Research course

Classics

Institution
University of Birmingham · Department of Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology
Qualifications
MRes

Entry requirements

You should have, or expect to get, a 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant area.

Relevant equivalent study or professional experience can also be considered for entry.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Fascinated by Classics and want to take your interest to the next level? On our MRes, you'll study taught modules with the freedom to pursue your own research proposal exploring classical antiquity.

Develop the skills for both doctoral study and a future career. You'll broaden your knowledge of classical antiquity through taught modules to become a confident independent researcher and you’ll complete a major individual research project supervised by a specialist in the field.
Course highlights

At Birmingham, you'll undertake essential training to support your project.

The taught modules let you develop your research skills and enhance your knowledge of the ancient world and its texts and languages. You’ll develop the key research and language skills to make the transition to becoming a confident Classics researcher.

  • Contribute to Departmental journals and forums for postgraduate students, including an annual conference.
  • Join a diverse department spanning a range of disciplines, including Ancient History, Classics, Byzantine Studies and Archaeology.
  • Deepen your knowledge of classical antiquity via taught modules and undertake your own research thesis, which can be useful for future doctoral research
  • An MRes combines the best of postgraduate taught study with in-depth independent research.
Course delivery

At Birmingham, research and teaching go hand-in-hand. Lecturers and professors continue to research in their field, offering valuable expertise in classics, ancient history and archaeology.

An MRes is a programme that helps you develop the skills for doctoral study and a future career. You’ll complete a major individual research project, supervised by a specialist in the field of study, and a taught component that develops research and analytical skills.

  • Taught modules - each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework and assignment preparation.
  • Seminars – modules are mainly taught by small group teaching.
  • Research thesis– you'll undertake a 20,000-word thesis in an area that interests you.

Information for international students

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:

  • TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
  • Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
  • LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

Fees and funding

The College of Arts and Law is a vibrant community of students and academics, dedicated to ensuring that excellence is rewarded, and that fears about finance do not constrain current or prospective students. For this reason, in addition to University funding schemes, we offer our own College-specific funding initiatives.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • MRes
    part time
    24 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
    full time
    12 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name
Postgraduate enquiry service