Archaeology and Anthropology

All candidates must follow the application procedure as shown in how to apply.  The information below gives specific details for students applying for this course.

Written work

As part of your application you will be required to submit two recent marked essays, each written as part of a school or college course within a two-week period or less, preferably in different subjects; you have the option of submitting an additional piece of work composed over a longer period of time if you so wish.  You are also required to submit a statement of no more than 300 words explaining your interests in the joint degree and what you understand to be the links between archaeology and anthropology. This statement is different to that on your UCAS form; it should tell us why you are particularly interested in Archaeology and Anthropology at Oxford. These should be submitted by 11 November 2013.

See further guidance on the submission of written work.

Written test

You do not need to take a written test as part of an application for this course.

What are tutors looking for ?

Tutors will primarily be looking for an interest in, and enthusiasm, for the study of humans and their material culture, ideally from both arts and science viewpoints, combined with an ability to digest and assimilate significant quantities of data and argue from evidence. No prior experience of archaeology or anthropology is required, but any fieldwork experience and general reading in the subject further demonstrates your interest and commitment. If you are shortlisted for interview you will normally be asked to talk about the relationship between the sub-disciplines and to consider problems from archaeological and anthropological points of view. You may also be given artefacts, maps or other material to interpret.

Many sources of information can be useful but we suggest the following books as possible starting points: suggested_reading (55 kb) (opens as pdf).  

Selection criteria

Candidates may wish to refer to the selection criteria for this course.