Archaeological Science (Research)

The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2025). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.

The DPhil in Archaeological Science provides students with the opportunity to pursue substantial independent research that contributes to the development and application of scientific methods to the study of the past.

The DPhil is a full-time degree, during which you will carry out research and produce a substantial thesis. You will be required to complete a research project that you should design with your supervisor, who will be an expert in their field of research. Projects which cross disciplinary boundaries, for example with archaeology or classical archaeology, are welcome.

More details of the school's research areas and themes, as well as some suggested projects and recently completed DPhil projects, are listed on the school's website. (See Further information and enquiries).

Although there is no formal course of instruction, you will be trained in relevant laboratory techniques, and you are encouraged to attend lectures and participate in research seminars. These will include the numerous and wide-ranging weekly seminar series organised within research groups, particularly bioarchaeology, chronology, and materials and technology. Details of taught course lectures and research seminar series term cards are available on the school's webpages. Seminars also often provide opportunities for you to present your own work.

Graduate students run their own organisation, Graduate Archaeology at Oxford, which provides further skills seminars, a mentoring programme, social events and a very successful conference series. This provides many opportunities for you to develop your skills, present your research and develop ideas for the next stage of your career.