Digital and spatial classics

Qualifications Duration Start dates Application period
PhD
(MPhil also available)
Full time: 3–4 years
Part time: 6–8 years
February and October January to April
Qualifications
PhD (MPhil also available)
Duration
Full time: 3–4 years
Part time: 6–8 years
Start dates
February and October
Application period
January to April

The Digital and Spatial strand of OU Classical Studies is a dedicated interdisciplinary group that is pioneering new methodologies for investigating aspects of space and place in the ancient world. Research in this group is characterised by both its highly theoretical framing within the humanities spatial turn and its practical application of digital methods and tools for the study of place-based sources, both archaeological and textual. Expertise ranges from phenomenology and ecocriticism to GIS, network analysis and deep mapping. Special interests include interdisciplinary approaches to theories of assemblage and entanglement, mapping texts for investigating non-modern spatial representations, and using the new technology of Linked Open Data to explore cultural change. We welcome external partnerships with cultural heritage organisations and the creative industries, particularly in the context of developing new opensource tools for mapping and searching cultural data.

Applications for full- or part-time study are particularly welcome in areas that correspond with these research interests. Proposals should be detailed and well-thought-out, setting out your specific research questions and strategies for addressing them, as well as outlining the originality of your topic and/or approach. We recommend getting in touch to discuss your ideas informally before submitting a formal application, and to offer advice (such as how your project relates to work being carried out in the department; what facilities or skills, such as language ability, you might need for your project; and how it could contribute to existing work in the field).

Entry requirements

Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) and an MA with a minimum grade of merit. If you are not a UK citizen, you may need to prove your knowledge of English

Potential research projects

  • mapping texts
  • ancient Geography
  • network analysis
  • historical GIS and deep mapping
  • Linked Data and the Semantic Web

Current/recent research projects

  • Making digital history: the impact of digitality on public participation and scholarly practices in historical research
  • Linked data for cultural change in Roman Spain
  • Integrating Linked Data Resources with Existing Research Methodologies in Classics and Related Disciplines
  • Linked data for cultural change in Roman Spain
  • Integrating Linked Data Resources with Existing Research Methodologies in Classics and Related Disciplines

Potential supervisors

Fees and funding

UK fee International fee
Full time: £4,712 per year Full time: £11,958 per year
Part time: £2,356 per year Part time: £5,979 per year

Some of our research students are funded via the Open‐Oxford‐Cambridge AHRC Doctoral Training Partnership; others are self-funded.

For detailed information about fees and funding, visit Fees and studentships.

To see current funded studentship vacancies across all research areas, see Current studentships.

Links

Latin text
 

How to apply

Get in touch

If you have an enquiry specific to this research topic, please contact:

Dr Jasmine Hunter Evans and Dr Marchella Ward
Email: FASS-ClassicalStudies-Enquiries
Phone: +44 (0)1908 653247

Apply now

If you’re interested in applying for this research topic, please take a look at the application process.