Join our leading international research centre for archaeology and make a unique contribution to our understanding of the past and its relevance to the present day. Tackle important global challenges such as the protection and management of our heritage and landscapes.
Join one of the largest archaeology research programmes in the UK. Students from all over the world study a wide range of archaeological topics in an intellectually stimulating environment. You'll work alongside renowned scholars in the field.
Make use of superb purpose-built laboratories with the latest equipment. They include dedicated spaces for lithics analysis and isotope sampling as well as maritime and palaeolithic archaeology labs. We also support archaeological fieldwork across the globe. You’ll get specialist training in research methods relevant to your investigations.
A team of academics will guide you, led by a supervisor of your choice. You'll be supported by staff with a range of expertise in different archaeological periods and cultures, materials, analytical techniques and theories. Supervision is flexible so we can adjust the team and expertise as your research develops.
As a PhD student you'll have opportunities to develop transferable skills alongside your studies such as presenting and teaching. You can also take part in regular seminars to try out your ideas to a wider audience. Share your research with peers at our annual archaeology symposium.
Our research is grouped into these themes:
Some of our research, such as scientific archaeology, cuts across several research themes.
You can either apply for a structured studentship or propose your own PhD idea.
We offer our structured studentships in partnership with the South, West and Wales Doctoral Training Partnership.
If there are no projects advertised, we still welcome enquiries to potential supervisors to discuss projects and funding options.
We run funded PhD studentships in partnership with the South, West and Wales Doctoral Training Partnership, meaning you'll benefit from enhanced training and guaranteed funding. Some of these studentships are open to both UK and international applicants. Other studentships are open to either UK or international applicants.
Studentships can include:
We often advertise scholarships in November or December each year. Closing dates to apply for scholarships are usually the following February or March.
Find out more about our scholarships.
If you’re an international student you may be able to apply for a scholarship from your country.
Find out more about international scholarships.
Once you've found a supervisor, they can help you with potential funding sources. We offer match funding in some cases.
You'll need to state how you intend to pay for your tuition fees when you submit your application.
Find out more about funding your PhD
You may be able to fund your postgraduate research with funding from your current employer or from industry.
You can borrow up to £29,390 for a PhD starting on or after 1 August 2024. Doctoral loans are not means tested and you can decide how much you want to borrow.
Find out about PhD loans on GOV.UK
You may be able to win funding from one or more charities to help fund your PhD.
You'll need to pay tuition fees for every year of study. Fees are the same whether you're studying in person or through distance learning. If you're applying for a fully funded project, your fees will be paid for you.
2022 to 2023 entry
| Subject | UK fees | International fees |
| Archaeology PhD full time | £4,596 | £18,000 |
| Archaeology PhD part time | £2,298 | £9,000 |
2023 to2024 entry
| Subject | UK fees | International fees |
| Archaeology PhD full time | To be confirmed | £18,000 |
| Archaeology PhD part time | To be confirmed | £9,300 |
2024 to2025 entry
| Subject | UK fees | International fees |
| Archaeology PhD full time | £4,786 | £19,200 |
| Archaeology PhD part time | £2,393 | £9,600 |
2025 to2026 entry
| Subject | UK fees | International fees |
| Archaeology PhD full time | tbc Spring 2025 | £19,620 |
| Archaeology PhD part time | tbc Spring 2025 | £9,810 |
You're eligible for a 10% alumni discount on a self-funded PhD if you're a current student or graduate from the University of Southampton.
Archaeology is structured around research centres, units and discrete research groups.
Our research centres are:
Decide whether to create your own proposal or apply to an advertised research project.
It's a good idea to email potential supervisors to discuss the specifics of your project. It's best to do this well ahead of the application deadline.
You’ll find supervisors’ contact details listed with the advertised project, or you can search for potential supervisors.
You’ll need to send us:
The application process is the same whether you're applying for a funded project, or have created a research proposal.
Our PhDs start in September each year. You’ll need to submit your application for September entry by 1 July of that year.
If you require a visa to study with us, please apply as early as possible and allow plenty of time for visa applications.
You’ll need to have a:
Visit our global pages to find equivalent international qualifications.
If English is not your first language, you'll need an IELTS minimum level of 6.5 with a 6.5 in writing, reading, speaking and listening, or equivalent. Your awarded certificate needs to be dated within the last 2 years.
Visit our English language proficiency pages to find out more about other qualifications we accept.
If you need further English language tuition before starting your degree, you can apply for one of our pre-sessional English language courses.
Check the specific entry requirements listed on the project you’re interested in before you apply.
You can study for an Archaeology PhD either in person or remotely. The duration is the same for both.
Research degrees have a minimum and maximum duration, known as the candidature. Your candidature ends when you submit your thesis.
Most candidatures are longer than the minimum period.
| Degree type | Duration (full time) | Duration (part time) |
| Archaeology PhD | 2 to 4 years | 3 to 7 years |
