PhDs in Archaeology by Practice

	Length	Start dates (semester dates)
Archaeology by Practice PhD	3 years full-time 6 years part-time Apply for PhD by Practice Distance learning available	January April July September
Heritage Studies by Practice PhD	3 years full-time 6 years part-time Apply for PhD in Heritage Studies by Practice Distance learning available	January April July September
Conservation Studies by Practice PhD	3 years full-time 6 years part-time Apply for PhD in Conservation Studies by Practice Distance learning available	January April July September

Length

Start dates (semester dates)

Archaeology by Practice PhD

3 years full-time
6 years part-time

Apply for PhD by Practice

Distance learning available

January
April
July
September

Heritage Studies by Practice PhD

3 years full-time
6 years part-time

Apply for PhD in Heritage Studies by Practice

Distance learning available

January
April
July
September

Conservation Studies by Practice PhD

3 years full-time
6 years part-time

Apply for PhD in Conservation Studies by Practice

Distance learning available

January
April
July
September

Our PhDs by Practice are an innovative entry route for anyone working in the sector or with significant experience in the chosen field of practice. This is an opportunity for you to extend your professional practice and consider its intellectual and research context.

Your research

You’ll explore your own interests, and you will produce and be examined on a portfolio that draws upon an area of your practice, such as an exhibition, documentary, digital product or participatory community project. You will research the intellectual context of your practice and your portfolio will include substantive practical work with commentary and a related thesis of no more than 40,000 words.

Contact us

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Distance learning

We also offer the option of enrolling by distance learning. You'll have the flexibility to work from anywhere in the world.

We'll work with you to assess the feasibility of your distance learning degree, including any facilities and resources you may need to complete your studies. We'll discuss your training requirements and an associated timeline, which will need to be in place before you start your course.

You must visit York for at least two weeks per year, with a compulsory visit at each annual progression point. In addition, you must attend a two-week induction period in York at the beginning of your degree.

Research excellence

We're 6th overall for our research according to the Times Higher Education's ranking of the latest REF results (2021). 100% of our research environment, the support we give to our researchers, is rated 4* - REF's highest rating. We're also rated 5th for the quality of our research outputs.

A city of history and heritage

York is steeped in history, with buildings and significant remains from the Roman, Viking and Medieval periods. Our beautiful architecture, museums and galleries make York the ideals place to study.

Exceptional facilities

Our exciting range of facilities and research centres offer bespoke laboratories, teaching spaces, and specialist equipment and technologies.

Funding

Supervision

Training and support

Your progress throughout your degree will be continually guided by your supervisor, who will help you hone your focus and deliver specialised research.

Alongside regular meetings with your supervisor, you'll attend a Thesis Advisory Panel (TAP) consisting of at least one staff member and your supervisor. You'll meet twice yearly (once a year for part-time students) to discuss your research project, your agreed practice component, and more general professional development and career training.

Course location

This course is run by the Department of Archaeology. You’ll be based on Campus West. Most of your training and supervision meetings will take place here, though your research may take you further afield.

We also have a distance learning option available for this course. Your supervision will be undertaken remotely.

Entry requirements

A masters degree with the equivalent of a distinction or very high merit and experience in your relevant field.

If you have any questions about the suitability of your qualifications, please contact us.

If you are applying as a mature student, or are entering Higher Education without standard academic qualifications, please give details of your relevant experience and your goals, as well as any relevant academic and/or professional qualifications.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language you must provide evidence of your ability.

Check your English language requirements

Applying

Have a look at the supporting documents you may need for your application.

Find out more about how to apply.

Identify a supervisor

As part of any application for a research degree, you'll need to name one or more academic staff who could supervise your research. You should approach them informally to discuss your proposed project before you apply.

Interview

As part of your application, you'll be interviewed by at least two academic staff members, including your prospective supervisor and the Director of Postraduate Research admissions. The interview will last around 30 minutes to an hour, with plenty of time for you to ask questions and find out what York can offer you.

Apply for PhD in Archaeology by Practice

Apply for PhD in Heritage Studies by Practice

Apply for PhD in Conservation Studies by Practice

Careers and skills

The PhD by Practice offers a unique personal development opportunity for those already working in the archaeology, conservation and heritage sector. Your PhD will help to extend your qualifications, allowing you to use your research and practice to shed light on archaeological, conservation or heritage issues and problems and communicate this knowledge with others. You'll graduate with transferable skills in creative problem-solving, critical analysis, and writing and the ability to craft and execute detailed research projects. Gain transferable skills in communication, data analysis, research and collaboration, opening the door to a wide range of career opportunities.

Our dedicated careers team offer specific support, including a programme of professional researcher development and careers workshops and 1:1 career support sessions. They will help you to build up your employability portfolio, and to engage in activities that will build up your skills and experience within and outside of your research work.