Classics MPhil/PhD

Program Overview

The MPhil/PhD in Classics at Birkbeck, University of London, offers advanced research opportunities in ancient world studies. Students conduct original research and submit a substantial dissertation, developing critical thinking and analytical skills. The program boasts research excellence, collaborations with renowned institutions, and a vibrant research culture with seminars, workshops, and international links.

Program Outline

Degree Overview

The MPhil/PhD in Classics at Birkbeck, University of London, offers students the chance to pursue advanced research in a variety of areas related to the ancient world.

Objectives:

• Develop highly advanced conceptual skills for the pursuit of new knowledge.
• Apply critical and analytical thinking within and beyond academia.
• Conduct original research and submit a substantial dissertation.

Program Description:

• Requires original research and a substantial dissertation (60,000 to 100,000 words).
• Students begin as MPhil candidates, with potential upgrade to PhD after satisfactory progress in the first year or two.
• Requires finding a suitable academic supervisor at Birkbeck who can provide guidance and support.

Current research interests:

• Cultural and social history of ancient Greece
• Ancient Italy and Rome
• Reception of the "classical" past
• Approaches to identity
• Cultural change in the Hellenistic and Roman worlds
• Latin prose literature

Other

Highlights:

• Ranked in the top eight universities in the UK for History research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.
• Research excellence confirmed with 83% of research rated world-leading or internationally excellent.

Entry requirements:

• Confirmed or predicted Merit or above at MA level in a relevant subject, with a distinction in the dissertation.
• English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS Academic Test score of 7.0.

Fees:

• Part-time home students: £2,539 per year
• Full-time home students: £4,786 per year
• Part-time international students: £7,525 per year
• Full-time international students: £14,885 per year

Research Culture:

• Located near the British Museum and British Library.
• Access to research institutes, including the Institute of Classical Studies, the Institute of Historical Research, and the Warburg Institute.
• Regular research seminars, work-in-progress seminars, ancillary skill courses, thesis-writing workshops, and methodological masterclasses.
• Access to the Bloomsbury Postgraduate Skills Network events.
• International links and exchange opportunities with partner institutions.
• Students can apply and start at any time during the year.
• Funding deadlines are available on the websites of relevant bodies.

• Part-time home students: £2,539 per year
• Full-time home students: £4,786 per year
• Part-time international students: £7,525 per year
• Full-time international students: £14,885 per year
Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases. Fees and finance PhD students resident in England can apply for government loans of over £26,000 to cover the cost of tuition fees, maintenance and other study-related costs. We offer a range of studentships and funding options to support your research.