Teaching

There is no formal teaching for the course as assessment is by research only. PhD students are however encouraged to attend any lectures, seminars or talks which may be relevant to their area of research.

The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision. Students will discuss this with their supervisor at the beginning of their first year.

One to one supervision	Meetings are arranged with supervisors as needed, at regular intervals, depending on the student's requirements and stage of progress, as well as any practical constraints such as staff or student fieldwork.
Seminars & classes	Seminars during term as well as research group meetings are a key part of the academic life of the Department. Students are strongly encouraged to attend the seminar series relevant to their study.
Lectures	None required but PhD students are free to attend any lectures in the Department.
Practicals	PhD students are encouraged to attend any practicals associated with courses that would enhance their methodological and technical skills. Students should approach the relevant module coordinator for permission, as these sessions may have restricted-size classes.
Small group teaching	Students may be expected to attend small-group discussion sessions and seminars organised by their research group, and to present updates and preliminary results of their work.
Journal clubs	Students are encouraged to involve themselves with the Department's Postgraduate-run journal, the Archaeological Review from Cambridge.
Posters and Presentations	Students are expected to present updates and preliminary results of their work as part of seminar series and research group meetings.
Taught/Research Balance	Entirely Research

Placements

Any placements would be determined on an individual basis.

Feedback

Students can expect to receive regular feedback on the progress of their thesis from their supervisor(s), as well as receiving termly online progress reports. Students are invited to group meetings throughout the year to discuss progress and concerns in order to address issues as and when they arise.

Assessment

Thesis / Dissertation

The thesis topic is normally proposed by the student and then decided between the student and the supervisor, and assistance is provided on elements of methodology and analysis, as well as with the written presentation. The thesis must satisfy the examiners that the candidate can design and carry out investigations, assess and interpret the results obtained, and place the work in the wider perspective of the subject.

PhD students are required to submit a thesis of up to 80,000 words. The PhD is assessed via a PhD thesis and a subsequent viva. Thesis word limits and requirements are set by individual Degree Committees. Further information can be found here: http://www.cambridgestudents.cam.ac.uk/exams/students/postgraduate-exam-information/writing-submitting-and-examination/phd-edd-msc-mlitt/word-limits

Other

PhD students at Cambridge are not initially registered as candidates for the PhD degree; they have to complete a period of probation (one year, or two years for part-time students). During this period, academic progress is monitored as students develop their projects and test their methodology. A research proposal and first year paper are submitted part way through this period and are assessed by internal review and a viva prior to registration at the end of the academic year. Subsequent yearly updates are then required in order to monitor progress. The objective here is formative, aiming to assure all concerned that the PhD project is on track and to put adjustments in place where necessary.