Program Overview

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Introduction to the DPhil in Classical Archaeology

The DPhil in Classical Archaeology is a full-time degree that provides the opportunity to pursue independent research in a wide range of periods and subjects, ranging from the prehistoric Aegean through the Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, and Roman periods to Byzantium.

About the Course

The DPhil is examined only by thesis, and there is no formal course of instruction. Instead, students develop their own topic under the guidance of their supervisor, who will be an expert in their field of research. There is also the possibility to develop projects that cross disciplinary boundaries, for example, in ancient history or archaeological science as appropriate.

Research Areas

Students will have the opportunity to undertake research within the specialized themes of this course, which include:

• Aegean Bronze Age & Early Greece
• Greek Archaeology
• Roman Archaeology
• Etruscan & Early Italy
• Maritime Archaeology
• Late Antiquity & Byzantium

Attendance

The course is full-time and requires attendance in Oxford. Full-time students are subject to the University's Residence requirements.

Resources to Support Study

As a graduate student, you will have access to the University's wide range of resources, including libraries, museums, galleries, digital resources, and IT services. The Bodleian Libraries is the largest library system in the UK, and the University's IT Services is available to support core university IT systems and tools.

Supervision

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the School of Archaeology, and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff.

Assessment

To begin with, students are admitted as Probationer Research Students, transferring to full doctoral status within four terms of arrival. Progress is formally assessed through the submission of written work and an interview by a small assessment panel ('transfer of status'), while a further similar assessment ('confirmation of status') is held within seven terms of arrival.

Graduate Destinations

Many graduates from the DPhil in Classical Archaeology are successful in obtaining academic posts at universities in the UK, USA, and elsewhere, while others engage in post-doctoral research or go on to positions within museums of classical or fine art.

Changes to the Course

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration.

Entry Requirements

The requirements described below are specific to this course and apply only in the year of entry that is shown.

• Degree-level qualifications: As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:
  • A strong master's degree (distinction/first-class or strong merit/upper second-class) in classical archaeology or another subject closely related to the research.
  • A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honors in classical archaeology or closely related fields.
• GRE General Test scores: No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.
• Other qualifications, evidence of excellence, and relevant experience: Evidence of training in ancient and relevant modern languages would be a distinct advantage. Relevant publications are not expected but may add to the strength of an application.
• English language proficiency: This course requires proficiency in English at the University's higher level.

Funding

For entry in the academic year, the collegiate University expects to offer over 1,100 full or partial graduate scholarships across a wide range of graduate courses. Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and/or potential.

Costs

Annual Course Fees

The fees for this course are charged on an annual basis.

• Fees for the academic year at the University of Oxford:
  • Home: Ł17,310
  • Overseas: Ł32,960
• What do course fees cover?: Course fees cover your teaching as well as other academic services and facilities provided to support your studies.

Living Costs

In addition to your course fees and any additional course-specific costs, you will need to ensure that you have adequate funds to support your living costs for the duration of your course.

• Living costs for full-time study: For the academic year, the range of likely living costs for a single, full-time student is between Ł1,405 and Ł2,105 for each month spent in Oxford.

College Preference

Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. The following colleges accept students on the DPhil in Classical Archaeology:

• Balliol College
• Blackfriars
• Brasenose College
• Campion Hall
• Christ Church
• Corpus Christi College
• Exeter College
• Hertford College
• Jesus College
• Keble College
• Kellogg College
• Lady Margaret Hall
• Linacre College
• Lincoln College
• Magdalen College
• Merton College
• Regent's Park College
• Reuben College
• St Anne's College
• St Catherine's College
• St Cross College
• St Hugh's College
• St John's College
• Somerville College
• University College
• Wadham College
• Wolfson College
• Worcester College
• Wycliffe Hall

How to Apply

Before you apply, you should identify an academic member of staff who is willing to supervise you and has the resources to support your proposed research project. You should do this by contacting them directly. Details of academic staff, including their research interests and contact details, can be found on the department's website.

Application Fee Waivers

An application fee of Ł20 is payable for each application to this course. Application fee waivers are available for the following applicants who meet the eligibility criteria:

• Applicants from low-income countries
• Refugees and displaced persons
• UK applicants from low-income backgrounds
• Applicants who applied for our Graduate Access Programmes in the past two years and met the eligibility criteria

Completing Your Application

You should refer to the information below when completing the application form, paying attention to the specific requirements for the supporting documents.

• Proposed field and title of research project: Under the 'Field and title of research project' please enter your proposed field or area of research if this is known.
• Proposed supervisor: Under 'Proposed supervisor name' enter the name of the academic(s) whom you would like to supervise your research.
• Referees: Whilst you must register three referees, the department may start the assessment of your application if two of the three references are submitted by the course deadline and your application is otherwise complete.
• Official transcript(s): Your transcripts should give detailed information of the individual grades received in your university-level qualifications to date.
• Research proposal: A clearly set out and well-documented research proposal, written in English, is required. The overall word count should include any bibliography.

Deadlines

• 12:00 midday UK time on:
  • Friday 14 November 2025: Applications more likely to receive earlier decisions
  • Friday 9 January 2026: Latest deadline for most Oxford scholarships
  • Tuesday 3 March 2026: Applications may remain open after this deadline if places are still available

Key Facts

• Course code: RD_CR1
• Expected length: 3 to 4 years
• Places in: c. 9
• Applications/year: 20
• Expected start: 11 October 2026
• English language: Higher level required