Taught course
Classics and Ancient History
Entry requirements
You’ll need a bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) or equivalent qualification, preferably in a Arts or Humanities related degree. We will consider applicants across the entire scope of subjects in arts and humanities.
Related subjects:
Ancient & Classical Studies: Ancient History, Classics, Classical Civilisation, Ancient Languages (Latin, Ancient Greek), Archaeology
Philosophy, Religion & Thought: Philosophy, Theology, Religious Studies
History & Cultural Studies: History, Art History, Social History, Medieval Studies, Renaissance Studies, Cultural Studies, Heritage Studies, Cultural Heritage Management
Literature & Language: English, Literature, Comparative Literature, Modern Languages, Linguistics, Philology, Translation Studies.
Other subjects:
Arts & Performance: Drama and Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Fine Art, Visual Culture, Performance Studies, Creative Writing, Design, Architecture
Social Sciences: Anthropology, Sociology, Political Science, International Relations, Education, Gender Studies, Human Geography
Heritage/Cultural Management & Digital Fields: Museum and Gallery Studies, Library and Information Studies, Digital Humanities, Media and Communication
We will also consider applicants with relevant experience, an interest in the study of the ancient world broadly defined or coming from an area of expertise to which the study of classics and ancient history is complementary.
We welcome applicants from a diverse range of subject disciplines so please do not hesitate to apply if your subject is not listed. If you have any questions about subjects we will accept, please contact our admissions team.
All applicants will be required to respond to the questions in the supporting statement section of the online application form to explain why you wish to study this particular course and your career plans. Relevant professional experience may also be considered. We may request additional documentation to inform our decision.
Months of entry
September
Course content
From the epic poetry of Homer to the archaeology of the Roman Empire, the MA in Classics and Ancient History at Leeds offers you the opportunity to study the ancient Mediterranean world in all its diversity. Spanning literature, history, philosophy, religion, and material culture, this programme allows you to explore the ancient world on your own terms, supported by expert staff and access to exceptional local resources.
Classics at Leeds is grounded in a rich tradition of interdisciplinary teaching and research. You’ll encounter a range of approaches to the ancient past — from critical text-based methods to new ways of thinking about gender, empire, reception, and materiality. You’ll be encouraged to engage with ancient sources in their original languages or in translation, and to consider how the past continues to shape the present.
Leeds is uniquely positioned as the only university in the region offering a dedicated MA in Classics and Ancient History. Students benefit from close working relationships with partners in the city, and the University’s Cultural Collections, which house rare books and artefacts from the ancient world. Through these partnerships, you'll have the opportunity to undertake placements and pursue original research using real archival material.
Whether you’re preparing for doctoral study or careers in education, heritage, or the wider cultural sector, this MA provides a flexible, research-led foundation for advanced engagement with the ancient world — and for becoming part of a vibrant, supportive academic community.
Course highlights
- Research-led teaching in a distinctive regional setting: As the region’s leading centre for postgraduate study in Classics and Ancient History, Leeds provides distinctive opportunities for advanced study and public engagement in the humanities.
- Access to rare and valuable materials: Students have hands-on access to the University’s Cultural Collections — including coins, papyri, early printed books, and artefacts relating to the ancient world — and will have opportunities to undertake placements with partner organisations outside the university as part of the optional Classics in Public Life module.
- Flexible, interdisciplinary study: Alongside dedicated core modules, students can choose from optional language, literature, or history modules. These are based on our full suite of Level 3 undergraduate modules, giving you maximum choice of topics, but with enhanced postgraduate supervision tailored to your interests and prior experience.
- Supportive, research-active staff community: Our academic team includes experts in ancient history, ancient languages, classical literature, ancient philosophy, classical reception studies, and more — offering students the chance to engage with a broad range of research specialisms and participate in the vibrant research culture of the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies.
- Industry work experience opportunities: Enhance your career prospects and give your CV that competitive edge before you graduate with the chance to undertake an optional work placement, gaining invaluable hands-on experience that’s attractive to employers.
Guaranteed work experience
While studying at Leeds, you’ll have the chance to work with a business and gain consultancy experience as part of a 2-week virtual Global Industry Programme.
As well as giving you the opportunity to build key industry connections, you’ll also develop invaluable professional and practical skills that are highly valued by employers.
Qualification, course duration and attendance options
- MA
- full time12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
Course contact details
- Name
- Admissions Team
- lcspg@leeds.ac.uk