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PhD/MA by Research Classics and Ancient History (On-Campus or By Distance Learning)

The Classics and Ancient History (On-Campus or By Distance Learning) programme from University of Birmingham offer the opportunity to carry out postgraduate research in a distinctively wide range of areas, from all the major civilisations of the ancient Mediterranean, to all periods of classical antiquity.

Quick Facts

  
Duration: 1 year (Full-Time MA by Research)
3 years (Full-Time PhD)
Starting in: January, September
Tuition Fee: £20,820 per year full-time
£10,410 per year part-time (distance learning only) 
Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom / Online

As a postgraduate researcher in the Department, you will join an internationally acclaimed research community. Times Higher Education ranked us among the top 5 departments of Classics in the country for our performance in the latest Research Excellence Framework exercise.

We offer two postgraduate research-only programmes, whether you are looking to complete your academic studies with a PhD or pursue your research at Masters level. Find out more about what to expect from a PhD and MA by Research.

Why study this course?

  • World-leading research: Times Higher Education ranked us among the top 5 departments of Classics in the country for our performance in the latest Research Excellence Framework exercise, with 38% of our research rated as ‘world-leading’’, and a further 43% rated as ‘internationally excellent’.
  • Transferable skills: 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.
  • Established expertise: The University of Birmingham has a distinguished tradition of Classical scholarship going back more than 100 years.

Courses included:

  • Greek
  • Latin
  • Ancient Egyptian

“The transition from undergrad to postgrad can be a big step up in terms of workload and what is expected of you, but there is so much support available to you as a postgrad student, from academic writing support (if you’ve been out of education for a few years or just want a bit of extra help) to mental health and wellbeing services. The careers support is fantastic – the uni puts on employer fairs throughout the year and you have access to one on one support from the Careers Network team, who can help you develop your skills ready for your next step!”

Emma Sutton // PhD Psychology

Careers

The Classics and Ancient History (On-Campus or By Distance Learning) programme from University of Birmingham will provide excellent preparation for your future career, but this can also be enhanced by a range of employability support services offered by the University and the College of Arts and Law.

The University’s Careers Network provides expert guidance and activities especially for postgraduates, which will help you achieve your career goals. The College of Arts and Law also has a dedicated careers and employability team who offer tailored advice and a programme of College-specific careers events.

You will be encouraged to make the most of your postgraduate experience and will have the opportunity to:

  • Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique, whether you are looking for a career inside or outside of academia
  • Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations
  • Attend an annual programme of careers fairs, skills workshops and conferences, including bespoke events for postgraduates in the College of Arts and Law
  • Take part in a range of activities to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers and enhance your CV

Requirements

Our requirements for postgraduate research are dependent on the type of programme you are applying for:

  • For MRes and MA by Research programmes, entry to our programmes usually requires a good (normally a 2:1 or above) Honours degree, or an equivalent qualification if you were educated outside the UK, usually in a relevant area.
  • Applicants for a PhD will also need to hold a Masters qualification at Merit level or above (or its international equivalent), usually in a relevant area.

Learn more