Overview
Our Archaeology MPhil and PhD programmes 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.
Our Archaeology staff will supervise you. You can also view our archaeology postgraduate research projects and the profiles of our current archaeology postgraduate research students.
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.
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Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
Qualifications explained
Find out about the different qualification options for this course.
MPhil – Master of Philosophy
An MPhil is available in all subject areas. You receive research training and undertake original research leading to the completion of a 40,000 – 50,000 word thesis.
Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications.
PhD – Doctor of Philosophy
A PhD is a doctorate or doctoral award. It involves original research that should make a significant contribution to the knowledge of a specific subject. To complete the PhD you will produce a substantial piece of work (80,000 – 100,000 words) in the form of a supervised thesis. A PhD usually takes three years full time.
Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications
How you’ll learn
Delivery and teaching methods
You’ll be guided by a team of two supervisors. The primary supervisor will meet with you at least 10 times a year and the secondary supervisor will attend at least three of these meetings.
Assessment methods
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Thesis
- Viva
Additional assessment information
You’ll be assessed through a single written document that is supported with a viva voce examination.
Support
You’ll undertake a Training Needs Analysis with your supervisory team at the start of your studies. This will identify any skills that require further development to enable you to conduct your research.
Your development plan will help you to mature into a well-rounded researcher capable of undertaking research in a wide range of careers. Your training needs analysis is updated annually to reflect any changes in project or skill needs.
Postgraduate research student support
Our mission is to help you:
- stay healthy, positive and feeling well
- overcome any challenges you may face during your degree – academic or personal
- get the most out of your postgraduate research experience
- carry out admin and activities essential to progressing through your degree
- understand postgraduate research processes, standards and rules
We can offer you tailored wellbeing support, courses and activities.
You can also access a broad range of workshops covering:
- research and professional skills
- careers support
- wellbeing
- health and safety
- public engagement
- academic development
Find out more about our postgraduate research student support
Your development
Placements
Research projects may involve a period of professional placement or specific training in a partner institution. You’ll need to discuss any work placement requirements with the degree programme director.
We’ll actively encourage you to make the most of work experience opportunities while you are studying with us. Possibilities vary from year to year, and in recent years most of our postgraduate students have participated in archaeological field projects run by us and partners in the UK and abroad.
You could also gain experience through volunteering in the Great North Museum: Hancock, eg for the Portable Antiquities Scheme, or participating in educational outreach activities.
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (HaSS) researcher development programme
Each faculty offers a researcher development programme for its postgraduate research students. We have designed your programme to help you:
- perform better as a researcher
- boost your career prospects
- broaden your impact
Through workshops and activities, it will build your transferable skills and increase your confidence.
You’ll cover:
- techniques for effective research
- methods for better collaborative working
- essential professional standards and requirements
Your researcher development programme is flexible. You can adapt it to meet your changing needs as you progress through your doctorate.
Find out more about the Researcher Education and Development programme
Doctoral training and partnerships
There are opportunities to undertake your PhD at Newcastle within a:
- Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT)
- Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP)
Being part of a CDT or DTP has many benefits:
- they combine research expertise and training of a number of leading universities, academic schools and academics.
- you’ll study alongside a cohort of other PhD students
- they’re often interdisciplinary
- your PhD may be funded
If there are currently opportunities available in your subject area you’ll find them when you search for funding in the fees and funding section on this course.
The following centres/partnerships below may have PhD opportunities available in your subject area in the future:
- ESRC Northern Ireland/North East (NINE) Doctoral Training Partnership
Your future
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Visit our Careers Service website
Quality and ranking
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 100 for Archaeology – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- Top 125 for Arts and Humanities – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Check the government’s website for more information.
Facilities
Subject to Covid-19 restrictions archaeologists have exceptional facilities on campus. This includes over 200 years of scholarship, libraries and archaeological collections built up by the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle and the Great North Museum: Hancock.
You’ll have access to one of finest archaeological collections in the UK. You can access the following internationally important collections:
- prehistoric
- Greek
- Etruscan
- Roman
- medieval artefacts
- Gertrude Bell archive
The recently refurbished Armstrong Building is home to Archaeology. It has:
- dedicated study spaces
- Reading Room
- computers
- free printing
- photocopying
- laptops for research trips
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry 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).
