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University of Oxford: Classical Archaeology
| Institution | University of Oxford |
|---|---|
| Department | Archaeology |
| Web | https://www.ox.ac.uk |
| graduate.admissions@admin.ox.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | +44 (0)1865 270059 |
DPhil
Summary
**The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2023). 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.
Details of the department's research areas and themes, and recently completed DPhil projects are listed on the department's website. (See Further information and enquiries).
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.
| Study type | Research |
|---|---|
| Level | RQF Level 8 |
| Entry requirements | 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 |
| Location | University of Oxford University Offices Wellington Square Oxford OX1 2JD |
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.
| Study type | Research |
|---|---|
| Level | RQF Level 8 |
| Entry requirements | 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 |
| Location | University of Oxford University Offices Wellington Square Oxford OX1 2JD |
MSt
Summary
**The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2023). 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.**
**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 which provide broad overviews, and detailed options focusing on different specific aspects of the subject.
You will choose one period module. A list of typical period modules is provided below. Not all modules run every year.
- Early Iron Age Greece, 1200-700 BC
- Archaic, 800-480 BC
- Classical, 500-300 BC
- Hellenistic, 330-30 BC
- Late Republican, 200-30 BC
- Early Imperial, 30 BC-AD 120
- Middle Imperial, AD 70-250
- Late Antiquity, AD 280-650
- Byzantine, AD 600-1453
You will then take two further option modules which will enable you to develop a deeper understanding of a particular field of research. A list of typical option subjects is provided below and more information is available on the department’s website (See Further information and enquiries). Not all modules listed will be available every year.
- Topics in Aegean Prehistory
- Roman Architecture
- Greek Coinage
- Greek Sculpture
- Greek and Roman Landscape Archaeology
- Roman Provincial Art
- Late Roman and Byzantine architecture
- The Archaeology of Greek Religion
- Historical Narrative in Art
- Aegean Bronze Age Trade OR Religion
- Burials, settlements, and society in Iron Age Greece, 1200-650 BC
- Greek Vases
- Greek and Roman wallpaintings
- Etruscan Italy
- Hellenistic Far East
- Gandharan Art and the Classical World
- Pompeii and Ostia
- Roman Coinage
- Archaeology of the Roman Economy
- Maritime Archaeology
- Lived Religion in Late Antiquity
You may also be permitted to study an unlisted topic within Classical archaeology, or another 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.
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.
**MPhil**
The MPhil in Classical Archaeology is designed for those interested in continuing to a doctorate in Classical archaeology, and for those with experience in other areas of classical studies wishing to develop an understanding of the material culture.
The MPhil combines the flexibility of the MSt in Classical Archaeology, which allows you to choose from a wide range of broad periods and detailed options, with the opportunity to research a topic of your choice in the form of a thesis.
**For the full description, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas**
| Study type | Taught |
|---|---|
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
| Entry requirements | 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 |
| Location | University of Oxford University Offices Wellington Square Oxford OX1 2JD |
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.
| Study type | Taught |
|---|---|
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
| Entry requirements | 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 |
| Location | University of Oxford University Offices Wellington Square Oxford OX1 2JD |
Master of Philosophy - MPhil
Summary
**The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2023). 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.**
**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 which provide broad overviews, and detailed options focusing on different specific aspects of the subject.
You will choose one period module. A list of typical period modules is provided below. Not all modules run every year.
- Early Iron Age Greece, 1200-700 BC
- Archaic, 800-480 BC
- Classical, 500-300 BC
- Hellenistic, 330-30 BC
- Late Republican, 200-30 BC
- Early Imperial, 30 BC-AD 120
- Middle Imperial, AD 70-250
- Late Antiquity, AD 280-650
- Byzantine, AD 600-1453
You will then take two further option modules which will enable you to develop a deeper understanding of a particular field of research. A list of typical option subjects is provided below and more information is available on the department’s website (See Further information and enquiries). Not all modules listed will be available every year.
- Topics in Aegean Prehistory
- Roman Architecture
- Greek Coinage
- Greek Sculpture
- Greek and Roman Landscape Archaeology
- Roman Provincial Art
- Late Roman and Byzantine architecture
- The Archaeology of Greek Religion
- Historical Narrative in Art
- Aegean Bronze Age Trade OR Religion
- Burials, settlements, and society in Iron Age Greece, 1200-650 BC
- Greek Vases
- Greek and Roman wallpaintings
- Etruscan Italy
- Hellenistic Far East
- Gandharan Art and the Classical World
- Pompeii and Ostia
- Roman Coinage
- Archaeology of the Roman Economy
- Maritime Archaeology
- Lived Religion in Late Antiquity
You may also be permitted to study an unlisted topic within Classical archaeology, or another 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.
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.
**MPhil**
The MPhil in Classical Archaeology is designed for those interested in continuing to a doctorate in Classical archaeology, and for those with experience in other areas of classical studies wishing to develop an understanding of the material culture.
The MPhil combines the flexibility of the MSt in Classical Archaeology, which allows you to choose from a wide range of broad periods and detailed options, with the opportunity to research a topic of your choice in the form of a thesis.
**For the full description, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas**
| Study type | Taught |
|---|---|
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
| Entry requirements | 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 |
| Location | University of Oxford University Offices Wellington Square Oxford OX1 2JD |
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.
| Study type | Taught |
|---|---|
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
| Entry requirements | 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 |
| Location | University of Oxford University Offices Wellington Square Oxford OX1 2JD |
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