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 Classical Archaeology provides you with the opportunity to pursue substantial independent research from within a wide range of periods and subjects, ranging from the prehistoric Aegean through the Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic and Roman periods to Byzantium. The DPhil is a full-time degree that is examined only by thesis and there is no formal course of instruction. Instead, students develop their own topic under the guidance of their supervisors, who are experts in their field of research. There is also the possibility to develop projects which cross disciplinary boundaries, for example in ancient history or archaeological science as appropriate. You will be encouraged to attend lectures and participate in research seminars, particularly the numerous and wide-ranging weekly seminar series organised within the cutting-edge Historical and Classical Research Group. These also often provide opportunities for research students to present their own work. The department strongly encourages fieldwork and there are often opportunities for joining fieldwork in relation to projects led by academic staff. Supervision The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of 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, students generally develop a close relationship with their supervisors. 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. 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 develop your presentation skills at an early stage of your career. Students are expected to complete their theses, which have a maximum word length of 80,000 words, within three or at the most four years. 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. 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. Others find careers elsewhere in education, museums, commercial archaeology and the heritage industry. Changes to this course and your supervision 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. The safety of students, staff and visitors is paramount and major changes to delivery or services may have to be made in circumstances of a pandemic (including Covid-19), epidemic or local health emergency. In addition, in certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.