The HKU Faculty of Arts offers two research postgraduate (RPG) degrees in the field of Archaeology: the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). The MPhil is a two-year full-time (or three-year part-time) program, while the PhD takes three or four years full-time (four-and-a-half or six years part-time). Both programs require the writing of a dissertation in English, under the supervision of a faculty member.
All RPG degree admissions are handled by the HKU Graduate School. Please visit their webpage for full requirements information and the application form (https://gradsch.hku.hk/prospective_students/application/admission_requirement).
Description of the Field
Archaeology is the systematic study of the human past through the analysis of material remains left behind. Archaeology covers a wide array of remains, especially mundane evidence of past life like pottery, architecture, bones, tools, and even entire landscapes. Archaeology can examine non-elite lifeways of the past in addition to investigating social, economic, and political areas of research.
Archaeology engages in extensive fieldwork, all over the globe, employing techniques such as excavation and surface survey to uncover evidence of past human activities. This field has a long and detailed history of its own as an academic discipline, with significant activity beginning in the 19th century in southwest Asia and expansion to all parts of the globe over the last century. This field also has very active ongoing international debates, experiments, and discussions about theory and method, often related to Anthropology. Of particular importance has been the recent adoption of innovative digital tools and data science techniques for collecting, sharing, and working with information about the past. Archaeology is a key part of cultural heritage, as sites are being affected all over the world due to the challenges of economic development and climate change. The demand for skilled professionals to document, research, interpret, and protect these resources is ever increasing. The discipline of Archaeology offered by the HKU Faculty of Arts equips students with the necessary skills for advanced research, fieldwork, policy formation, and teaching about archaeology. Graduates will be prepared to contribute to the understanding and preservation of our shared valuable human heritage.
Coursework Requirement
Compulsory Courses
The compulsory course ARCL6001 Research Methods and Theory in Archaeology provides a foundation in the latest international methods and theories used in archaeological research to support the student’s thesis work. The assessment will be by 100% coursework.
The course can be taken in lieu of the compulsory Graduate School Course "GRSC6104 Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods (Humanities)" or "GRSC6106 Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods (Humanities)”.
The Graduate School (GS) also requires a number of short courses, which usually include Responsible Conduct of Research, Research Methods, Transferrable Skills, and Thesis Writing. Please check the GS website for the latest requirements and course listings.
Course Exemption
Students who have successfully completed the required course(s) or equivalent(s), at either HKU or a comparable institution, may apply for course exemption. Possessing full-time work experience for at least 6 months may fulfill the exemption criteria for the Transferable Skills requirement. Exemptions are subject to the approval of the Graduate School on a case-by-case basis. More information is available on the GS website.
Contact
For more information, please contact the Postgraduate Coordinator, Prof Peter J. Cobb (Website).
