Swansea University

Classics, 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 Classics enables you to undertake a research project led by your own 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 undertake original research for a thesis up to 40,000 words. This demonstrates original research with a significant contribution to the subject area, and will be related to the languages, literature, philosophy or culture of the classical world, from Homer to the later Roman empire, and the reception of the ancient world in modern culture.

After it is submitted, there is an oral examination of your thesis, a viva voce examination, or viva. We have considerable experience in supervising a wide variety of topics relating to Greek and Roman literature. Particular research strengths at Swansea include ancient narrative literature and the reception of earlier literature in Hellenistic and imperial fiction, Greek tragedy, ancient philosophy, and Greek and Roman political thought.

A number of research groups also offer focus and community for staff and postgraduates: • The Centre for Ancient Narrative Literature (KYKNOS) • 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 study of the civilisations of Greece and Rome. You will develop and hone research skills needed for high-level work in any field of Classics, while skills and training programmes available on campus provide further support. You will have the opportunity to deliver presentations to research students and staff at departmental seminars, and at the School of Culture and Communication Postgraduate conference.

Key highlights

  • Original research thesis of up to 40,000 words, examined by viva
  • Research strengths in ancient narrative, Greek tragedy and ancient philosophy
  • Expertise in Greek and Roman political thought and classical reception
  • Join research centres KYKNOS and GENCAS for focus and community
  • Present work at departmental seminars and a postgraduate conference
  • Strong preparation for progression to PhD-level research

Entry requirements

  • 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

  • Doctoral researcher in Classics
  • Academic researcher
  • Secondary school Classics or Latin teacher
  • Museum or heritage curator
  • Archivist
  • Editor or publishing professional

Cost of study

UK/Home: £5,006 per year | International: £18,250 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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