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MA by Research in Classics and Ancient History (2024 Entry)

Classics and Ancient History students at the University of Warwick

Find out more about our Classics and Ancient History Master's by Research degree.

Study the MA by Research in Classics and Ancient History, and choose from a wide range of specialist areas. Warwick's Classics and Ancient History department, ranked 3rd in the UK in Classics (REF 2021), offers an excellent research environment and expert guidance.


Course overview

Two routes are available:

Route A 

Completion of a 40,000 word dissertation.

Route B

2 x 5,000 word essays; 25,000 word dissertation + language training.

For both routes training in research methods as well as in ancient Greek or Latin are provided.

Teaching and learning

You will have regular monthly meetings with your assigned supervisor. Seminars will introduce you to research methods in addition to skills training and career-oriented talks and workshops. You will also be able to attend our ‘Work in Progress’ research seminars, which take place regularly during term time and offer the opportunity to learn about the work of others. Training in ancient Greek and/or Latin is also provided as required.


General entry requirements

Minimum requirements

Applicants will need to have achieved or be expecting to achieve a high Upper Second Class degree in Classics/Ancient Jistory/Archaeology or a relevant subject to be considered for entry.

Standard offers for successful applicants will typically be conditional on achieving a 2:1 degree with overall average of at least 65% with 68% or over for any dissertation submitted.


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.

Our research

The Department offers expertise in a wide range of research areas, including:

  • Epigraphy
  • Numismatics
  • Greek and Roman art, visual and material culture
  • Ancient medicine
  • Ceramics and craft
  • Greek social and cultural history
  • Ancient sexuality and gender
  • Ancient rhetoric
  • Roman imperial history
  • Greek religion and Greek sanctuaries
  • Greek theatre
  • Greek literature, especially lyric poetry
  • Greek political history
  • Latin literature (Republican and imperial poetry and prose)
  • Geography and space in Greek and Latin literature
  • Theoretical approaches to classical literature
  • Classics and race
  • Roman philosophy
  • Roman cultural history
  • Ancient economies
  • Archaeology of the Roman provinces (Syria, Sicily and North Africa, Greece)

Full details of our research interests are listed on the Classics and Ancient History web pagesLink opens in a new window.

You can also read our general University research proposal guidance.Link opens in a new window

Find a supervisor

Find your supervisor using the link below and discuss with them the area you'd like to research.

Explore our Classics and Ancient History Staff Directory where you will be able to search by research area.

You can also see our general University guidance about finding a supervisor.

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.

Find your research course fees


Fee Status Guidance

The University carries out an initial fee status assessment based on information provided in the application and according to the guidance published by UKCISA. Students are classified as either Home or Overseas Fee status and this can determine the tuition fee and eligibility of certain scholarships and financial support.

If you receive an offer, your fee status will be stated with the tuition fee information. If you believe your fee status has been incorrectly classified you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire (follow the instructions in your offer) and provide the required documentation for this to be reassessed.

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides guidance to UK universities on fees status criteria, you can find the latest guidance on the impact of Brexit on fees and student support on the UKCISA website.


Additional course costs

Please contact your academic department for information about department specific costs, which should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below, such as:

  • 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.

Department content block about careers

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

How to apply

The application process for courses that start in September and October 2024 will open on 2 October 2023.

For research courses that start in September and October 2024 the application deadline for students who require a visa to study in the UK is 2 August 2024. This should allow sufficient time to complete the admissions process and to obtain a visa to study in the UK.

How to apply for a postgraduate research course  

After you’ve applied

Find out how we process your application.

Applicant Portal

Track your application and update your details.

Admissions statement

See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.

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Our hosted events run throughout the year, with a mixture of virtual and in-person sessions. These events are a great way to learn more about our courses and departments, chat to current students and staff, and find out more information about accommodation, careers, and how to apply.

Postgraduate Fairs

Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in-person around the UK. These events give you the chance to explore our range of postgraduate courses, and find out what it’s like studying at Warwick. You’ll also be able to speak directly with our student recruitment team, who will be able to help answer your questions.

Live chats

Join a live chat with our staff and students, who are here to answer your questions and help you learn more about postgraduate life at Warwick. You can join our general drop-in sessions or talk to your prospective department and student services.

Warwick Talk and Tours

A Warwick talk and tour lasts around two hours and consists of an overview presentation from one of our Recruitment Officers covering the key features, facilities and activities that make Warwick a leading institution. The talk is followed by a campus tour which is the perfect way to view campus, with a current student guiding you around the key areas on campus.