Job Description
Overview
At the University of Liverpool, we’ve pioneered the study of the ancient world for over 130 years. A PhD/MPhil in Archaeology allows you to draw on world-class interdisciplinary research in diverse fields, from the origins of humanity and Old-World prehistory to the archaeology of the historical periods.
Introduction
The Department of Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology is internationally reputed for its world-class research, offering the ideal environment to become a recognised specialist in the field. In 1904, we established the Institute of Archaeology, the first centre for the academic study of the methods and practice of archaeology, Egyptology and classical archaeology in the UK.
Fieldwork will form an important part of your research. We have several field projects based in the UK and abroad, including Bulgaria, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Iraq, Kenya, Jordan, Turkey, and Zambia. Training is also available in a wide range of ancient languages, including Greek, Latin, Egyptian, Coptic, Sumerian and Akkadian. You can study modern languages on the University’s flagship Open Languages programme.
We have dedicated budgets for supporting research and training activities, including the Histories, Languages and Cultures Postgraduate Research Fund and The Peet Travel Award. We’ll also provide you with tailored support for applications to external competitive funding schemes.
Research topics
Our Archaeology PhD/MPhil covers a broad range of potential topics for investigation. We welcome research proposals in topics including:
- Old World prehistory (especially the Palaeolithic and Neolithic of Southwest Asia, Mediterranean Europe and Africa)
- Human evolution
- Archaeobotanical (seeds, charcoal) science
- Bioarchaeology
- Archaeozoology
- Archaeomaterials
- The Iron Age in the Mediterranean and the Near East
- Classical archaeology
- Mesopotamian texts, languages, cultures and economies
- Later British and European prehistory
- Medieval and post-Medieval archaeology.
Research culture
Research in archaeology at Liverpool uses state-of-the-art interdisciplinary methods and approaches. Our research themes include:
- Human evolution
- Prehistoric archaeology and human palaeoecology
- The archaeology of the ancient Mediterranean and the Near East
- Later European and British prehistory
- Historical archaeology.
Our archaeology research groups and seminar series provide a forum for the exchange of new concepts and knowledge produced by staff and postgraduate researchers. This gives you the opportunity to present your research, develop your research profile, and interact with other leading figures in your field of study from the UK and abroad.
How to apply
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1. Identify potential supervisors
Find potential supervisors in the Department of Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology.
For any questions about finding a supervisor, please contact Postgraduate Research Enquiries: hlc-pgr@liverpool.ac.uk.
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2. Prepare your application documents
You may need the following documents to complete your online application:
- A research proposal (this should cover the research you’d like to undertake)
- University transcripts and degree certificates to date
- Passport details
- Visa details (international applicants only)
- English language certificates (international applicants only)
- A personal statement
- Contact details of your proposed primary supervisors
- Names and contact details of two referees.
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3. Apply
Finally, register and apply online. You’ll receive an email acknowledgment once you’ve submitted your application. We’ll be in touch with further details about what happens next.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year – £5,006
Part-time place, per year – £2,503
International fees
Full-time place, per year – £24,600
Part-time place, per year – £12,300
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this degree, as well as general student living costs.
Funding your PhD
If you’re a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Doctoral Loan worth up to £30,301 to help with course fees and living costs.
There’s also a variety of alternative sources of funding. These include funded research opportunities and financial support from UK research councils, charities and trusts. Your supervisor may be able to help you secure funding.
Scholarships and bursaries
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition fees and living expenses.
Duncan Norman Research Scholarship
If you’re awarded this prestigious scholarship, you’ll receive significant funding to support your postgraduate research. This includes full payment of your PhD fees and a cash bursary of £17,000 per year while you study. One award is available in each academic year.
Sport Liverpool Performance Programme
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
