MRes Byzantine Studies

Program Overview

The University of Birmingham's MRes Byzantine Studies program blends research and coursework to prepare students for doctoral studies or careers in Byzantine Studies. Students conduct independent research guided by a supervisor, while exploring topics in ancient texts, language, visual culture, and archaeology through taught modules. Graduates have pursued careers in academia and research, among other fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The MRes Byzantine Studies is a one-year, full-time postgraduate program offered by the University of Birmingham. It is a combined research and taught program designed to equip students with the skills necessary for both doctoral study and a future career. The program allows students to conduct independent research in any aspect of Byzantine Studies, as agreed with their supervisor. The taught component focuses on developing knowledge in various topics, including ancient texts, language, visual culture, and archaeology.

Outline:

The MRes Byzantine Studies program combines taught modules with a major individual research project.

Compulsory Modules:

Example Optional Modules:

• Byzantine Archaeology and Material Culture: This module explores the archaeological and material evidence of Byzantine civilization, examining the relationship between objects, architecture, and social practices.
• Gender in Byzantium II: This module delves into the complexities of gender roles, identities, and representations in Byzantine society.
• The Economies of the Late Roman, Byzantine and Frankish East: This module examines the economic systems and practices of the Late Roman, Byzantine, and Frankish East, exploring the interplay of trade, agriculture, and social structures.

Ancient Language Options:

• Greek (1, 2, 3): These modules provide instruction in the ancient Greek language, covering grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension.
• Greek Texts: This module focuses on the analysis and interpretation of ancient Greek texts.
• Latin (1, 2, 3): These modules provide instruction in the ancient Latin language, covering grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension.
• Latin Texts: This module focuses on the analysis and interpretation of ancient Latin texts.

Assessment:

• Taught Modules: Typically assessed by written assignments.

Careers:

The MRes Byzantine Studies program provides excellent preparation for a variety of career paths, both within and outside academia. Graduates have pursued positions as:

• British Academy Postdoctoral Fellows
• University Lecturers (in the UK, EU, and USA)
• Research Staff in Government Departments

Other:

• The program is part of the Centre for Byzantine, Ottoman, and Modern Greek Studies (CBOMGS), which is ranked 8th among Classics departments in the UK in the Research Excellence Framework exercise 2021.
• CBOMGS provides a stimulating environment for cross-disciplinary research and inter-cultural dialogue.
• Postgraduates participate in the weekly General Seminar of the Centre and the Spring Symposium of Byzantine Studies.
• The Barber Institute of Fine Arts holds one of the world's largest collections of Late Roman and Byzantine coins and seas.
• The Cadbury Research library houses a unique collection of manuscripts in Arabic, Greek, and Georgian.
• The University of Birmingham is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits.
• The College of Arts and Law has a dedicated careers and employability team.
• The program is suspended for 2024 entry.

UK: £6,780 full-time International: £21,840 full-time Fees for international students can often be gained through overseas research scholarships, Commonwealth scholarships or their home government.