MA Classics and Ancient History

Our MA Classics and Ancient History is one of the widest-ranging courses in the UK, with expertise spanning Bronze Age to late antiquity, Britain and Italy to Egypt and the Near East.

You will be taught by world-leading experts, with particular research strength in a wide range of disciplines including ancient history, literature, language, archaeology, art and culture.

You’ll be joining a Department with a vibrant research culture where 95% of our research is of international standing (REF 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Classics).

You will benefit from facilities including the Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology, the University Library and a dedicated postgraduate room in the heart of the Department of Classics. We are also located only a short distance from Oxford and London where you can visit major collections important for research in Classics and Ancient History.

There are also opportunities to work in the on-site Ure Museum, which holds Cypriote, Egyptian, and post-Classical artefacts, and one of the largest collections of Greek ceramics in the UK.

Overview

Our MA Classics and Ancient History is one of the widest-ranging courses in the UK, with expertise spanning Bronze Age to late antiquity, Britain and Italy to Egypt and the Near East.

You will be taught by world-leading experts, with particular research strength in a wide range of disciplines including ancient history, literature, language, archaeology, art and culture.

You’ll be joining a Department with a vibrant research culture where 95% of our research is of international standing (REF 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions – Classics).

There are also opportunities to work in the on-site Ure Museum, which holds Cypriote, Egyptian, and post-Classical artefacts, and one of the largest collections of Greek ceramics in the UK.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements: Normally a good undergraduate honours degree (2:1 or above), or equivalent from a university outside the UK, in a relevant humanities subject.

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 6.0 (or equivalent).

Pre-sessional English language Programme

Our Pre-sessional English Programme is for international students who need to meet their degree programme English language requirements.

Our courses equip you with the skills and language needed for academic success, including critical thinking, self-reflection, learner autonomy, research skills and integrating sources. The Pre-sessional English Programme is accredited by the British Association of Lecturers in English for Academic Purposes (BALEAP), which guarantees you will receive a high-quality student experience.

To find out more, visit Pre-sessional English.

Structure

Modules

Compulsory modules

Approaches to the Classical World

Learn the disciplines, techniques and theoretical approaches relevant to the various branches of Classics. You’ll develop a strong capability to investigate and argue using key methodologies and theories as you demonstrate your skill set both orally and in writing.

Research Methods

Discover the appropriate research tools and skills required for you to excel at postgraduate level. You’ll advance your IT and bibliographic research skills alongside strengthening your competency in academic writing as you write a book review and design a research project.

Dissertation

Choose a topic that interests you and develop your research skills, critical response and independent judgement as you embark on a major research project. You’ll produce a concise, clearly written and coherent argument that will demonstrate your ability to utilise and apply advanced research and analytical skills.

Either Ancient Greek OR Latin

Optional modules

Two Special Option modules are required, and can be selected from a variety of topics that reflect the most recent research interests and developments in the department, as well as the students’ personal interests.These are usually taught in small groups of 1-4 people.

Special Option 1

Choose from a range of different themes, methodologies, ancient materials, geographical areas, and time-periods as you pursue your own interests within the discipline.

Special Option 2

Choose from a range of different topics as you pursue advanced research that caters to your own specialised interest in the discipline. You’ll depend on a wealth of primary material, themes and methodologies to produce a critical piece of written work.

Special Option 3

Broaden your academic experience with an international perspective, gaining first-hand experience of living and studying in another country. You'll be encouraged to access ancient monuments, and/or museum collections and academic resources which will form the basis of your research.

These are the modules that we currently offer for 2024/2025 entry. They may be subject to change as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

Please note that the University cannot guarantee that all optional modules will be available to all students who may wish to take them.

You can also register your details with us to receive information about your course of interest and study and life at the University of Reading.

Fees

New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £11,750

New international students: £25,850

Tuition fee information

The fees listed are for full-time study, unless otherwise stated. Fee information will be confirmed in offer letters sent out to successful applicants. You can find further information, including information for part-time study, through our dedicated fees and funding page.

EU student fees

With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.

Additional costs

Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

Careers

Our MA Classics and Ancient History course enables you to develop vital transferable skills for a range of career paths. They also provide ideal preparation for a PhD and further academic research.

The programme provides excellent preparation for further academic research, heritage work, teaching, and publishing among other careers.

Subjects A-B

Subjects C-E

Subjects F-G

Subjects H-M

Subjects N-T

Subjects A-C

Subjects D-G

Subjects H-P

Subjects A-B

Subjects C-E

Subjects F-G

Subjects H-M

Subjects N-T

Subjects U-Z

Subjects A-C

Subjects D-G

Subjects H-P

Subjects Q-Z

Overview

Entry requirements

Structure

Compulsory modules

Approaches to the Classical World

Research Methods

Dissertation

Either Ancient Greek OR Latin

Optional modules

Special Option 1

Special Option 2

Special Option 3

Fees

Tuition fee information

EU student fees

Additional costs

Financial support for your studies

Careers

MA Classics and Ancient History

Tuition fee information

EU student fees

Additional costs

Financial support for your studies

Ready for more?