Classical Archaeology

The MSt in Classical Archaeology at the University of Oxford offers an in-depth exploration of the material culture, architecture, and art of the ancient Mediterranean world. Designed for students with a strong interest in the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome, this program provides a comprehensive understanding of archaeological methods, historical contexts, and analytical techniques essential for the study of antiquity. Throughout the course, students engage with a diverse range of topics, including excavation strategies, pottery analysis, sculpture, ancient urbanism, and the socio-political aspects that influenced the development of classical societies. The program emphasizes critical analysis of archaeological evidence and encourages the development of independent research skills, enabling students to contribute original insights into the study of antiquity. The curriculum is structured to combine lectures, seminars, and practical sessions conducted in world-class university facilities and museum collections. Students have access to extensive archives and collections, as well as the opportunity to participate in fieldwork and archaeological projects both in Oxford and internationally. The program is suitable for those aiming to pursue careers in academia, museum curation, conservation, heritage management, or archaeological consultancy. With expert supervision and a vibrant scholarly community, students benefit from the university’s rich resources and longstanding tradition of excellence in classical studies. Graduates of the MSt in Classical Archaeology often go on to doctoral research, publishing, or roles within cultural and heritage institutions, bringing forward the legacy of classical antiquity through research, education, and preservation initiatives. The program provides a rigorous academic environment combined with practical experience, preparing graduates to contribute meaningfully to the understanding and stewardship of ancient cultural heritage globally.

The MPhil combines the flexibility of the MSt in Classical Archaeology, which allows you to choose from a wide range of broad periods - from Prehistoric Aegean through Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic and various Roman periods to Later Antiquity - and detailed options, with the opportunity to research a topic of your choice in the form of a 25,000-word thesis.

In the first year, at least one period option must be chosen, and one subject option, while the choice for the third option can be from either group. You may also be allowed to study an unlisted topic within Classical archaeology, or directly related to it, provided that the topic is appropriate and teaching is available, or a subject from among those offered in a number of cognate disciplines. In the second year, you take a fourth taught subject from within Classical archaeology, and work on your thesis.

You will have a supervisor in your main area of interest, normally your MPhil thesis supervisor, who may also provide other of your teaching but will advise on option choices and monitor overall progress. Each member of the academic staff in Classical archaeology offers a different subject in his or her areas of specialism in each of the first two terms, so students can normally choose from about eight different subjects each term, covering major topics from the Bronze Age to the Late Roman period.

Not all courses listed will be available every year. Teaching is mainly through small-group tutorials or classes of 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.

The three subject options are examined by pairs of pre-set essays, submitted early in the following term, and the period paper, which is the focus of the final term of the first year, is assessed by written three-hour examination at the end of that term. The thesis subject is decided by the end of the first year, with any fieldwork taking place in the long vacation, and the research and writing occupy the second and third terms of the second year. There is also a compulsory viva voce examination each year of the course.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in Classical archaeology or related fields (eg Classics, ancient history).

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.5 out of 4.0.

However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a GPA of 3.7 or above, a first-class degree or the equivalent.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Statement of purpose/personal statement: Up to 300 words
• Written work:Two essays of 2,500 words each
• References/letters of recommendation: Three overall, all of which must be academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

• Global Education
• Hill Foundation Scholarships
• Ertegun Scholarship Programme

The course in Classical Archaeology at the University of Oxford offers students an in-depth exploration of the material culture of ancient Greece and Rome. This programme combines the study of archaeological findings, including art, architecture, and artefacts, with historical and cultural analysis, providing a comprehensive understanding of the ancient world. Students have access to world-renowned collections and archaeological sites, enabling practical engagement with artefacts and excavation techniques. The programme emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and a detailed understanding of historical contexts, preparing graduates for careers in archaeology, museums, academia, and cultural heritage management. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, practical sessions, and opportunities for fieldwork, often collaborating with museums and archaeological projects. The curriculum covers numerous themes such as ancient trade, urbanism, religious practices, and daily life, supported by interdisciplinary approaches integrating art history, history, and anthropology. The faculty comprises leading experts in the field, offering mentorship and specialized knowledge. Graduates of the course benefit from the university’s extensive network of archaeological and cultural institutions, enhancing employability and academic prospects. The course typically requires several years of study, culminating in a master's or doctoral degree focused on research and original scholarship. Overall, Oxford’s Classical Archaeology program is designed to cultivate a deep appreciation of ancient civilizations through a rigorous, research-led education, fostering skills applicable in various professional contexts related to the ancient world and archaeology.

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