Research Degrees

Within our highly-rated, nationally and internationally acclaimed, research-led department, some of the very best post-graduate students in Archaeology are able to develop and further their careers within their chosen field of research. Our Department has a high research profile notably in British, European and Middle Eastern archaeology and in science-based and theoretical aspects of the discipline. We are keen to attract research students to work in a wide range of research topics. We offer research supervision leading to MA, MSc, MPhil and PhD degrees in a wide range of subjects, both by full-time and by part-time study. Where appropriate, we encourage higher degree candidates to obtain training in research methods by first taking an MA in either Archaeology or one of our other taught Masters courses.
Research postgraduates integrate with staff offering expert specialist knowledge and have access to extensive research facilities. Skills-based training is provided to assist in developing research projects. All postgraduates are encouraged to vocalize their research and share their knowledge with the departmental and wider academic community, by means of departmental seminars, afternoon workshops, postgraduate-led 1-day conferences and by means of publication.

Research Degrees

MA or MSc by Research: 1 year full time, or 2 years part time research and writing, producing a thesis of up to 40,000 words. The research topic is usually based on a specific object, site or phenomenon, and can lead to postgraduate research at a higher level (MPhil. or PhD) after one year if the topic proves suitable and an aptitude for research is demonstrated.

MPhil: 2 years full time or 4 years part time research and writing, producing a thesis of up 60,000 words. The research topic is usually based on an area or period study or the study of a specific class or group of objects, and can lead to upgrading to a PhD if the topic proves suitable and an aptitude for original research is demonstrated.

PhD: 3 years full time or 6 years part time research and writing, producing a thesis of up 100,000 words. The subject of the research is a substantial piece of original research where the student demonstrates the ability to undertake independent research.

Research Topic

Postgraduate research in Archaeology at Durham is normally undertaken in areas in which members of the academic staff have an interest and expertise. The list of staff research projects and topics currently being investigated by research students provides an indication of the range of wide ranging research interests of the Department.

Funding

For guidance on departmental, university and external financial support, please visit the financial support pages.

Training

A range of general and specialist research training and means of skill acquisition is provided for students, based on individual and small group tuition within the Department and more general research preparation courses organised centrally, as indicated below: Training needs are assessed for each student at the start of their course and this is repeated annually.

Departmental Training

Research and Study Skills in Social Archaeology/Archaeological Science
Access to Level 3 and taught master's modules where required
Training in teaching methods, with feedback, normally from 2nd year onwards
Specialist training provided by supervisors specific to individual research needs
Contributions to general the Research Seminar Programme and seminars specific to Research Centres based in the Department.

University Training

Faculty Induction Course at the start of the first year
Training Needs Analysis to identify specific training needs
Courses/workshops on research (for example, 'Managing your research project', 'Managing the student-supervisor relationship', 'Your intellectual property rights')
Access to UKGRAD HEFCE funded training events
Access to University information technology courses

Further Information

Contact Postgraduate Admissions http://www.dur.ac.uk/archaeology/postgraduate/how_to_apply/