Overview
The Classics MA course offered by Durham University places a strong emphasis on language training, on theoretically informed approaches to Classical texts, and on practical engagement with your chosen specialism.
The programme
The MA in Classics is principally conceived as a research training course, which aims to build on the skills in independent learning acquired in the course of the student’s first degree and enable them to undertake fully independent research at a higher level. Contact time with tutors for taught modules is typically a total of 5 hours per week (rising to 7 for someone beginning Latin or ancient Greek at this level), with an emphasis on small group teaching, and a structure that maximises the value of this time, and best encourages and focuses the student’s own independent study and preparation. On average, around 2 hours a week of other relevant academic contact (research seminars, dissertation supervision) is also available.
At the heart of the course is the Dissertation module, in which students write a 15,000 word dissertation of a research topic of their own devising. Core research training and support for students’ dissertation research is provided through the Dissertation seminars. These are weekly classes which in the first term introduce the range of research methods and resources available to someone working in the field of Classics, and over the year build the research skills needed for the dissertation. The classes comprise a mixture of lectures, student-led discussions and student presentations, and are tailored to the individual research interests of each cohort. In addition, students are matched with an individual Dissertation supervisor, who will be an expert in their field of interest, and from whom they will receive an additional five hours of individual dissertation supervision over the year.
Programme Structure
Core modules:
- Language module in an ancient or modern language relevant to research in the area of Classics
- Dissertation
Examples of optional modules:
- Ancient Philosophers on Origins
- Animals in Graeco-Roman Antiquity
- Aristotle’s Systems
- Dreams in the Ancient World
- Forms After Plato
- Latin Love Elegy
- Law and Literature in Ancient Greece and Rome
- Greeks and the East
- Monumental Architecture of the Roman East
- Religious Life in The Roman Near East
Key information
Duration
- Full-time
- 12 months
- Part-time
- 24 months
- Flexible
Start dates & application deadlines
- StartingApply anytime.
Language
Credits
Delivered
Disciplines
Languages General Studies & Classics View 113 other Masters in General Studies & Classics in United KingdomAcademic requirements
English requirements
Other requirements
General requirements
Subject requirements, level and grade
- A 2.1 honours degree in a relevant subject or international equivalent.
- Since all postgraduate degrees are meant to build on your undergraduate work, we ask for a previous degree in a 'relevant' subject. For the MA programme in Ancient Philosophy, you must have studied this field at the highest level of your undergraduate course.
Tuition Fee
-
International
24000 GBP/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 24000 GBP per year during 12 months. -
National
10800 GBP/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 10800 GBP per year during 12 months.
Part Time Fees
- EU students: £5,940 per year
- Island students students: £13,200 per year
Living costs for Durham
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
Studyportals Tip: Students can search online for independent or external scholarships that can help fund their studies. Check the scholarships to see whether you are eligible to apply. Many scholarships are either merit-based or needs-based.