Classical and Archaeological Studies
| Award | Attendance | Study | Duration | Start | Domestic fees | International fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PhD | On-Campus | Full-time, Part-time | 3 - 5 years | September, January, April | find out | find out |
About Classical and Archaeological Studies, PhD - at University of Kent
A PhD in Classical & Archaeological Studies enables you to undertake a substantial piece of supervised research in the subject that makes an original contribution to knowledge and is worthy of publication.
A PhD, also known as a doctorate, is a requirement for a career as an academic or researcher. In addition, it has become a qualification valued by many employers who recognise the skills and commitment a PhD requires. Employers also recognise that a PhD indicates excellent research capabilities, discipline and communication skills.
Over the duration of the PhD, you produce an original piece of research of up to 100,000 words. Previous doctoral theses have included 'Virgo to Virago: Medea in the Silver Age', 'Aristophanes and Euripides: A Palimpsestuous Relationship', 'Aspects of Ecphrastic Technique in Ovid's Metamorphoses', 'In Search of "The People of La Manche": A Comparative Study of Funerary Practices in the Transmanche Region during the Late Neolithic and Early Bronze Age (2500 BC-1500 BC)'.
The Department of Classical & Archaeological Studies offers supervision from world-class academics with expertise in a wide range of disciplines, able to support and guide you through your research. Your progress is carefully monitored to ensure that you are on track to produce a thesis valued by the academic community. Throughout your programme, you are able to attend and contribute to research seminars, workshops, and research and transferable skills training courses.
You may be eligible for a fully-funded PhD scholarship to support your studies with us. The PhD in Classical and Archaeological Studies at Kent can be funded through the Consortium for the Humanities and the Arts South-East England (CHASE) collaborative doctoral partnerships. Please indicate in your application if you want to be considered , and explain your eligibility. For the full list of scholarships available within the School, please see our postgraduate funding page.
About the Department of Classical & Archaeological Studies
Classical & Archaeological Studies operates as a department of the Division of Arts and Humanities, in addition to the informal links with staff in the rest of the University researching medieval history, the history of science, and social anthropology. We have good partnerships with high-profile universities and organisations such as the Universities of Ghent and Lille 3, the Flemish Heritage Institute, UCLA, the Free University of Amsterdam and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB).
We offer bursaries to enable students to participate in departmental fieldwork projects for three weeks at a time, covering travel, food and accommodation. Typically, around 30 students each year have been placed on research and training excavations in Britain, Italy (including Ostia, port of Rome) and Greece, relating to sites of Bronze Age Greek (Minoan), Iron Age, Roman, Late Antique and Anglo-Saxon date.
Entry requirements
Contact University of Kent to find course entry requirements.
Why study at University of Kent
- In the QS World University Rankings 2026, Kent has been ranked 387th in the world and 50th within the UK
- Kent has been ranked a TOp 50 UK University in the Complete University Guide 2026
- 97% of research at Kent was found to be of international quality in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (an independant national survey of UK universities
- Over 250 clubs and societies including a range of sporting, performance, cultural and faith groups. Share your interests and make lifelong friends around the world.
- Canterbury and Medway is 60 mins from London by high-speed train.
- Multimillion-pound scholarship fund,stunning locations, first-class facilities, and a diverse, inclusive and supportive community
- Dedicated postgraduate graduate and research college that provides extensive support in every part of your study experience – wellbeing, resources, workshops and career preparation.