Key information
Duration
- Full-time — 36 months
- Part-time — 72 months (Flexible, Home students)
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting September 2026 — Apply anytime.
- Starting January 2027 — Apply anytime.
There is no application closing date for this course. We suggest international students apply at least two months before the course starts.
Language
English
- Duolingo English Test: 125
- PTE Academic: 70
- IELTS: 6.5
Delivered
On Campus
Campus Location
Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Disciplines
Archaeology
Overview
The Archaeology MPhil, PhD programme from Newcastle University are research degrees. They are conducted as supervised independent study and are assessed through a single written document that is supported with a viva voce examination.
Both degrees involve the production of new knowledge through original research and advanced scholarship, exploring a field of academic study in detail. This involves detailed understanding of the methods, techniques and approaches needed to produce such knowledge, and the wider context of the subject of study.
Our PhD students produce a thesis which includes material worthy of academic publication. A PhD qualification is usually necessary for an academic career involving post-doctoral research and/or lecturing.
This is a perfect programme to advance your academic career in archaeology. You will also develop employability skills including:
- project management
- report writing
- problem-solving
- independent working
- research
These programmes are based in the School of History, Classics and Archaeology. They cover a wide range of specialisms.
Research supervision in a range of periods, regions and themes.
Research supervision is available in the following periods and regions:
- World prehistory from the Palaeolithic to the Iron Age
- Archaeology of the Greek world including Minoan and Mycenaean civilisations
- Archaeology of the Roman world from the Republic to Late Antiquity
- Roman frontier studies
- Byzantine and Islamic archaeology
- Medieval archaeology, 500-1500 CE
- Historical archaeology of the modern world
- Archaeology of Europe, North America, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Asia and Africa
Thematic research is also strong at Newcastle and research supervision is available in the following areas of enquiry:
- Archaeological theory and history of archaeology
- Archaeology of art, religion and ritual
- Archaeology of buildings and the built environment
- Bodies, burial and identity
- Colonialism and slavery
- Conflict archaeology from prehistory to the 21st century
- Environmental and geoarchaeology: plants, animals and sediments
- Experimental archaeology and past technologies
- Foodways, pastoralism and upland archaeology
- Human-animal relationships from the Palaeolithic to present day
- Landscape archaeology, GIS, remote sensing and survey methods
- Landscape heritage, management and sustainability
- Material culture and artefact analysis: ceramics, lithics, metals, glass and coins
- Museum collections and historic archives
- Social organisation and social complexity
- Zooarchaeology and animal bone pathology
We encourage you to contact a prospective supervisor to discuss your research proposals prior to applying for a research degree.
Profiles of our staff, who will supervise you, are available on the School website. You can also view our current postgraduate research projects and our recent postgraduate research projects.
Inter-disciplinary research is supported. Research projects can be co-supervised by staff from other subject areas, such as history, ancient history, classics, or fine art.
Programme Structure
Courses include:
- Mesolithic/Neolithic transition in north-west Europe
- Neolithic and Early Bronze Age of Britain and north-west Europe
- Copper and Bronze Age in Italy and the Mediterranean
- Iron Age/Roman transition
Admission requirements
Academic requirements
GPA: Upper Second Class
English requirements
- Duolingo English Test: 125
- PTE Academic: 70
- IELTS: 6.5
General requirements
- A minimum of a 2:1 honours degree and a Master's degree at Merit level, or international equivalent, in a related subject. We will give specific consideration to any independent research you do as part of your studies and/or appropriate professional experience.
- You must submit two letters of recommendation (obligatory) and a writing sample, such as a chapter from an MA dissertation or a published paper (optional).
- To obtain additional information about the program, we kindly suggest that you visit the programme website, where you can find further details and relevant resources.
Tuition Fees
International: 46,068 AUD / year (≈ 24,400 GBP / year)
Home students: Not set
Living costs
Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom: 1,057-1,871 AUD / month. The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.