Archaeology

The University of Edinburgh
Undergraduate PhD Full-time 3 Years Archaeology

About this course

We have a long and distinguished tradition of teaching, research and fieldwork in archaeology at Edinburgh, all of which are closely integrated.

We welcome applications from anyone keen to work in fields that overlap with or complement our academic staff interests. These include:

  • human osteoarchaeology

  • isotopes and science-based methods of investigation

  • early civilisations and urban societies in the Mediterranean and Europe

  • Egyptology

  • Roman archaeology

  • the Byzantine world and late antiquity

  • coastal and marine heritage

  • megalithic monuments

  • later European prehistory

  • the archaeology of Scotland

    Breadth of expertise We have a wide range of expertise covering different areas, time periods and themes, including:

  • Bioarchaeology and isotope studies

  • Egyptology

  • Roman and ‘Celtic’ archaeology

  • The Byzantine World and Late Antiquity

  • Megalithic monuments

  • Prehistory of Europe, the Mediterranean and North-East Africa

  • Early civilisations and urban societies

  • The archaeology of Scotland

  • Cultural heritage and sustainability

  • Digital heritage and heritage policy

  • Archaeomaterials analysis

  • Human evolution

  • Conflict archaeology

  • Medieval archaeology

  • Computational archaeology

  • Marine and coastal archaeology

  • Buildings archaeology

  • Archaeological survey (Landscape Archaeology)

    Focal areas of research include:

  • Bioarchaeology/ Human Osteoarchaeology/ Biological Anthropology

  • Human–environment interactions

  • The transition from hunter-gatherer to farming communities

  • The development of complex societies

  • Cultural heritage perspectives on the past, present, and future

    Our research profile in classical and historical archaeology has also expanded in recent years.

    We have active research contacts with:

  • National Museums of Scotland

  • Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre

  • Historic Environment Scotland
  • Study Options

    This course is available in 2 study options:

    Part-time

    Duration: 6 Years

    Qualification: PhD

    Location: Edinburgh

    Full-time Shown above

    Duration: 3 Years

    Qualification: PhD

    Location: Edinburgh

    Career Prospects

    Graduates from this course typically go into the following occupations:

    2472 Archivists, conservators and curators
    2115 Social and humanities scientists
    2151 Conservation professionals

    Course Details

    Qualification
    Doctor of Philosophy - PhD
    Study Mode
    Full-time
    Duration
    3 Years
    Start Date
    2025
    Academic Year
    2025
    Campus / Location
    Edinburgh
    Scheme
    Undergraduate
    Subjects
    Archaeology