MPhil in Archaeology

The MPhil in Archaeology allows students to gain a critical appreciation of archaeology, the human past, and its place in the modern world, as well as training in research and analytical skills and expertise in a chosen specialist area. Our emphasis at the MPhil level is on research-led teaching so that staff and students interact in lectures, seminars, language classes, and laboratory-based practicals with the aim of mastering the basics of theory and method while also engaging students as participants in ongoing research projects.

Students may choose to specialise in any of the following options if available - a check should be made with the Department before application to find out which options are available that year:

Archaeology of the Americas

Egyptian Archaeology

European Prehistory

Archaeology of the Global Middle Ages

Mesopotamian Archaeology

Palaeolithic and Mesolithic Archaeology

South Asian Archaeology

African Archaeology

Learning Outcomes

The overall aim of the MPhil in Archaeology is to provide Master’s-level education in archaeology at the highest standard. This involves three goals:

To enable students to attain a critical appreciation of archaeology, the human past, and its place in the modern world. By the end of the course, students are expected to understand the broader context and methods of archaeology, and to be able to enter a range of archaeological professions.

To train students in a particular subject of specialisation through a coherent programme of teaching focused upon a specific topic, area, or methodology, as defined in the objectives of the course. By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to pursue independent research in their field of specialisation.

To give students training in a range of general, transferable skills, such as writing, presentation, research skills, and formulating and analysing arguments. By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to exercise these skills in any professional-level work which requires them.

Continuing

Students taking the MPhil in Archaeology who wish to continue to the PhD in Archaeology are required to achieve a mark of at least 68 overall and no less than 68 in their dissertation. They must obtain the support of an appropriate supervisor before making an application. In some circumstances, additional academic conditions may be set to ensure appropriate skills are in place prior to admittance on the PhD programme.

Open Days

The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the beginning of November. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the Postgraduate Open Day page for more details.

See the Postgraduate Admissions Events pages for other events relating to Postgraduate study, including study fairs, visits and international events.

Applicants for this course should have achieved a UK High II.i Honours Degree. If your degree is not from the UK, please check International Qualifications to find the equivalent in your country. Please be aware that this is the minimum criterion for academic results and that attaining the minimum does not guarantee admission to the programme. Admissions are fiercely competitive and applicants who simply meet the minimum academic standard are often not accepted onto the MPhil. Higher conditions may be set in some cases. Students are expected to enter the MPhil in Archaeology from a range of backgrounds:

Listening: 7.0, Writing: 7.0, Reading: 7.0, Speaking: 7.0, Total: 7.5, Listening: 25, Writing: 25, Reading: 25, Speaking: 25, Total: 110