquiry form. Our Ncl chatbot might be able to give you an answer straight away. If not, it’ll direct you to someone who can help. You'll find our Ncl chatbot in the bottom right of this page. Receive regular updates by email. Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter. PAGE MENU

• Overview
• How You'll Learn
• Your Development
• Your Future
• Quality and Ranking
• Facilities
• Fees and Funding
• Entry Requirements
• How to apply
• Open days & events
• Get in touch

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