Ancient Literature and Thought (MA) (2024 Entry)
Explore our Ancient Literature and Thought taught Master's degree.
Explore a wide range of Greek and/or Latin texts on the Ancient Literature and Thought MA. Warwick's Classics and Ancient History department will provide you with an intensive introduction to literary theory through an interdisciplinary approach.
Course overview
This MA will foster your ability to read a wide range of Greek and/or Latin texts in the original language and to develop nuanced understanding of the methodologies and critical approaches to the study of these texts within their historical, cultural and political contexts. It provides an intensive introduction to literary theory tailored specifically to classicists, making it a unique pathway in the UK for classicists contemplating going on to a doctorate, and harnesses Warwick's strong interdisciplinary links between its departments of Classics and Ancient History, English and Comparative Literary Studies, and Philosophy.
You will undertake rigorous training in the close reading of texts and of Greco-Roman culture, while having flexibility to pursue your related interests both within the field of Classics and beyond through optional modules. You will also build subject specific, transferable skills in independent research, analysis, and communication.
Skills from this degree
- The ability to develop extended, well-structured and coherent arguments, both orally and in writing
- The ability to make complex ideas intelligible to a wide range of audiences
- Advanced skills in independent research, analysis and problem solving
- High-level organisational and time-management skills
General entry requirements
Minimum requirements
Applicants will need to have achieved or be expecting to achieve a firm 2:1 undergraduate degree in Classics or a similar course of academic study with substantial course components in the area of Classics to be considered for entry. Applicants must have degree-level competence in at least one ancient language (Ancient Greek or Latin).
English language requirements
You can find out more about our English language requirementsLink opens in a new window. This course requires the following:
- Band B
- IELTS overall score of 7.0, minimum component scores of two at 6.0/6.5 and the rest at 7.0 or above.
International qualifications
We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.
For more information, please visit the international entry requirements pageLink opens in a new window.
Additional requirements
There are no additional entry requirements for this course.
Core modules
Approaching Ancient Texts: methodologies, theories and practice
Dissertation
Roman Literature and Thought
The module aims to provide postgraduate training in the literary interpretation and philological analysis of classical Latin texts in a variety of forms and genres. It will run in the second term of the course, and will involve developing, applying and putting into practice the techniques and methodologies studied in the first term’s core module, ‘Approaching Ancient Texts’.
Your linguistic skills in reading literary Latin will be brought up to postgraduate level; you will be introduced to the fundamentals of textual criticism, and acquire the knowledge and skills required to respond critically to the most advanced classical scholarship. The seminar format is designed to encourage you to exchange ideas and experiment with scholarly arguments in a supportive and stimulating setting.
or
Greek Literature and Thought
The module aims to provide postgraduate training in the literary interpretation and philological analysis of ancient Greek literary texts in a variety of forms and genres. It will run in the second term of the course, and will involve developing, applying and putting into practice the techniques and methodologies studied in the first term’s core module, ‘Approaching Ancient Texts’.
Your linguistic skills in reading literary Greek will be brought up to postgraduate level; you will be introduced to the fundamentals of textual criticism and the history of interpretation, including assessment of papyrological reconstructions, palaeography, and commentary by scholiasts as appropriate, and acquire the knowledge and skills required to respond critically to the most advanced classical scholarship.
Optional modules
Optional modules can vary from year to year. Example optional modules may include:
- Master's Language Training (Greek, Latin or modern language) or Advanced Ancient Language
- Art of the Ancient World
- Classical Epigraphy
- Origins of Phenomenology
- Feminist Literary Theory
- Renaissance Culture and Society
Teaching
Taught modules are taught through 10 two-hour seminars held weekly or fortnightly in terms one and/or two. The seminars centre on student-led presentations and discussion. Seminars for the core modules focus on the detailed reading, discussion and interpretation of main texts or sections of ancient Greek/Roman literature, alongside an anthology of further related texts, commentaries and reference works. You will be able to significantly enhance the knowledge and skills acquired at undergraduate level, exchanging and developing ideas and reading strategies in a supportive and stimulating environment.
Class sizes
The classes of the taught modules comprise 2-10 students and up to 15-20 for Language classes. This size allows teaching to be tailored according to the students’ interests.
Typical contact hours
Teaching methods used for language modules vary depending on the level, but run across all three terms. Overall, you can expect to have on average six contact hours per week.
Assessment
Most modules (apart from language modules) are assessed by a 5,000-word essay on a topic of your choice, decided upon in negotiation with a member of academic staff. The dissertation will be a 15,000 – 20,000 word essay, built on the research carried out during the programme.
Your timetable
Your personalised timetable will be complete when you are registered for all modules, compulsory and optional, and you have been allocated to your lectures, seminars and other small group classes. Your compulsory modules will be registered for you and you will be able to choose your optional modules when you join us.
Your career
Typical career paths chosen by our graduates include jobs in museums and the heritage sector, education, publishing, the civil service and further research.
Our department has a dedicated professionally qualified Senior Careers Consultant offering impartial advice and guidance together with workshops and events throughout the year. Previous examples of workshops and events include:
- What can you do with a Classics and Ancient History degree?
- Careers in the Creative Industries
- Warwick careers fairs throughout the year
- Next steps after your MA…hear from alumni
- Networking for Classics students
Classics and Ancient History at Warwick
Take your fascination with the ancient world further.
Our Classics and Ancient History department is tailor-made for a community of curiosity. Work closely with award-winning academics while carving your own path through the varied disciplines we study - from literature and history, to philosophy and art.
Share your observations, opinions and developing interests. Develop critical and creative thinking that will prove valuable for your future – wherever in the world this might take you.
Find out more about us on our website.
Our Postgraduate courses
Tuition fees
Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.
Fee Status Guidance
We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.
Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?
If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.
Find out more about how universities assess fee status
Additional course costs
As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.
For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on the course web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module Catalogue (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).
Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2022/23 year of study). Information about module department specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:
- Core text books
- Printer credits
- Dissertation binding
- Robe hire for your degree ceremony
Scholarships and bursaries
Scholarships and financial support
Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.
Living costs
Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.
Find out how to apply to us, ask your questions, and find out more.
How to apply
The application process for courses that start in September and October 2024 will open on 2 October 2023.
Applications will close on 2 August 2024 for students who require a visa to study in the UK, to allow time to receive a CAS and complete the visa application process.
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