University of Leicester - Online PhD Program

Online PhD (Research) by Distance Learning

The first intake of distance-learning PhD students, 2001

In January 2001 we launched a PhD programme for part-time students by distance learning. Our first student graduated in 2004, rather quicker than many full-time students! Essentially a UK-style degree concentrating on research rather than taught courses, this has proved extremely popular. The programme - lasting up to six years - is designed to support the particular needs of distance learners by combining research training modules, short residential visits, and intensive supervision. We now have more than 20 students studying for their PhD with us.

Acceptable thesis topics can be virtually anything relating to the wide-ranging research interests of the School's substantial staff of archaeologists and ancient historians, who constitute potential PhD supervisors. At present we are particularly keen to receive applications from students with interests in ancient history.

A research degree by distance learning is not suitable for everyone. Selection has to be extremely careful to ensure that the right students, supervisors, research topics and resources are all properly in place together. We now know the typical profile of a successful PhD student by distance learning. Usually you will already be working professionally in archaeology or a related field, and with access to any necessary specialist facilities. You will typically already have extensive knowledge of the material which is to form the basis of your research, and will be looking for a way to formalise and extend your knowledge and skills within the framework of a research degree. Award of a UK doctorate is based solely upon individual research, presented in the form of an 80,000-word thesis. We expect prospective candidates to have a good honours degree or its equivalent in archaeology, anthropology, classics/ancient history, or a related discipline. You may also have an appropriate Master’s degree, or other demonstrable research experience and writing skills, and you will almost always have extensive professional experience in your proposed field of study.

Please note that we can only undertake to supervise topics for which we have staff with appropriate expertise, though we can sometimes make arrangements to include specialist external advisors. Even where we have members of staff with relevant specialist knowledge, it may be that they are unable at present to supervise additional research students. Find out more about the School, its staff, and the rich variety of their current research areas and field projects, visit our research pages and staff pages. For more information about the current postgraduate research topics visit our postgraduate research page.

Source: For more information, please visit http://www.le.ac.uk/archaeology/dl/dl_phd.html