Course summary

The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (October/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 DPhil 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. MSt The MSt in Classical Archaeology is designed for those who wish to build on undergraduate studies in Classical archaeology, as well as for those with experience in other areas of Classical studies wishing to develop an understanding of the material culture. The MSt provides the flexibility to allow you to choose from a wide range of periods (from the Prehistoric Aegean through the Iron Age, Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic and various Roman periods to the Byzantine period), which provide broad overviews, and detailed options focusing on different specific aspects of the subject. One period option must be chosen and two subject options. You may also be allowed to study an unlisted topic within Classical archaeology, or directly related to it, provided that the topic is appropriate and teaching is available. If you are seeking a broader course then you may, if you wish, in addition to one period option and one subject option, select a third subject from among those offered by a number of cognate disciplines. You will have a departmental advisor, normally in your main area of interest, who may provide some of your teaching but will advise on option choices and monitor overall progress. Each member of the academic staff in Classical archaeology offers a different subject in his or her areas of specialism in each of the first two terms, so you can normally choose from about eight different subjects each term; these cover major topics from the Bronze Age to the Byzantium period. Not all courses listed will be available every year. Teaching is mainly through small-group tutorials or classes of usually one to five students, for which you prepare short essays on a weekly basis, supplemented by a wide range of lecture courses and graduate seminars.