Fully Funded PhD in Archaeology Oxford 2025

About the Scholarship

The University of Oxford’s School of Archaeology, in collaboration with the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, invites applications for a fully funded PhD studentship on the world’s earliest coinage. This four-year DPhil project will investigate early electrum coinage—first produced in Lydia (western Turkey) in the 7th century BC—using state-of-the-art neutron and muon techniques. Unlike traditional destructive testing, these methods allow for non-invasive, deep structural and elemental analysis of coins. The research will shed light on manufacturing techniques, alloy compositions, and economic practices in the archaic Greek world. The successful candidate will work with collections at the Ashmolean Museum, benefit from extended research placements at ISIS, and receive full tuition, an annual stipend, and generous research support. This project offers an unparalleled opportunity to bridge archaeology, numismatics, and cutting-edge scientific research while training with leading experts.

Scholarship Details

Scholarship Name: Investigating Early Electrum Coinage with Neutrons and Muons – Doctoral Studentship
Institution/Provider: University of Oxford (School of Archaeology) & ISIS Neutron and Muon Source
Administering Organization: University of Oxford, School of Archaeology
Location: Oxford & Didcot, United Kingdom
Level of Study: PhD (DPhil in Archaeology)
Field of Study: Archaeological Science, Numismatics, Ancient History, Materials Analysis
Mode of Study: Full-time
Duration: 48 months (4 years)
Start Date (Expected): 1 October 2025
Application Mode: Online (Oxford Graduate Application System)
Scholarship Type: Fully funded doctoral studentship (UKRI standard)

Supported Fields of Study

Archaeological Science
Numismatics
Ancient History and Archaeology
Materials Science in Cultural Heritage
Greek and Mediterranean Studies

Eligibility Criteria

Minimum Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Strong academic background in archaeology, classics, ancient history, or a relevant science discipline
Nationality/Residency: Open to all applicants; tuition covered at UK “home” rate
Language Proficiency: High-level English proficiency required (IELTS/TOEFL for non-native speakers)
Enrollment Status: Applicants must apply to the DPhil in Archaeology

Preferred Qualifications

Interest in ancient numismatics, archaeological science, or archaic Greek history
Background in materials analysis, imaging, or related methods (not essential)

Not Eligible

Applicants who do not meet Oxford’s standard entry requirements for doctoral admission
Applications submitted before the admissions cycle opens (8 September 2025)

Financial Coverage / Funding Benefits

Tuition Fees: Fully covered (Home rate)
Annual Stipend: £20,780 (UKRI standard, subject to annual review)
Research Support: £2,000+ per year
Beam Time Allocation: £100,000 worth of ISIS muon beam time already secured
College Membership: Lincoln College, Oxford
Additional Support: Guidance for securing further research allocations

Scholarship Benefits

Full tuition fee coverage
Annual living stipend at UKRI rate
Research training at world-class facilities (Oxford, Ashmolean Museum, ISIS)
Access to unique numismatic collections
Extensive interdisciplinary supervision and collaboration
Opportunities for publications and academic conferences

Key Responsibilities

Conduct non-destructive neutron and muon analyses of electrum coinage
Collaborate with the Ashmolean Museum and digitise coin catalogues
Apply XRF and spectroscopy techniques for baseline data collection
Explore research questions on coin composition, manufacturing, and provenance

Application Process

How to Apply

Apply for the DPhil in Archaeology via the Oxford Graduate Application System
Indicate in the Departmental Studentship Applications section that you are applying for this studentship
Enter the reference code 25ARCH01

Required Documents