Course summary
The PhD in Archaeology is an opportunity for original research leading to a thesis within a structured research environment that encourages both independence and collaboration. The Department of Archaeology provides research training for PhD students through regular research skills seminars. All PhD students are assigned a supervisor and an advisor and may have additional co-supervisors and/or advisors who make up their ‘supervisory team’. Students will have frequent meetings with their supervisor and other team members, either together or individually. PhD students receive a progress review at the end of their second and fourth terms. The PhD is normally obtained after three years of study (five years part-time) on an approved subject within the field of Archaeology, and includes an oral examination on the thesis and the general field of knowledge in which it falls. The thesis topic is normally proposed by the student and then decided between the student and the supervisor, and assistance is provided on elements of methodology and analysis, as well as with the written presentation. The thesis must satisfy the examiners that the candidate can design and carry out investigations, assess and interpret the results obtained, and place the work in the wider perspective of the subject. The PhD is assessed solely on the basis of the thesis examination. A PhD thesis in Archaeology must represent a significant contribution to knowledge. with a word count of not more than 80,000 words, excluding appendices, footnotes and bibliography. Students may be required to complete courses in research design, statistical analysis, interpretation, communication and safety during their first Michaelmas term at Cambridge, and attend such lectures and courses as are considered appropriate by their supervisor. Learning Outcomes A PhD thesis in Archaeology is expected to be a lucid, scholarly and substantial research contribution to knowledge on its topic, and to demonstrate a good understanding of the wider context of the chosen topic.
Assessment method
Thesis / Dissertation The thesis topic is normally proposed by the student and then decided between the student and the supervisor, and assistance is provided on elements of methodology and analysis, as well as with the written presentation. The thesis must satisfy the examiners that the candidate can design and carry out investigations, assess and interpret the results obtained, and place the work in the wider perspective of the subject. PhD students are required to submit a thesis of up to 80,000 words. This work will represent a significant and novel contribution to the fields of Archaeology, Assyriology, Egyptology or Heritage Studies. After submission, an oral examination (viva) is required. The PhD is assessed solely on the basis of the thesis examination. Other PhD students at Cambridge are not initially registered until they have completed a period of probation. Academic progress is monitored over the course of the first year of study as students develop their projects and test their methodology. The proposed PhD project is presented through a First-Year Report, which is reviewed in a First-Year Interview at the end of six months of study (or the end of twelve months for part-time students) and in a Pilot Project and Project Outline submitted at the end of the first year (or at the end of the second year for part-time students). Subsequent yearly updates are then required in order to monitor progress. All PhD students are required to keep a PhD Progress Log. The log is intended to record personal development and any training received. It is also used to keep note of personal and administrative milestones as they are achieved.
Entry requirements
Applicants for this course should have achieved a UK Masters (Merit). If your degree is not from the UK, please check International Qualifications to find the equivalent in your country. Applicants must have achieved a mark of at least 68 in a UK MA or MPhil or the equivalent from a non-UK institution, or possess relevant professional experience.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
University of Cambridge
The Old Schools
Trinity Lane
Cambridge
CB2 1TN