Anthropology and Archaeology

Entry requirements

MPhil: A mid-level upper second-class degree or international equivalent, with evidence of first class research. Please note, acceptance will also depend upon evidence of your readiness to pursue a research degree.

PhD: A master's qualification, or be working towards a master's qualification, or international equivalent, with evidence of first class/distinction-level research. Applicants without a master's qualification may be considered on an exceptional basis provided they hold a first-class undergraduate degree (or international equivalent). Applicants with a non-traditional background may be considered provided they can demonstrate substantial equivalent and relevant experience that has prepared them to undertake their proposed course of study.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Months of entry

January, September

Course content

The Department of Anthropology and Archaeology has an international 'four-field' approach, combining archaeology with evolutionary, social and linguistic anthropology. Our key strengths lie in our integrated approaches to understanding cultural, biological and social diversity and change. We focus particularly on adaptation, adversity and globalisation. Our research themes include 'Ecologies', 'Liveable Futures', 'Transitions and Turbulence', and 'Connections and Methods'.

Our research spans from earliest prehistory to the modern day. Field research takes place in the UK, as well as Bhutan, Brazil, China, Colombia, Dominica, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mexico, Peru, Singapore, Venezuela, and elsewhere.

We are well equipped to undertake anthropological and archaeological fieldwork, including excavation, and we have world-class radiocarbon dating, isotopic and micro-imaging laboratories on site. We foster partnerships with professional institutions nationally and locally to provide additional collaborative opportunities for our students (for example, with the Royal Anthropological Institute Ethnographic Film Festival, UNESCO City of Film, and Bristol Museum and Art Gallery).

In addition, we draw on expertise and facilities from across the University (such as the Brigstow Institute; Cabot Institute for the Environment; Elizabeth Blackwell Institute for Health Research; Jean Golding Institute). We also work closely with institutes and centres in the Faculties of Social Sciences and Law (Migration Mobilities Bristol; the Centre for Environmental Humanities; and the Centre for Health, Humanities and Science), as well as the Faculty of Science (Bristol Isotope Group; Organic Geochemistry Unit).

Information for international students

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Fees and funding

Students will be eligible to apply for PhD studentships from the AHRC South, West and Wales Doctoral Training Partnership (SWWDTP), which will be offering studentships for September entry.

From 2024, students will also be eligible to apply for PhD studentships from the ESRC South West Doctoral Training Partnership (SWDTP)

For information on other funding opportunities, including University-funded studentships, please see the Faculty of Arts funding pages.

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.