PhD students complete an independent research project under the guidance of a supervisory team. The maximum period of registration permitted before thesis submission is 4 years full time / 7 years part time. Active research (including all experimental work, laboratory work, field work, and data collection) will typically take 3 to 3.5 years full time / 6 to 6.5 years part time. On completion of active research students may request approval to register for a writing-up period of up to 12 months. The period of active research and writing-up together must not exceed the maximum registration period. The thesis should not normally exceed 80,000 words and must make an original contribution to knowledge and contain work of publishable quality. The thesis must then be defended in a viva voce (oral) examination before a degree can be awarded.. The PhD in Archaeology and Ancient History can be completed either as campus based study here at Leicester or by distance learning.At Leicester, we are home to a world-class, international team of scholars engaged in cutting-edge research and teaching in our twin disciplines of Ancient History and Archaeology. We have a long history of making high-impact, world-leading discoveries, of which you could be a part.. We offer an exceptional range of flexible career and life changing learning opportunities. We have been teaching students by distance learning for more than 20 years, providing a wide range of internationally-recognised academic qualifications.. We are also proud to host an on-site, professional archaeological unit. The award-winning University of Leicester Archaeological Services (ULAS), the team that found King Richard III, forms part of the School, and supports our provision of archaeological training.