Please note the course details apply to 2025 entry. Details for 2026 entry for our postgraduate courses will be published from mid-October 2025.
Ancient History MA
Key information
Delivery mode:
In person
Study mode:
Full time
Part time
Duration:
One year full-time, two years part-time, September to September
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent):
UK 180/ECTS 90
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2025
Our Ancient History MA offers you the opportunity to study Greek, Roman and near-Eastern history at an advanced level. Your Master’s in Ancient History has just one required taught module, which will teach you how to use and refine numerous techniques and skills to analyse and interpret a range of historical sources. For the rest of the MA, you’ll be free to choose your own taught programme from a broad list of optional modules and then finish it with a dissertation on a topic that you choose. This is a University of London intercollegiate course which pulls in the very best ancient history expertise from King’s alongside UCL, Royal Holloway and the Institute of Classical Studies. You’ll meet academics and colleagues from across London and get to choose modules that are taught by each institution.
Key benefits
- Study in one of the UK's largest and oldest departments of Classics. Classics has been taught on the Strand for over 200 years.
- Join a Classics department that’s ranked first in the UK for research excellence (REF 2021) and 4th in the UK for Classics Departments in the QS World Rankings 2024.
- Enjoy an unrivalled location for the study of the ancient world, thanks to London's unique range of specialist libraries, museums and galleries.
- Choose from an extraordinarily wide list of modules, drawing on the resources of the whole of the University of London.
- Complete a master’s that leads to further research or careers in education, journalism, finance, politics and the cultural sector.
“The level of dedication of King’s is unparalleled. Teachers have been supportive and interesting. They encourage lively discussion, entertain your views and guide you in the right direction to pursue further research.”
This Master’s in Ancient History is an intercollegiate course from the University of London. This means you’ll get access to ancient history experts from not just King’s but also UCL, Royal Holloway and the Institute of Classical Studies. This also gives you an extraordinarily wide list of optional modules to choose from, with teaching offered across institutions. By taking the Ancient History MA at King’s, you’ll become part of the best Classics department in the country for research excellence—and one of the largest and oldest in the UK. You’ll get to tap into our extensive expertise not only in history but also in archaeology, literature, and thought, with specialisms right across the ancient world. This is particularly beneficial when it comes to your dissertation. You’ll be empowered to tackle a research question that most interests you, and you’ll be supported to do so by a Classics department with proficiency in most aspects of ancient history. During your Ancient History Master’s, you’ll only study one required taught module, which will introduce you to ancient history sources and methods. You’ll learn how to work with sources such as ancient historical writers, fragments of Greek texts from ancient Egypt, and inscriptions in the British Museum while you develop your critical approaches to evidence and learn how to conduct your own research. The rest of your Ancient History MA is comprised of optional modules and a dissertation at the end of the year. You’ll have to pick one or two Ancient History modules from a curated list that covers a range of topics. At King’s, for example, topics range from Greek religion to ancient Persepolis to Christian persecution in Rome to the frontiers of the ancient world on the Black Sea and Britain. You’ll also be able to select optional modules from related MAs at UCL, Royal Holloway and the Institute of Classical Studies. You will then select more optional modules either in ancient history or from a wider list including archaeology, literature and reception options that typically explore topics such as exhibiting classical antiquities, Greek sculpture and its legacy, Hellenistic poetry, Roman comedy, Pompeii, and Herculaneum or Black Classicisms. If you have ambitions to take your study of ancient history further, there are modules that will advance your technical skills in the handling of documentary evidence, for example, in epigraphy or papyrology. It’s also possible to learn Ancient Greek and Latin for research at a beginner or intermediate level and to pick one module from the King's Language Centre. Alongside your Ancient History Master’s study, you’ll also get access to the world-class research library at the Institute of Classical Studies and be invited to the rich programme of seminars, conferences and lectures which it hosts, as well as events at King’s. You can also get involved with the Greek Play. Performed every year since 1953, it’s a fun way to get experience in production and performance. There are other exciting extracurricular opportunities available, such as those offered by the Classics Society.
Base campus
Strand Campus
Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
Awarding Institutions
King's College London and Affiliates
Regulating bodies
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
UK applicants
Standard requirements
A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
Programme-Specific Requirements
2:1 BA degree with honours in Classics, Classical Studies, Ancient History, Classical Archaeology, History or a closely related subject.
In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree with a final mark of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme. If you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme.
High Desirable:
It is highly desirable for candidates to have had experience of learning one or more relevant ancient languages. This may be as part of school or undergraduate education, or through a summer school.
International applicants
Equivalent International qualifications
English language requirements
English language band:
C
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Selection process
Applications must be made online using King's Apply, the Admissions Portal. A non-refundable application fee of £85 applies.
We do not usually interview applicants, but we do encourage you to visit the department before applying, or after we have made you an offer. Alternatively we can arrange to talk to you by video call. We aim to process all applications within four weeks although this may take longer in February and March, and over holiday periods.
Personal statement and supporting information
You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
| Personal Statement | Yes |
Please provide a personal statement of around 750 words, answering the following questions: Briefly explain why you are applying for this specific programme and how it fits with your future plans? (max 250 words) How does your experience and education make you a suitable candidate for this programme? (max 250 words) Please say a little about your preferred options & specialisation within the course? (max 250 words) Please write these questions as separate answers, with a clear title for your answer to each question. Documents where your answers are not clearly titled and separated will not be accepted. |
|---|---|---|
| Previous Academic Study | Yes | A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents. |
| References | Yes | One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. In some cases, we may request an additional reference from you. |
| Other | Optional | Applicants may wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of their application |
Teaching methods - what to expect
The course consists of a required module, Sources & Methods in Ancient History, three to six optional modules and a dissertation. The first and last of these will provide you with concentrated training in research techniques and methodology. You will have the opportunity to study texts in the original languages as well as in translation. Besides purely ancient historical topics, you may take modules from our master’s courses in Classics and the Ancient World and Classical Art & Archaeology . You may also be able to take appropriate modules from other master’s courses at King’s.
If you have ambitions to take your study of ancient history further, there are modules on this course that you will find especially valuable on papyrology, epigraphy, and palaeography. These will advance your technical skills in the handling of documentary evidence. You can also choose to take modules in Greek and Latin languages at beginners or intermediate level.
Research Seminars
In the Department of Classics we run a research seminar series (which we encourage MA students to attend), where you will learn about the current research of our academic staff and PhD students. Our Department also regularly hosts major research conferences with speakers from around the world.
Personal Tutor
At King’s all students on a taught programme are allocated a personal tutor who will play a key role in helping you to get the most out of your studies, providing support and encouragement for your time at university.
Personal tutors provide you with the opportunity periodically to take stock of your learning, academic progress and general wellbeing as you progress through your studies, offering guidance on how to seek further support if you need it, and how to access the range of opportunities available to you as a King's student.
Dissertation Supervision
During your first term at King’s you will need to decide on your MA dissertation subject, if you have not done so before you arrive. The dissertation can be related to work you are doing in a taught module, or it can be in a completely different area. On the basis of your chosen subject area we will assign you a supervisor from the Department of Classics who will discuss the topic with you and oversee your work on it.
If you are a part-time student, at the beginning of your second year at King’s you will need to decide on your MA dissertation subject, if you have not done so before you arrive. The dissertation can be related to work you are doing in a taught module, or it can be in a completely different area. On the basis of your chosen subject area we will assign you a supervisor from the Department of Classics who will discuss the topic with you and oversee your work on it.
Greek Play
Every year (since 1953) students in the Department of Classics have produced and performed a Greek play - the only production in the UK to be performed annually in the original Greek. Read more about the Greek Play (and its history) at King’s: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/classics/about/greekplay
Teaching
If you are a full-time student, you will be provided with six to eight hours of lectures and seminars each week and we will expect you to undertake 35 hours of independent study. For your dissertation we will provide five hours of supervision and we will expect you to undertake 575 hours of independent study. Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
If you are a part-time student, depending on the number of modules you take each term, you will be provided with three to four hours of lectures and seminars each week and we will expect you to undertake 15-20 hours of independent study. For your dissertation we will provide five hours of supervision and we will expect you to
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work
Assessment
- Coursework
- Written/Practical Examinations
- Coursework essays
- Presentations
- Written examinations
Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include coursework essays, individual or group presentations and written examinations.
We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.
Dissertation Supervision
If you are a full-time student, during your first term at King’s you will need to decide on your MA dissertation subject, if you have not done so before you arrive. The dissertation can be related to work you are doing in a taught module, or it can be in a completely different area. On the basis of your chosen subject area we will assign you a supervisor from the Department of Classics who will discuss the topic with you and oversee your work on it.
If you are a part-time student, at the beginning of your second year at King’s you will need to decide on your MA dissertation subject, if you have not done so before you arrive. The dissertation can be related to work you are doing in a taught module, or it can be in a completely different area. On the basis of your chosen subject area we will assign you a supervisor from the Department of Classics who will discuss the topic with you and oversee your work on it.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Structure
Required modules
You are required to take:
Dissertation (60 credits)
Optional modules
In addition, students are required to choose modules totalling 30 credits from a range of History modules that typically includes:
Greek Religion (15 credits)
Greek Epigraphy (15 credits)
Students are also required to take 60 credits from a range of options that may typically include:
Black Classicisms (15 credits)
Hellenistic Poetry (15 credits)
Latin Literary Letters (15 credits)
The Ancient Pantomime Dancer (15 credits)
Roman Comedy (15 credits)
Medieval Latin Literature (30 credits)
Engaging Greece: Experience the past and responding to the present (30 credits)
Greek Sculpture and its Legacy (30 credits)
The Art of Making: Craft Production from Classical Antiquity to Today (30 credits)
Living in Byzantium: (15 credits)
You can also choose from the MA modules offered by: • University College London Department of Greek & Latin • University College London Department of History • University College London Institute of Archaeology • Royal Holloway University London Department of Classics • Royal Holloway University London Department of History • Institute of Classical Studies You may also choose to take 15 credits from King's Language Centre. All subject to approval. As a part-time student, you will take Sources and Methods in Ancient History in your first year, along with 45 to 60 credits of optional modules. In your second year, you will take your dissertation module and a further 30 to 45 credits of optional modules.
King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
Employability
This Ancient History MA provides a solid foundation for further study, and it’s possible to continue your studies to further research.
Other graduates with a master’s in ancient history have worked in a range of industries, including:
- Teaching
- Journalism
- Cultural management
- Financial sector
- Civil service
- The Foreign Office
Tuition Fees
UK:
Full time: £13,500 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £6,750 per year (2025/26)
International:
Full time: £30,000 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £15,000 per year (2025/26)
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.
Deposit
If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.
- If you receive an offer before March, payment is due by 20 March.
- If you receive an offer between 1 March and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 21 May and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.
If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.
Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.
King’s Bridge Scholarship
King’s College London offers King’s Bridge Scholarships, covering full-time or part-time tuition fees for selected Arts & Humanities master’s programmes. Open to home students from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds. Learn more.
Additional Costs
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
- books if you choose to buy your own copies
- clothing for optional course related events and competitions
- library fees and fines
- personal photocopies
- printing course handouts
- society membership fees
- stationery
- travel costs for travel around London and between campuses
- graduation costs
Funding
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
This Master’s in Ancient History is an intercollegiate course from the University of London. This means you’ll get access to ancient history experts from not just King’s but also UCL, Royal Holloway and the Institute of Classical Studies. This also gives you an extraordinarily wide list of optional modules to choose from, with teaching offered across institutions. By taking the Ancient History MA at King’s, you’ll become part of the best Classics department in the country for research excellence—and one of the largest and oldest in the UK. You’ll get to tap into our extensive expertise not only in history but also in archaeology, literature, and thought, with specialisms right across the ancient world. This is particularly beneficial when it comes to your dissertation. You’ll be empowered to tackle a research question that most interests you, and you’ll be supported to do so by a Classics department with proficiency in most aspects of ancient history. During your Ancient History Master’s, you’ll only study one required taught module, which will introduce you to ancient history sources and methods. You’ll learn how to work with sources such as ancient historical writers, fragments of Greek texts from ancient Egypt, and inscriptions in the British Museum while you develop your critical approaches to evidence and learn how to conduct your own research. The rest of your Ancient History MA is comprised of optional modules and a dissertation at the end of the year. You’ll have to pick one or two Ancient History modules from a curated list that covers a range of topics. At King’s, for example, topics range from Greek religion to ancient Persepolis to Christian persecution in Rome to the frontiers of the ancient world on the Black Sea and Britain. You’ll also be able to select optional modules from related MAs at UCL, Royal Holloway and the Institute of Classical Studies. You will then select more optional modules either in ancient history or from a wider list including archaeology, literature and reception options that typically explore topics such as exhibiting classical antiquities, Greek sculpture and its legacy, Hellenistic poetry, Roman comedy, Pompeii, and Herculaneum or Black Classicisms. If you have ambitions to take your study of ancient history further, there are modules that will advance your technical skills in the handling of documentary evidence, for example, in epigraphy or papyrology. It’s also possible to learn Ancient Greek and Latin for research at a beginner or intermediate level and to pick one module from the King's Language Centre. Alongside your Ancient History Master’s study, you’ll also get access to the world-class research library at the Institute of Classical Studies and be invited to the rich programme of seminars, conferences and lectures which it hosts, as well as events at King’s. You can also get involved with the Greek Play. Performed every year since 1953, it’s a fun way to get experience in production and performance. There are other exciting extracurricular opportunities available, such as those offered by the Classics Society.
Base campus
Strand Campus
Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
Awarding Institutions
King's College London and Affiliates
Regulating bodies
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
UK applicants
Standard requirements
A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
Programme-Specific Requirements
2:1 BA degree with honours in Classics, Classical Studies, Ancient History, Classical Archaeology, History or a closely related subject.
In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree with a final mark of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme. If you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme.
High Desirable:
It is highly desirable for candidates to have had experience of learning one or more relevant ancient languages. This may be as part of school or undergraduate education, or through a summer school.
International applicants
Equivalent International qualifications
English language requirements
English language band:
C
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Selection process
Applications must be made online using King's Apply, the Admissions Portal. A non-refundable application fee of £85 applies.
We do not usually interview applicants, but we do encourage you to visit the department before applying, or after we have made you an offer. Alternatively we can arrange to talk to you by video call. We aim to process all applications within four weeks although this may take longer in February and March, and over holiday periods.
Personal statement and supporting information
You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
| Personal Statement | Yes |
Please provide a personal statement of around 750 words, answering the following questions: Briefly explain why you are applying for this specific programme and how it fits with your future plans? (max 250 words) How does your experience and education make you a suitable candidate for this programme? (max 250 words) Please say a little about your preferred options & specialisation within the course? (max 250 words) Please write these questions as separate answers, with a clear title for your answer to each question. Documents where your answers are not clearly titled and separated will not be accepted. |
|---|---|---|
| Previous Academic Study | Yes | A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents. |
| References | Yes | One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. In some cases, we may request an additional reference from you. |
| Other | Optional | Applicants may wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of their application |
Teaching methods - what to expect
The course consists of a required module, Sources & Methods in Ancient History, three to six optional modules and a dissertation. The first and last of these will provide you with concentrated training in research techniques and methodology. You will have the opportunity to study texts in the original languages as well as in translation. Besides purely ancient historical topics, you may take modules from our master’s courses in Classics and the Ancient World and Classical Art & Archaeology . You may also be able to take appropriate modules from other master’s courses at King’s.
If you have ambitions to take your study of ancient history further, there are modules on this course that you will find especially valuable on papyrology, epigraphy, and palaeography. These will advance your technical skills in the handling of documentary evidence. You can also choose to take modules in Greek and Latin languages at beginners or intermediate level.
Research Seminars
In the Department of Classics we run a research seminar series (which we encourage MA students to attend), where you will learn about the current research of our academic staff and PhD students. Our Department also regularly hosts major research conferences with speakers from around the world.
Personal Tutor
At King’s all students on a taught programme are allocated a personal tutor who will play a key role in helping you to get the most out of your studies, providing support and encouragement for your time at university.
Personal tutors provide you with the opportunity periodically to take stock of your learning, academic progress and general wellbeing as you progress through your studies, offering guidance on how to seek further support if you need it, and how to access the range of opportunities available to you as a King's student.
Dissertation Supervision
During your first term at King’s you will need to decide on your MA dissertation subject, if you have not done so before you arrive. The dissertation can be related to work you are doing in a taught module, or it can be in a completely different area. On the basis of your chosen subject area we will assign you a supervisor from the Department of Classics who will discuss the topic with you and oversee your work on it.
If you are a part-time student, at the beginning of your second year at King’s you will need to decide on your MA dissertation subject, if you have not done so before you arrive. The dissertation can be related to work you are doing in a taught module, or it can be in a completely different area. On the basis of your chosen subject area we will assign you a supervisor from the Department of Classics who will discuss the topic with you and oversee your work on it.
Greek Play
Every year (since 1953) students in the Department of Classics have produced and performed a Greek play - the only production in the UK to be performed annually in the original Greek. Read more about the Greek Play (and its history) at King’s: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/classics/about/greekplay
Teaching
If you are a full-time student, you will be provided with six to eight hours of lectures and seminars each week and we will expect you to undertake 35 hours of independent study. For your dissertation we will provide five hours of supervision and we will expect you to undertake 575 hours of independent study. Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
If you are a part-time student, depending on the number of modules you take each term, you will be provided with three to four hours of lectures and seminars each week and we will expect you to undertake 15-20 hours of independent study. For your dissertation we will provide five hours of supervision and we will expect you to
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work
Assessment
- Coursework
- Written/Practical Examinations
- Coursework essays
- Presentations
- Written examinations
Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment may typically include coursework essays, individual or group presentations and written examinations.
We will use a delivery method that will ensure students have a rich, exciting experience from the start. Face to face teaching will be complemented and supported with innovative technology so that students also experience elements of digital learning and assessment.
Dissertation Supervision
If you are a full-time student, during your first term at King’s you will need to decide on your MA dissertation subject, if you have not done so before you arrive. The dissertation can be related to work you are doing in a taught module, or it can be in a completely different area. On the basis of your chosen subject area we will assign you a supervisor from the Department of Classics who will discuss the topic with you and oversee your work on it.
If you are a part-time student, at the beginning of your second year at King’s you will need to decide on your MA dissertation subject, if you have not done so before you arrive. The dissertation can be related to work you are doing in a taught module, or it can be in a completely different area. On the basis of your chosen subject area we will assign you a supervisor from the Department of Classics who will discuss the topic with you and oversee your work on it.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
Structure
Required modules
You are required to take:
Dissertation (60 credits)
Optional modules
In addition, students are required to choose modules totalling 30 credits from a range of History modules that typically includes:
Greek Religion (15 credits)
Greek Epigraphy (15 credits)
Students are also required to take 60 credits from a range of options that may typically include:
Black Classicisms (15 credits)
Hellenistic Poetry (15 credits)
Latin Literary Letters (15 credits)
The Ancient Pantomime Dancer (15 credits)
Roman Comedy (15 credits)
Medieval Latin Literature (30 credits)
Engaging Greece: Experience the past and responding to the present (30 credits)
Greek Sculpture and its Legacy (30 credits)
The Art of Making: Craft Production from Classical Antiquity to Today (30 credits)
Living in Byzantium: (15 credits)
You can also choose from the MA modules offered by: • University College London Department of Greek & Latin • University College London Department of History • University College London Institute of Archaeology • Royal Holloway University London Department of Classics • Royal Holloway University London Department of History • Institute of Classical Studies You may also choose to take 15 credits from King's Language Centre. All subject to approval. As a part-time student, you will take Sources and Methods in Ancient History in your first year, along with 45 to 60 credits of optional modules. In your second year, you will take your dissertation module and a further 30 to 45 credits of optional modules.
King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
Employability
This Ancient History MA provides a solid foundation for further study, and it’s possible to continue your studies to further research.
Other graduates with a master’s in ancient history have worked in a range of industries, including:
- Teaching
- Journalism
- Cultural management
- Financial sector
- Civil service
- The Foreign Office
Tuition Fees
UK:
Full time: £13,500 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £6,750 per year (2025/26)
International:
Full time: £30,000 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £15,000 per year (2025/26)
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.
Deposit
If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.
- If you receive an offer before March, payment is due by 20 March.
- If you receive an offer between 1 March and 20 May, payment is due within one month of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 21 May and 15 July, payment is due within two weeks of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer between 16 July and 10 August, payment is due within one week of receiving the offer.
- If you receive an offer from 11 August onwards, payment is due within three days of receiving the offer.
If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.
Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.
King’s Bridge Scholarship
King’s College London offers King’s Bridge Scholarships, covering full-time or part-time tuition fees for selected Arts & Humanities master’s programmes. Open to home students from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds. Learn more.
Additional Costs
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
- books if you choose to buy your own copies
- clothing for optional course related events and competitions
- library fees and fines
- personal photocopies
- printing course handouts
- society membership fees
- stationery
- travel costs for travel around London and between campuses
- graduation costs
Funding
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
Application closing date guidance
We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that there is sufficient time for your application to be assessed and we may need to request further information from you during the application process.
The final application deadlines for this programme are:
· Overseas (international) fee status: 25 July 2025 (23:59 UK time)
· Home fee status: 25 August 2025 (23:59 UK time)
If the programme becomes full before the final application deadlines stated above, we will close the programme to further applications. Please note, you will not be eligible for an application fee refund if we are unable to process further offers because places are filled and we close the course before the final application deadline.
Key information
Delivery mode:
In person
Study mode:
Full time
Part time
Duration:
One year full-time, two years part-time, September to September
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent):
UK 180/ECTS 90
Application status:
Open
Start date:
September 2025
Contact us
Related departments
Open days and events
Chat with current students and King's staff to find out about the courses we offer, life at King's and ask any questions you may have.
explore more
Find out more about our King's accommodation
Discover your accommodation options and explore our residences.
Chat to students and staff
Chat to current students and staff to find out about life at King's.
Connect with a King’s Advisor
Want to know more about studying at King's? We're here to help.
Learning in London
King's is right in the heart of the capital.