The MPhil combines the flexibility of the MSt in Classical Archaeology, which allows you to choose from a wide range of broad periods - from Prehistoric Aegean through Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic and various Roman periods to Byzantium - and detailed options, with the opportunity to research a topic of your choice in the form of a thesis.
In the first year, one period option must be chosen, and two subject options. You may also be allowed to study an unlisted topic within Classical archaeology, or directly related to it, provided that the topic is appropriate and teaching is available, or a subject from among those offered in a number of cognate disciplines. In the second year, you take a fourth taught subject from within Classical archaeology, and work on your thesis.
You will have a departmental advisor, normally your MPhil thesis supervisor in your main area of interest, who may also provide some of your teaching but will advise on option choices and monitor overall progress. Each member of the academic staff in Classical archaeology offers a different subject in his or her areas of specialism in each of the first two terms, so students can normally choose from about eight different subjects each term, covering major topics from the Bronze Age to the Byzantine period.
Not all courses listed will be available every year. Teaching is mainly through small-group tutorials or classes of usually one to five students, for which you will prepare short essays on a weekly basis, supplemented by a wide range of lecture courses and graduate seminars.
