Teaching & modules

Modules

Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 180 credits.

Required modules

  • Research training in Classics OR Research Training in Classical Reception (30 credits)
  • Dissertation (60 credits)

Optional modules

In addition, you are required to take 90 credits from a range of optional modules, which may typically include the following topics:

  • Beginners’ Ancient Greek for Research (30 credits)
  • Intermediate Ancient Greek for Research (30 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)
  • Alexander’s Afterlife (15 credits)
  • Persepolis: a cultural biography of the 'wonder of the East' (15 credits)
  • Greek Religion
  • Classical Frontiers: Northern Black Sea in Antiquity (15 credits)
  • Pompeii and Herculaneum: History, Society & Afterlife (15 credits)
  • Greek Epigraphy (15 credits)
  • Roman Britain
  • Christian persecution: Violence and memory under Rome (15 credits)
  • Engaging Greece: experiencing the past and responding to the present
  • Black Classicisms
  • Greek Sculpture and its Legacy (30 credits)
  • The Art of Making: Craft Production from Classical Antiquity to Today (30 credits)
  • Ancient Painting (15 credits)
  • Ancient Mosaics: Making and Meaning (30 credits)
  • Living in Byzantium (15 credits)
  • Exhibiting Classical Antiquities (15 credits)
  • The City of Rome (British School at Rome Postgraduate Course) (30 credits)

You can also choose from the many 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 the King’s Language Centre. All subject to approval.

Teaching methods - what to expect

Lectures
Seminars
Independent study
Supervision

As a full-time student, we will typically provide you with eight to nine hours of teaching each week through lectures and seminars, 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 around 575 hours of independent study.

Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.

Assessment

  • Coursework essays
  • Individual or group presentations
  • Written examinations

Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework essays, individual or group presentations, and written examinations

Application closing date guidance

Key Information

Course type:

Master's

Delivery mode:

In person

Study mode:

Full time / Part time

Duration:

One year full-time, two years part-time, September to September

Application status:

Open

Start date:

September 2026