Program Overview

The Classics and Ancient History MA explores the literature, cultures, history and societies of ancient Greece and Rome and their later reception, whilst delivering transferable skills and training that employers value.

The programme’s modules help you to develop thematic perspectives on the ancient world and understand ideas that inform contemporary research. They build your skills in research and communication, encouraging you to adopt strategies for gathering and organising information, analysing complex evidence, evaluating propositions and articulating arguments for different audiences. As well as pursuing independent research, you will work with fellow students to coordinate and participate in a research colloquium.

You will choose from optional modules focused around the literary, documentary, visual and material culture of ancient Greece and Rome. These modules shed light on the lived experiences of people in Classical antiquity.

Additional options in Classical and Near Eastern Archaeology allow you to expand beyond Greece and Rome to the Mediterranean and the Near East, and to work with objects in our Garstang Museum collection. You can develop skills in ancient Greek or Latin language. You may also apply to study abroad at the British School of Athens or the British School of Rome as an accredited part of your degree.

This variety allows you to tailor the MA to suit your interests, and prepares you for completing a dissertation on the agreed topic of your choice.

Who is this course for?
The programme is designed for graduates in Classics, Classical Studies, Classical Civilisation, Ancient History and other relevant disciplines who wish to broaden and deepen their understanding of the Classical Greco-Roman world and its legacy.

What you'll learn

• To demonstrate understanding of the literature and culture of the Greeks and Romans and of the historical experience of antiquity in its diversity and communicate that understanding in writing and orally
• Knowledge of topics in Classics and Ancient History and how to deploy that knowledge in the evaluation and production of arguments
• To identify and resolve problems relating to the literature, culture, and history of ancient Greece and Rome, utilizing linguistic, conceptual and theoretical approaches
• To become familiar with a diverse range of written texts, visual images and material remains from the ancient world; to understand their characteristics and problems and be able to undertake advanced analysis as a result
• To be conscious of research methodologies and be self-reflective in their application when formulating and testing hypotheses, analysing and evaluating information, and making reasoned synthesis of diverse and sometimes incomplete material
• To learn and work independently by planning, conducting and reporting on an extended programme of original research and by responding constructively to feedback.