Course summary

The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2022). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas. The DPhil in Archaeology provides students with the opportunity to pursue substantial independent research across a wide range of periods and subjects, including British, European, African, and Asian archaeology, and in theoretical aspects of the discipline. The DPhil is a full-time degree that is examined only by thesis and there is no formal course of instruction. Applicants are encouraged to contact prospective supervisors, academics in the School of Archaeology, that share similar research interests so that they can discuss project ideas and get advice. Projects which cross disciplinary boundaries, for example in archaeological science or cultural heritage, are also welcome. Recently completed DPhil projects are listed on the School website. There are no specific taught elements although students are encouraged to attend lectures and participate in research seminars, particularly the skills seminars and some of those in the wide-ranging weekly seminar series organised within the research groups. Seminars also provide opportunities for students to present their work. Students are encouraged to undertake fieldwork, which, if appropriate, can often be in relation to one of the department's projects. Supervision For this course, the allocation of graduate supervision 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. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the School of Archaeology. While the degree of contact varies depending on individual circumstances, it is expected that supervisors and students should meet to discuss progress at least three times each term. 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, and achieve, 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. Both milestones normally involve an interview with two assessors (other than your supervisor) and therefore provide important experience for the final oral examination. At each stage you will also make a short formal presentation of your research at one of the doctoral student symposia organised by the School of Archaeology, which will help you to develop your presentation skills at an early stage of your career. You will be expected to submit an original thesis within three or at the most four years from the date of admission. Students can apply to submit the thesis as a collection of publishable papers. Successful doctoral theses must, among other things, display evidence of substantial and original research, lucid and scholarly presentation and a sound knowledge of the general field within which the thesis falls. To be successfully awarded a DPhil you will need to defend your thesis orally (viva voce) in front of two appointed examiners. Graduate destinations Many graduates from the DPhil in Archaeology 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 within museums. Others find careers elsewhere in education, commercial archaeology, and the heritage industry.