Archaeology and History of Art
Program Overview
The Department of Archaeology and History of Art (ARHA) offers a multi-disciplinary approach to the study of archaeology, the history of art and visual culture, late antique and Byzantine studies, cultural heritage management, museum studies, and maritime archaeology. Our courses cover a wide historical and geographical scope including prehistoric Anatolia, the Greek and Roman Empires, the Late Antique period, the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, and the modern period and introduce the students to recent theories and methodologies in archeology and art history. Active engagement in the study of archeology and art and architectural history is integral to our curriculum and ranges from hands-on training in methods of analysis and conservation in the university’s laboratories to field trips to archaeological sites and architectural monuments, museum visits, and participation in conferences and workshops organized by Turkish and international visiting scholars and specialists. Our students are further encouraged to participate in one of our archaeological excavation projects during the summer, conduct internships at museums or cultural heritage organizations, and participate in workshops in Türkiye and abroad. They are also encouraged to take courses essential to their area of interest or specialization in the field of Digital Humanities and in Languages of the Mediterranean and Anatolian worlds, such as Greek, Latin, Hittite, Luwian and Ottoman Turkish. ARHA’s multidisciplinary educational approach provides a wide range of employment opportunities for their students, including in museums and cultural heritage organizations.
Our department collaborates with several research institutions affiliated with Koç University and located around the country: Research Center for Anatolian Civilizations (ANAMED), Vehbi Koç Ankara Studies Research Center (VEKAM), Suna & İnan Kıraç Research Center for Mediterranean Civilizations (AKMED), The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Center for Late Antique and Byzantine Studies (GABAM), and the Koç University Mustafa V. Koç Maritime Archaeology Research Center (KUDAR).
Qualification Awarded
PhD in Archaeology and History of Art
Degree Requirements
For the ARHA Ph.D. program, we are looking for students with a strong academic record, enthusiasm for learning, and high potential for scholarly research and teaching in the fields of archaeology, history of art, or cultural heritage management and museum studies. An undergraduate or Masters degree in archaeology, history of art, classics, history, architecture or a related field is preferred. Both Turkish students and foreign students are encouraged to apply and both are eligible for our scholarship and fellowship packages.
+ Detailed Degree Requirements
Admission Requirements
A standard applicant should have the following components:
1. Transcripts (B.A. and M.A. when applicable)
2. GRE or the results of the Turkish ALES (equally weighted scores given preference)
The results of the GRE are due at the time of application, and this also is the preference for ALES results. If the applicant has not yet received their ALES score results by the due date of the application (yet have taken the test), they may still apply..
3. English proficiency exam
Non-native speakers of English should submit scores from one of the following exams: TOEFL, YDS/eYDS, or YÖKDİL.
4. Statement of Purpose
In addition to telling us about your academic background, tell us in detail which topics you would like to study and research while at Koç University. This should be a professional statement focused on the academic aspects of your interests. Preferably interested students should contact the appropriate ARHA faculty member given the intended future research area.
5. Writing Sample
The writing sample should be at least eight pages. Common submissions are a research paper, a chapter from your M.A. thesis, or an article. Because all coursework in ARHA is in English, this document must be as well. It may be a translated portion of a previously prepared in another language – provided that you have done the translation.
6. Recommendation letters
Three recommendation letters are required for Ph.D. applications. Two letters are required for M.A. applications. These must be submitted by the deadline.
7. Interviews
A short list of candidates will be invited for an interview, either in person or through Skype. There will be short readings given prior to the interviews.
Applicants also need to complete the graduate school form. All submissions are done online.
Exchange Opportunities
The number of exchange program partners has increased rapidly over the years and the number of partner institutions has exceeded 100.
Occupational Profiles and Access to Further Studies
Graduates of the PhD Program in Archaeology and History of Art can work in many national and international academic positions, museums, journals and publishing houses in the field of archaeology, excavations and research centers.
Career Development Center, supports all Koç University students and graduates in career Development and Planning, in preparing graduate education plans, and in professional life decisions. For more information about the Career Development Center, please visit https://career.ku.edu.tr/en/