The PhD, the most advanced research degree, leads to a thesis of up to 80,000 words. Research opportunities include prehistoric, classical, historical, landscape, funerary, environmental and byzantine archaeology, as well as geographical information systems and digital archaeology. Our research explores the earliest settlements and landscapes in regions inundated after the last ice age, through to the complex archaeology of modern industrial societies, using traditional and cutting edge techniques. Birmingham's Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology graduates develop a broad range of transferable skills including: familiarity with research methods; the ability to manage large quantities of information from diverse sources; the ability to organise information in a logical and coherent manner; the expertise to write clearly and concisely and to tight deadlines; critical and analytical ability; the capacity for argument, debate and speculation; and the ability to base conclusions on statistical research. We have a vibrant and productive postgraduate community and students are encouraged to enter fully into the life of the Department and the University. We enable advanced research students to broaden their skills through appropriate training in teaching skills and, where possible, through offering the chance to gain experience in teaching.