The research culture in the Department of Archaeology at Exeter is characterised by internationally-recognised research projects and publication in a wide range of sub-disciplinary fields, including, wetland archaeology, environmental archaeology and biological anthropology, experimental archaeology, landscape archaeology, and material culture studies. It encompasses period interests from earliest prehistory through to the post-medieval period and includes geographic specialisations that stretch from the Americas (especially North and South America), the British Isles, Northern, Western, Central and Eastern Europe, and the Eurasia steppes.
To support your research, we offer are an established series of modules/courses in generic research skills and the University's Researcher Development Programme, and the Department provides a weekly research seminar series in term time that includes presentations by research students, staff and visiting researchers. Staff are actively involved in societies such as the European Association of Archaeologists (EAA), the Society for American Archaeology (SAA), the Society for Medieval Archaeology, Society for Landscape Studies, the Society of Antiquaries, the American Association of Biological Anthropologists (AAPA), Association for Environmental Archaeology (AEA), and the British Association of Biological Anthropology and Osteoarchaeology (BABAO).
What is an MPhil or PhD?
Both MPhil and PhD research degrees involve an extensive investigation of a particular topic.
MPhil research takes a maximum of three years to complete full-time, or five years part-time, and is assessed by the submission of a dissertation of up to 60,000 words. The PhD takes a maximum of four years full-time and seven years part-time and the results of your research will normally be assessed by a written thesis of up to 100,000 words and oral examination. The PhD is only awarded when the results of your investigation make an original contribution to knowledge in the field.
A PhD is the highest qualification that a university can award and offers a challenging and exciting opportunity to work at the cutting-edge of research: if you have these qualities Exeter can offer a very supportive environment in which to pursue research.
Advice for PhD applicants
Our online learning resource 'Considering a UK PhD?' provides lots of helpful advice and information from staff and students about the PhD experience at Exeter.
You may wish to read our general advice for PhD applicants webpages, which give tips on how to put together a successful research degree application.
Applicants for research programmes are also advised to visit the College's webpages to check for specific advice (see further information link). Here you will be able to find out about staff research interests and make preliminary enquiries about supervision. We advise that you do this before applying.
