MPhil and PhD in Archaeology

	Length	Start dates (semester dates)
PhD	3 years full-time 6 years part-time Apply for PhD	January April July September
PhD (by distance learning)	3 years full-time 6 years part-time Apply for PhD by distance learning	January April July September
MPhil	2 years full-time 4 years part-time Apply for MPhil	January April July September

Length

Start dates (semester dates)

PhD

3 years full-time
6 years part-time

Apply for PhD

January
April
July
September

PhD

(by distance learning)

3 years full-time
6 years part-time

Apply for PhD by distance learning

January
April
July
September

MPhil

2 years full-time
4 years part-time

Apply for MPhil

January
April
July
September

If your passion lies in archaeological research, our doctoral degrees provide the opportunity to combine academic rigour with creativity and innovation. Study with a distinguished department and receive expert guidance from our supportive staff.

Your research

At York, research in archaeology is wide-ranging. Our strengths are in human evolution and prehistory; Roman; medieval; historical and field archaeology; bioarchaeology; digital archaeology; African archaeology; buildings conservation and heritage; and experimental archaeology and artefact studies. Many projects are interdisciplinary, involving collaboration with researchers beyond the Department.

Collaboration is part of our core values. We engage with and impact national and international research communities, policymakers, and the public.

Contact us

Related links

The PhD requires a dissertation of up to 90,000 words. If you choose to study the MPhil in Archaeology, you'll produce a dissertation of up to 60,000 words.

Postgraduate research provides opportunities to develop your academic, creative and practical skills. You'll work independently in an academic environment where creativity and scholarship come together.

You'll meet regularly with your research supervisor and will have the opportunity to participate in an exciting range of events, including seminars and special interest research groups.

These programmes are aimed at students:

seeking to reach a professional standard of academic research, and to pursue a career in either Higher Education or areas of professional practice
working professionally in any field of archaeology, and wishing to make a career move into teaching and research in Higher Education
working in any field of archaeology, and wishing to develop their careers with the production of a substantial piece of original research.

Distance learning

We also offer the option of enrolling in a PhD in Archaeology by distance learning. You'll have the flexibility to work from anywhere in the world.

We'll work with you to assess the feasibility of your distance learning degree, including any facilities and resources you may need to complete your studies. We'll discuss your training requirements and an associated timeline, which will need to be in place before you start your course.

If your research topic requires use of specialised equipment and facilities, we will discuss available options with you to ensure these needs can be met for the duration of your degree. You must visit York for at least two weeks per year, with a compulsory visit at each annual progression point. In addition, you must attend a two-week induction period in York at the beginning of your degree.

Research excellence

We’re 6th overall for our research according to the Times Higher Education’s ranking of the latest REF results (2021). And 100% of our research environment, the support we give to our researchers, is rated 4* - REF’s highest rating. We’re also rated 5th for the quality of our research outputs.

A city of history and heritage

York is steeped in history, with buildings and significant remains from the Roman, Viking and Medieval periods. Our beautiful architecture, museums and galleries make York the ideal place to study.

Exceptional facilities

Our exciting range of facilities and research centres offer bespoke laboratories, teaching spaces, and specialist equipment and technologies.

Funding

Explore Archaeology funding for PhD/MPhil researchers and wider postgraduate support.

Supervision

We'll help match your research interests to our supervisory expertise. You'll have regular meetings with your supervisor during semester time.

Training and support

Your progress throughout your degree will be continually guided by your supervisor, who will help you to hone your focus and deliver specialised research.

As you develop your thesis, you'll attend regular meetings with a Thesis Advisory Panel, consisting of at least one member of staff in addition to your supervisor. You'll meet twice a year (once a year for part-time students) to discuss your research project, including more general professional development and career training.

You'll be taught and supervised by staff who produce internationally-renowned research, and benefit from the Department's informal, supportive community.

Careers and skills

Your PhD or MPhil will give you the ability to use analysis-based research for application across a range of archaeological fields. You'll graduate with transferable skills in creative problem-solving, critical analysis, writing, and the ability to craft and execute detailed research projects.

Our dedicated careers team offer specific support, including a programme of professional researcher development and careers workshops and 1:1 career support sessions. They will help you to build up your employability portfolio, and to engage in activities that will build up your skills and experience within and outside of your research work.

Course location

This course is run by the Department of Archaeology.

You will be based on Campus West. Your training and supervision meetings will take place here, and your research may take you further afield.

Distance learning students can study from anywhere in the world, but are expected to attend events and training in York several times per year.

Entry requirements

A Masters degree with the equivalent of a distinction or very high merit, or equivalent experience.

If you have any questions about the suitability of your qualifications, please contact us.

If you are applying as a mature student, or are entering Higher Education without standard academic qualifications, please give details of your relevant experience and your goals, as well as any relevant academic and/or professional qualifications.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language you must provide evidence of your ability.

Check your English language requirements

Applying

Identify a supervisor

You should identify a potential supervisor in our faculty whose area of research overlaps with yours. We encourage you to contact them to discuss your research proposal before you apply.

You should note your preferred supervisor in your application.

Your research proposal

As an applicant to postgraduate research courses, you'll be asked to submit a clear, well-structured research proposal.

Take a look at the supporting documents you may need for your application.

Find out more about how to apply.

Submit your application

You can apply and send all your documentation electronically through our online system. You don’t need to complete your application all at once: you can start, save, and finish it later.

We will respond to your application as soon as possible. You may track the status of your application and view any official correspondence online.

Apply for the MPhil in Archaeology

Apply for the PhD in Archaeology

Apply for the PhD in Archaeology by distance learning