48 monthsProgramme duration
21,900 GBPTuition Fee/year
25 Jul, 2026Application Deadline
Jan, SepStarting Month
Programme overview
Main Subject
Archaeology
Degree
PhD
Study Level
PHD
Study Mode
On Campus
The Department of Anthropology and Archaeology has an international 'four-field' approach, combining archaeology with evolutionary, social and linguistic anthropology. Our key strengths lie in our integrated approaches to understanding cultural, biological and social diversity and change. We focus particularly on adaptation, adversity and globalisation. Our research themes include 'Ecologies', 'Liveable Futures', 'Transitions and Turbulence', and 'Connections and Creativity'.
Our research spans from earliest prehistory to the modern day. Field research takes place in the UK, as well as Bhutan, Brazil, China, Colombia, Dominica, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mexico, Peru, Singapore, Venezuela, and elsewhere.
We are well equipped to undertake anthropological and archaeological fieldwork, including excavation, and we have world-class radiocarbon dating and organic residue analysis laboratories on site. We foster partnerships with professional institutions nationally and locally to provide additional collaborative opportunities for our students (for example, with the Royal Anthropological Institute Ethnographic Film Festival, UNESCO City of Film, and Bristol Museum and Art Gallery).
In addition, we draw on expertise and facilities from across the University (such as the Brigstow Institute; Cabot Institute for the Environment; Elizabeth Blackwell Institute for Health Research; Jean Golding Institute). We also work closely with institutes and centres in the Faculties of Social Sciences and Law (Migration Mobilities Bristol; the Centre for Environmental Humanities; and the Centre for Health, Humanities and Science), as well as the Faculty of Science (Bristol Isotope Group; Organic Geochemistry Unit).
Our research spans from earliest prehistory to the modern day. Field research takes place in the UK, as well as Bhutan, Brazil, China, Colombia, Dominica, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mexico, Peru, Singapore, Venezuela, and elsewhere.
We are well equipped to undertake anthropological and archaeological fieldwork, including excavation, and we have world-class radiocarbon dating and organic residue analysis laboratories on site. We foster partnerships with professional institutions nationally and locally to provide additional collaborative opportunities for our students (for example, with the Royal Anthropological Institute Ethnographic Film Festival, UNESCO City of Film, and Bristol Museum and Art Gallery).
In addition, we draw on expertise and facilities from across the University (such as the Brigstow Institute; Cabot Institute for the Environment; Elizabeth Blackwell Institute for Health Research; Jean Golding Institute). We also work closely with institutes and centres in the Faculties of Social Sciences and Law (Migration Mobilities Bristol; the Centre for Environmental Humanities; and the Centre for Health, Humanities and Science), as well as the Faculty of Science (Bristol Isotope Group; Organic Geochemistry Unit).
Programme overview
Main Subject
Archaeology
Degree
PhD
Study Level
PHD
Study Mode
On Campus
The Department of Anthropology and Archaeology has an international 'four-field' approach, combining archaeology with evolutionary, social and linguistic anthropology. Our key strengths lie in our integrated approaches to understanding cultural, biological and social diversity and change. We focus particularly on adaptation, adversity and globalisation. Our research themes include 'Ecologies', 'Liveable Futures', 'Transitions and Turbulence', and 'Connections and Creativity'.
Our research spans from earliest prehistory to the modern day. Field research takes place in the UK, as well as Bhutan, Brazil, China, Colombia, Dominica, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mexico, Peru, Singapore, Venezuela, and elsewhere.
We are well equipped to undertake anthropological and archaeological fieldwork, including excavation, and we have world-class radiocarbon dating and organic residue analysis laboratories on site. We foster partnerships with professional institutions nationally and locally to provide additional collaborative opportunities for our students (for example, with the Royal Anthropological Institute Ethnographic Film Festival, UNESCO City of Film, and Bristol Museum and Art Gallery).
In addition, we draw on expertise and facilities from across the University (such as the Brigstow Institute; Cabot Institute for the Environment; Elizabeth Blackwell Institute for Health Research; Jean Golding Institute). We also work closely with institutes and centres in the Faculties of Social Sciences and Law (Migration Mobilities Bristol; the Centre for Environmental Humanities; and the Centre for Health, Humanities and Science), as well as the Faculty of Science (Bristol Isotope Group; Organic Geochemistry Unit).
Our research spans from earliest prehistory to the modern day. Field research takes place in the UK, as well as Bhutan, Brazil, China, Colombia, Dominica, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mexico, Peru, Singapore, Venezuela, and elsewhere.
We are well equipped to undertake anthropological and archaeological fieldwork, including excavation, and we have world-class radiocarbon dating and organic residue analysis laboratories on site. We foster partnerships with professional institutions nationally and locally to provide additional collaborative opportunities for our students (for example, with the Royal Anthropological Institute Ethnographic Film Festival, UNESCO City of Film, and Bristol Museum and Art Gallery).
In addition, we draw on expertise and facilities from across the University (such as the Brigstow Institute; Cabot Institute for the Environment; Elizabeth Blackwell Institute for Health Research; Jean Golding Institute). We also work closely with institutes and centres in the Faculties of Social Sciences and Law (Migration Mobilities Bristol; the Centre for Environmental Humanities; and the Centre for Health, Humanities and Science), as well as the Faculty of Science (Bristol Isotope Group; Organic Geochemistry Unit).
Admission Requirements
88+
3.3+
176+
6.5+
67+
MPhil: A mid-level upper second-class degree or international equivalent, with evidence of first class research. Please note, acceptance will also depend upon evidence of your readiness to pursue a research degree.
PhD: A master's qualification, or be working towards a master's qualification, or international equivalent, with evidence of first class/distinction-level research. Applicants without a master's qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis provided they hold a first-class undergraduate degree (or international equivalent). Applicants with a non-traditional background may be considered provided they can demonstrate substantial equivalent and relevant experience that has prepared them to undertake their proposed course of study.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level C.
PhD: A master's qualification, or be working towards a master's qualification, or international equivalent, with evidence of first class/distinction-level research. Applicants without a master's qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis provided they hold a first-class undergraduate degree (or international equivalent). Applicants with a non-traditional background may be considered provided they can demonstrate substantial equivalent and relevant experience that has prepared them to undertake their proposed course of study.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you will need to reach the requirements outlined in our profile level C.
25 Jul 2026
4 Years
Jan
Sep
- Candidates are required to submit references or letter(s) of recommendation for acceptance
- Candidates are required to submit an essay(s) for acceptance
Tuition fees
Domestic
5,106 GBP
International
21,900 GBP
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