Archaeology & Palaeoecology (ARP-PHD)

Program Overview

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The Archaeology & Palaeoecology PhD program at Queen's University Belfast offers an interdisciplinary approach to studying human societies and environments. With advanced laboratory facilities and extensive fieldwork opportunities, students explore research themes such as long-term ecosystem changes, bio-archaeology, and Mediterranean archaeology. The program provides comprehensive training in research methods, transferable skills, and career development, preparing graduates for careers in academia, research, and beyond.

Program Outline

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Archaeology & Palaeoecology (ARP-PHD) at Queen's University Belfast: A Detailed Program Overview

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Degree Overview:

• Focus:
Archaeology, Palaeoecology, Scientific Archaeology
• Research Cells:
PLANET (environment-related projects) and PAST (humanities-related Archaeology projects)
• Research Themes:
Long-term changes in ecosystems, humans, climate, environment; Bio-archaeological, environmental approaches
• Highlights:
• Interdisciplinary approach connecting human societies and environments
• Advanced laboratory facilities: 14Chrono Centre, dendrochronology lab, stable isotope facilities, archaeomaterials labs
• Extensive fieldwork opportunities with the Centre for Archaeological Fieldwork
• Collaborations with universities and institutions in GB, Ireland, Europe, North America
• Research projects spanning diverse regions: Ireland, Mediterranean, former Soviet Union, North Atlantic, West Africa

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Outline:

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Research Areas:

• Development of agriculture and cultural landscapes
• Domestic and ritual space organization
• Mediterranean archaeology: religion, society, material culture
• Irish archaeology: settlement, economy, connections with the New World
• Bio-archaeology: mortuary studies, childhood, diaspora, community archaeology
• Population and palaeodiets: Ireland and Eurasia
• Chronology refinement using the 14Chrono Centre
• Past climate change causes, timing, impact

Current Postgraduates :

• Diverse nationalities: Ireland, Britain, USA, Italy, France, Netherlands

Coursework (undecided pathway, differentiation after 9-12 months for PhD/MPhil):

• Independent research under expert supervision
• Postgraduate skills training organized by Queen's Graduate School
• Internal and external training courses coordinated by your supervisor

Duration:

• Full-time: 3-4 years
• Part-time: 6-8 years

Writing up year : available

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Assessment:

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Formal Annual Progress Review:

• Written and oral presentation of your work to a School-based academic panel
• Success results in registration for the next year.

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Doctoral degree assessment:

• Written thesis submission to internal & external examiners
• Oral thesis defense (Viva Voce)

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Other:

• Research seminars: regular series by students and fortnightly series with international researchers
• Access to state-of-the-art interdisciplinary hub: helps with personal and professional development
• Researcher Plus Scheme: develops transferable skills & provides official award
• Funding opportunities: PhD studentships from Northern Ireland Bridge and QUADRAT Doctoral Training Partnerships

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Careers:

• Academia, Research
• Educational practice
• Public sector, NGOs

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Teaching:

• Individual research and supervision
• Skills-focused postgraduate training

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Additional Notes:

• No specific coursework content, driven by research project
• Open to full and part-time students, often leading to research careers

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

Northern Ireland (NI) 1 TBC Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2 TBC England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1 TBC EU Other 3 £25,600 International £25,600 1 EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled or pre-settled status, are expected to be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident, however this is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly Student Fees Regulations. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB are expected to be charged the GB fee, however this is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly student fees Regulations. 2 It is expected that EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI will be eligible for NI tuition fees. The tuition fee set out above is provisional and subject to the publication of the Northern Ireland Assembly student fees Regulations. 3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees. All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. All fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise. More information on postgraduate tuition fees. Archaeology & Palaeoecology costs Additional course costs All Students Depending on the programme of study, there may also be other extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies . Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £100 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges. Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen. There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, and library fines. In undertaking a research project students may incur costs associated with transport and/or materials, and there will also be additional costs for printing and binding the thesis. There may also be individually tailored research project expenses and students should consult directly with the School for further information. Bench fees Some research programmes incur an additional annual charge on top of the tuition fees, often referred to as a bench fee. Bench fees are charged when a programme (or a specific project) incurs extra costs such as those involved with specialist laboratory or field work. If you are required to pay bench fees they will be detailed on your offer letter. If you have any questions about Bench Fees these should be raised with your School at the application stage. Please note that, if you are being funded you will need to ensure your sponsor is aware of and has agreed to fund these additional costs before accepting your place.