Classics, Ph.D. / M.Phil.

A PhD or MPhil in Classics enables you to undertake a substantial research project led by your own passions and interests. The PhD takes three years full-time or six years part-time, and the MPhil takes two years full-time or four years part-time. You submit a thesis of up to 100,000 words for PhD assessment and 60,000 words for MPhil assessment, demonstrating original research with a significant contribution to the subject area.

This is followed by an oral examination of the thesis (a viva voce examination, or viva). You will conduct original research 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. We have extensive experience of 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. Working at an elite academic level, you will be introduced to key concepts and interpretative techniques shaping study of the civilisations of Greece and Rome. This programme develops research skills needed for high-level work in any field of classics or classical civilisation, and you will be supported by a range of skills and training programmes available on campus.

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) 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. You may also have the chance to teach undergraduate tutorials and seminars from the second year, for which you receive training and payment.

Financial support is also provided (subject to approval) for attending conferences or conducting research away from Swansea.