Department of Archaeology | PhD Archaeology

PhD Archaeology at Durham University

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Our top-rated, internationally-acclaimed department supports early-career researchers to pursue innovative research projects and develop their ideas, skill sets, networks and intellectual horizons, toward building professional or academic careers in Archaeology, Heritage, Museums, Conservation, and beyond.

We have a world-class reputation for teaching and research, being regularly ranked one of the top two Archaeology departments in the UK (e.g. Research Excellence Framework [REF] 2014 and 2021) and one of the top-ten globally (World University QS rankings 2023).

PhD: three years of full-time or six years of part-time research and writing, plus another year of continuation writing up time where needed, producing a dissertation of up to 100,000 words. The subject of your thesis will be a substantial piece of original research where you demonstrate your ability to undertake independent research. In consultation with the supervisor and department, the candidate may substitute the traditional dissertation with a collection of related publications tied together with introduction and conclusions.

A PhD will be necessary for those who wish to pursue a career in a University setting, in research and/or teaching. Applicants will normally have a masters-level qualification in a related area, evidence of previous research training, and a strong project proposal developed with a supervisor in department prior to application.

Many of our postgraduates move into an academic career, either teaching or by taking up post-doctoral research positions in universities. Others join museums or national and regional heritage organisations. Some work in professional archaeology, in national or local planning departments, while others elect to use their analytical and presentation skills to gain positions in industry, commerce and government.

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