Yearbooks

Programme: PhD Archaeology

Kindly take note of the disclaimer regarding qualifications and degree names.
Code Faculty
01264182 Faculty of Humanities
Credits Duration NQF level
Minimum duration of study: 2 years Total credits: 360 NQF level:  10
Contact:
Dr A Antonites
[email protected]
+27 (0)124206490
Prof I Pikirayi
[email protected]
+27 (0)124204661

Programme information

A student for a doctorate degree must complete his or her studies within four years after first registering for the degree and the study comprises of a 60 000-100 000 word thesis based on a research proposal approved by the Research Proposal and Ethics Committee and ethical clearance. The thesis must produce positive research findings and substantively advance the state of archaeological knowledge.

Students are required to defend their written thesis in an oral presentation (AGL 900) – format to be decided by the thesis supervisor and the programme manager.

Students must conduct at least 16 weeks of fieldwork by the end of the PhD programme and demonstrate mastery over advanced field techniques.

Admission requirements

  • A master’s degree in Archaeology or very closely related discipline for which a minimum of 70% has been obtained.
  • Students with an average of between 65% - 70% could be considered under special circumstance. Apply to the Head of Department.
  • Prospective students may have to submit an admissions essay or sit for an examination or do additional modules to enable them to reach the desired level of study.

Additional requirements

Students who do not have the required level of proficiency in English have to take an additional module TTS 751 Academic writing skills.

Minimum credits: 360

Core modules

  • Module content:

    A comprehensive and original contribution to archaeological knowledge based on an approved research proposal and ethical clearance. The research must be expert and show the ability to work within and beyond disciplinary boundaries. Thesis must be between 50 000–100 000 words and must substantively advance the state of knowledge in the discipline. The thesis must show mastery over advanced field and analytical techniques as well as sophisticated grasp and application of relevant archaeological theory. The entire project must be institutionally, socially and intellectually accountable, demonstrating an advanced grasp of what conducting archaeological research in a postcolonial context entails.

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Minimum credits: 360

Core modules

  • Module content:

    A comprehensive and original contribution to archaeological knowledge based on an approved research proposal and ethical clearance. The research must be expert and show the ability to work within and beyond disciplinary boundaries. Thesis must be between 50 000–100 000 words and must substantively advance the state of knowledge in the discipline. The thesis must show mastery over advanced field and analytical techniques as well as sophisticated grasp and application of relevant archaeological theory. The entire project must be institutionally, socially and intellectually accountable, demonstrating an advanced grasp of what conducting archaeological research in a postcolonial context entails.

    View more


The information published here is subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information. The General Regulations (G Regulations) apply to all faculties of the University of Pretoria. It is expected of students to familiarise themselves well with these regulations as well as with the information contained in the General Rules section. Ignorance concerning these regulations and rules will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression.

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