Classical Archaeology (Taught)

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.

MSt

The MSt in Classical Archaeology is designed for those wanting to build on previous study in classical archaeology, and anyone with experience in other areas of classical studies wishing to develop an understanding of the material culture.

The MSt provides the flexibility to allow you to choose from a wide range of periods which provide broad overviews, and detailed options focusing on different specific aspects of the subject.

You will choose one period module and two further option courses. Your two further option modules which will enable you to develop a deeper understanding of a particular field of research. If you are seeking a broader course then you may, if you wish, in addition to one period option and one subject option, select a third subject from among those offered by a number of cognate disciplines.

Teaching is mainly through small-group tutorials or classes of usually one to five students, for which you prepare short essays on a weekly basis, supplemented by a wide range of lecture courses and graduate seminars.

Each member of the academic staff in Classical archaeology offers a different subject in their areas of specialism in each of the first two terms, so you can normally choose from about eight different subjects each term; these cover major topics from the Bronze Age to the Byzantine period. Not all courses listed will be available every year.

The School of Archaeology also provides specialist skills seminars.

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.

MPhil

The MPhil in Classical Archaeology is designed for those interested in continuing to a doctorate in Classical archaeology, and for those with experience in other areas of classical studies wishing to develop an understanding of the material culture.

The MPhil combines the flexibility of the MSt in Classical Archaeology, which allows you to choose from a wide range of broad periods and detailed options, with the opportunity to research a topic of your choice in the form of a thesis.

Teaching is mainly through small-group tutorials or classes of usually one to five students, for which you will prepare short essays on a weekly basis, supplemented by a wide range of lecture courses and graduate seminars.

Each member of the academic staff in Classical archaeology offers a different subject in their areas of specialism in each of the first two terms, so you can normally choose from about eight different subjects each term, covering major topics from the Bronze Age to the Byzantine period.

In the second year, you will take a fourth taught subject from within Classical archaeology, and work on your thesis.

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.