PhD Archaeology: The University of Manchester

Course description

The full-time and part-time PhD programmes in archaeology involve substantial original research leading to the production of a thesis that constitutes a genuine contribution to knowledge. Archaeology students often undertake some form of fieldwork as part of their PhD, whether that be small-scale excavation, survey, rock art recording, working with museum collections and archives, or carrying out qualitative social research in the realm of heritage studies (e.g. conducting qualitative interviews or participant observation). The maximum length of the PhD thesis is 80,000 words. Assessment is based on the thesis and via examination.

Module details

In addition to personal supervision our graduate research students each have a research panel which meets a minimum of two times per year (on more occasions if necessary). The research panel increases the breadth of expertise available to the student and widens the informational and networking opportunities accessible to them. In addition the panel reviews the development of the student's research proposal, provides feedback on draft chapters and conference papers, discusses research progress, and provides guidance on the formulation of realistic objectives. During the course of their programmes research postgraduates need to develop both broad generic research skills and specialised skills relevant to their specific discipline and field study. Some of these skills will be acquired as part of the skills training that has been developed within the School of Arts, Histories and Cultures was well as a range of courses available within the University.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview: PhD: A First or Upper Second class honours degree plus a Masters qualification in Archaeology or a related subject area, or its overseas equivalent.

English language: Students whose first language is not English require a minimum of IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 600 (paper-based) or 250 (computer-based)