Swansea University

Ancient History, MA by Research

Swansea UniversitySingleton Park Campus, United Kingdom

Course overview

Start dates: 1st October, 1st January, 1st April & 1st July. An MA by Research in Ancient History enables you to undertake a research project led by your own historical passions and interests. Your project will take one year full-time or two years part-time.

It is suitable if you want to undertake a first research degree as a culmination of taught studies, or if you are considering further research in form of a PhD. You will submit a thesis of up to 40,000 words, demonstrating original research with a significant contribution to the subject area. This is followed by an oral examination of the thesis.

You can study a topic related to the history, culture, or archaeology of the classical world, from Mycenaean Greece to the fall of the Roman Empire. Our expertise spans from the ancient cultures and languages of Egypt, Greece, and Rome, to the history of late twentieth and early twenty-first-century Europe. The research of our staff and postgraduates is integral to the life of the department, making Swansea a dynamic and stimulating place to study.

A number of research groups also offer focus and community for staff and postgraduates: • The Centre for Medieval and Early Modern Research (MEMO) • The Centre for research into Gender in Culture and Society (GENCAS) Working at an elite academic level, you are introduced to key concepts and interpretative techniques shaping the study of ancient civilisations in the modern world. You will develop and hone research skills needed for high-level work in any field of ancient history, and the skills and training programmes available on campus provide further support. As a research student, you are required to attend valuable skills and training courses.

You will have the opportunity to deliver presentations to research students and staff at departmental seminars, and at the Postgraduate conference.

Key highlights

  • Self-directed research project shaped by your own historical interests
  • Thesis of up to 40,000 words followed by an oral examination
  • Topics span Mycenaean Greece to the fall of the Roman Empire
  • Staff expertise covers ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman cultures and languages
  • Present research at departmental seminars and the Postgraduate conference
  • Research groups include MEMO and GENCAS for postgraduate community

Entry requirements

  • Degree: 2:1 — to include related subject; or above
  • Additional condition: interview — …synopsis/proposal submitted by the applicant, their performance at interview (if required), intensity of competition for limited places and relevant professional experience (where appropriate).

Scholarships

  • Chevening Scholarships

  • International Postgraduate Alumni Bursaries

    First Class - £5,000 per year; Second Class, First division - £3,000 per year; Second Class, Second division - £1,000 per year; Taught Masters to Research Degree - £3,000 per year subject to satisfactory progress.

  • Swansea University International Postgraduate Research Excellence Scholarship (SUIPRES)

    The SUIPRES Scholarship covers the difference between the International and the Home tuition fee rate for the duration of the PhD/Professional Doctorate programme.

Careers this course leads to

  • PhD researcher
  • Archivist
  • Museum curator
  • Heritage officer
  • History teacher
  • Research assistant

Cost of study

UK/Home: £5,006 per year | International: £19,000 per year

Admission

Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Swansea University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.

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