Archaeological Research

Often a stepping stone toward PhD studies, this course allows students considerable freedom in designing an independent course of study under the direction of a supervisor. Applicants will normally have already assembled an appropriate data set and questions for their dissertation at the time of application. The MPhil provides training in archaeological research methods and associated transferable skills, and the opportunity to complete a research dissertation under academic guidance. This dissertation and its topic are normally considered as a vehicle for working out detailed plans for pursuing a PhD, but may also be taken as a standalone one-year MPhil degree.

The MPhil in Archaeological Research consists of three components, structured around independent study:

A research paper (6,000 words)

A research skills module

The dissertation (25,000 words).

This course is for students who have a substantial and appropriate background in archaeology (at the first-degree level and in fieldwork) accompanied by considerable maturity in the development of their research topic. Training in specific research skills (archaeological computing, quantitative methods, GIS and/or laboratory-based techniques) are arranged as appropriate to the student's needs.