Ancient Literature and Thought (MA) (2021 Entry)
- Course Code
- P-Q830
- Course Type
- Postgraduate Taught
- Qualification
- MA
- Duration
- Full-time: 1 year
- Part-time: 2 years
- Department of Study
- Classics and Ancient History
- Location of Study
- University of Warwick
Explore a wide range of Greek and/or Latin texts on 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.
This new 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’ll 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’ll also build subject specific, transferable skills in independent research, analysis, and communication.
Core Modules
- Approaching Ancient Texts: methodologies, theories and practice
- Dissertation
- Roman Literature and Thought or Greek Literature and Thought
Optional Modules
These are just some of the optional modules on offer:
- 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, and class size is small, ranging from between 3 and 10 students. Teaching methods used for language modules vary depending on the level, but run across all three terms. Overall, students can expect to have on average 6 contact hours per week.
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.
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.
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
Minimum requirements Applicants will need to have achieved or be expecting to achieve a high 2:i 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 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 Students
We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications. For more information please visit the international entry requirements page.
For up-to-date information concerning fees, funding and scholarships for Home, EU and Overseas students please visit Warwick's Fees and Funding webpage.
Additional Course Costs
This course may also include additional costs
Scholarships
The Department runs an annual funding competition which makes fees awards across PGT and PGR courses.
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 classics degree…hear from alumni
- Networking for Classics students
There are a number of different ways to visit the University of Warwick throughout the year. We host bespoke PG visits, where you can talk directly with your chosen department and explore our campus through a personalised tour. Some departments also host their own events and open days, where you can learn more about your department or course of study. To find out more about all of these opportunities, visit our Postgraduate Visits page.
Every year an open day lunch and/or evening event is organised for anybody interested in applying to do a Masters Course in Classics and Ancient History. We will explain our Taught Masters courses in Ancient Literature and Thought and Ancient Visual and Material Culture, as well as the MA by research. Please email classics@warwick.ac.uk to reserve a space and for further details and to obtain information on bursaries.