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Postgraduate Study

Apply using the Applicant Portal

The Apply Now button on the right will take you to the Applicant Portal. There, you can create and submit your application and supporting documents, and you can also request your references.

An application is only complete when:

  1. you have submitted your application and supporting documents via the Applicant Portal
  2. you have paid the application fee if applicable. For further information on application fees, and which courses require an application fee, see here.
  3. your referees have provided their references.

If you miss the deadlines specified in this section, you will not be able to submit your application.

Applicants for the MPhil in Archaeological Research are required to submit a short research proposal outlining their chosen topic for research. This should be discussed in advance with a potential supervisor.

Selection Process

Applications are normally considered on a rolling basis, so applicants will receive decisions throughout the admissions window. Please note, however, that applications will likely be gathered at periods associated with central funding deadlines when admissions are at their peak. 

For particularly popular programmes with limited places, it may be necessary to hold applicants on a reserve list until the full number and strength of applications are clear.

Applicants are particularly advised to note relevant funding deadlines when making their application. Applicants who apply in the run-up to the December funding competition deadline will be reviewed in November - December and can usually expect to receive a decision on admission in February. Applications made after this deadline will be considered from February onwards, and decisions on admission will usually be made within 12 weeks unless applicants are placed on a reserve list due to a limit on available places. Interviews are held (usually virtually) at the panel's discretion.

Further information on How To Apply


Things You'll Need

In order to apply for this course you'll need to think about getting a few things ready before you apply.

  • Two academic references  
  • Transcript  
  • CV/resume
  • Evidence of competence in English  
    If required - you can check using our tool
  • Reasons for Applying (2500 characters) (mandatory)
  • Multiple Proposed Supervisors (200 characters) (mandatory)
  • Research Proposal (document upload) (mandatory)
  • Sample of Work (1) (document upload) (mandatory)
    Applicants should submit a sample of written academic work of c. 2,000 words, preferably one submitted as assessed coursework in a previous degree.

Gates Cambridge Scholarships

If you wish to be considered for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship you will also need to provide the following:

  • Gates Cambridge Reference  
  • Research Proposal (PhD applicants only)

See Gates Cambridge for more information.


How to Find a Supervisor

Applicants for the MPhil must find an appropriate supervisor before making an application. The department's website lists all staff and their research interests.

Staff can be contacted by email or telephone, details of which are provided on their profile page.

Applicants must contact potential supervisors informally for discussions before they make their formal applications, obtain a provisional agreement to supervise,  and name the potential supervisor in the application. 

 

Apply Now

Key Information


10 months full-time

Study Mode : Taught

Master of Philosophy

Department of Archaeology

Course - related enquiries

Application - related enquiries

Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Michaelmas 2025

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2024
Application deadline
April 30, 2025
Course Starts
Oct. 1, 2025

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Course Funding Deadline
Dec. 3, 2024
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 16, 2024

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2025, Lent 2026 and Easter 2026.


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