The Classics Department at Warwick is now one of the largest in the UK. Its international reputation rests on its innovative and intensive teaching and on research which continues to open up new aspects of Greco-Roman antiquity and its importance in later history. In the RAE 2008 the Department was rated first for research output rated 3 and 4 star, and second in terms of grade point average.

Research Degrees

The Department has a lively community of postgraduate research students contributing to the research in the Department. All research programmes include a programme of induction, work-in-progress seminars and a graduate conference.

Research Areas

The Department offers expertise in a wide range of research areas, including Greek and Latin literature, Greek and Roman history, material culture (art, epigraphy and numismatics), the cultures of the Second Sophistic and Late Antiquity, Greco-Arabic studies, the history of medicine, the Renaissance reception of Latin and receptions of the Classical world in the 18th century.

Master’s by Research (MAR)
Standard Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

There are two options offered for the MA by research:

• Candidates research and write a 40,000 word dissertation
  
• Candidates research and write a 25,000 word dissertation plus two 5,000 word essays. The topics of the essays and dissertation can be different from one another.

In both cases the thesis must show evidence of originality in knowledge and interpretation.

Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
Standard Duration: 2 years full-time, 5 years part-time

Candidates research and write a 60,000 word dissertation, which will constitute an original contribution to knowledge.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Standard Duration: 3 years full-time, 5 years part-time

Candidates research and write a 80,000 word thesis. The thesis will constitute a substantial original contribution to knowledge which is, in principle, worthy of peer-reviewed publication.

Taught Master's Degrees

MA in Ancient Visual and Material Culture
Standard Duration: 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time

All students take the core course in ‘Understanding Ancient Visual and Material Culture’. This looks at the historiographical and methodological issues affecting the study of ancient material culture and its reception. All students also take a language option, to develop the linguistic skills necessary to conduct research (Latin or ancient Greek, or French, German, Italian), depending on your research needs and interests. You then choose 2 options, allowing you to develop interests in art, numismatics, epigraphy. The final element of the course is a 15-20,000 word dissertation. There is a free choice of dissertation topic, usually arising from optional modules.

MA in Visual and Material Culture of Ancient Rome
Standard Duration: 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time

Based primarily at Warwick the course includes one module taught by the British School at Rome on the history and material culture of Ancient Rome. Students go to Rome for April and May before returning to Warwick to complete their dissertations. All students take the core course in ‘Understanding Ancient Visual and Material Culture’ and a language option (Latin or ancient Greek, French, German, Italian). Students then choose one option in art, numismatics, or epigraphy. The final element of the course is a 15-20,000 word dissertation on an aspect of ancient Rome.

Download prospectus entry

Prospectus Entry  

Related Links:

Classics and Ancient History Department Homepage

Postgraduate Research Study in Classics and Ancient History

Fees and Funding:

Postgraduate Fees

Funding your study

“I began my academic career in the Department of Classics and Ancient History at Warwick in 2000, after studying at Oxford and London. One of the things that make Warwick a distinctive and stimulating place to research and teach is its dynamic interdisciplinary research culture. Some MA programmes allow students to take an option from outside their home department, and the Faculty’s induction programme, postgraduate seminars and Departmental research seminars all foster strong links between Departments and Research Centres, encouraging postgraduates to see their research in the light of current trends across the Faculty. Warwick also prides itself on providing a supportive and collegial atmosphere in which research students can flourish. Close supervision provides support, while opportunities to teach undergraduates and initiatives such as the Doctoral Fellowship programme (which supports students in organising an international conference) foster the skills necessary for your future career, whether within or outside academia. All this helps to produce strong independent researchers all set to become the next generation of scholars and teachers.”

Dr Zahra Newby, Classics and Ancient History