Classical Archaeology and Ancient History
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-10-01 | - |
| 2025-01-01 | - |
| 2025-04-01 | - |
Program Overview
The MPhil/PhD in Classical Archaeology and Ancient History at Birkbeck is a postgraduate research degree that allows students to conduct original research and submit a substantial dissertation. The program offers a variety of resources to support research, including regular work-in-progress seminars, courses on ancillary skills, and PhD thesis-writing workshops. The program prepares students for careers in academia, research, museums, cultural heritage institutions, education, and other fields.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This degree offers you the opportunity to:
- Develop highly advanced conceptual skills in the pursuit of new knowledge
- Apply these skills within or beyond academic and scholarly contexts
- Channel your creativity into critical, innovative reasoning
- Develop expertise in research methods and methodologies
- Contribute to your chosen field of study with original research
Current research interests at Birkbeck include:
- Cultural and social history of ancient Greece
- Hellenistic world
- Ancient Italy and Rome
- Reception of the 'classical' past
- Approaches to identity in the ancient world
- Cultural change in the Hellenistic and Roman worlds
Outline:
- Regular work-in-progress seminars
- Courses on ancillary skills (reading medieval and early modern documents, locating sources, languages, computing)
- PhD thesis-writing workshops
- Methodological masterclasses
- Student-organized conferences
- Special courses that teach non-English languages for research
Teaching:
The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Regular meetings with your supervisor(s)
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Masterclasses
- Access to online resources
Careers:
Other:
- The program emphasizes its strong research culture and its proximity to major research institutions.
- Birkbeck was ranked in the top eight universities in the UK for its History research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.
- Students can benefit from a variety of financial support options, including scholarships, loans, and flexible payment plans.
Conclusion:
The Classical Archaeology and Ancient History MPhil/PhD program at Birkbeck offers a rigorous and comprehensive program for students seeking to pursue advanced research in this field. The program's emphasis on research excellence, supportive environment, and diverse learning opportunities make it an ideal choice for aspiring researchers and scholars.
- Part-time home students: £2,539 per year
- Full-time home students: £4,786 per year
- Part-time international students: £7,525 per year
- Full-time international students: £14,885 per year Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases. Fees and finance PhD students resident in England can apply for government loans of over £26,000 to cover the cost of tuition fees, maintenance and other study-related costs. We offer a range of studentships and funding options to support your research.
Birkbeck University of London
Overview:
Birkbeck University of London is a public research university located in central London. It is known for its evening and weekend classes, catering to students who are working or have other commitments. Birkbeck is a member of the prestigious University of London and is recognized for its high-quality teaching and research.
Services Offered:
Birkbeck offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Admissions:
Guidance on entry requirements, financial support, and application procedures.Student Services:
Support with academic and personal matters, including careers advice, financial aid, and disability services.Library:
Access to a comprehensive library with extensive resources and study spaces.Business Services:
Support for businesses and entrepreneurs, including training, consultancy, and networking opportunities.International Students:
Dedicated support for international students, including visa guidance and cultural integration programs.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Birkbeck provides a vibrant and diverse student community with a strong focus on evening and weekend study. Students can expect:
Central London Location:
Access to the city's cultural and social attractions.Flexible Study Options:
Evening and weekend classes to accommodate working students.Supportive Environment:
Dedicated student support services and a welcoming community.Career Development:
Opportunities for career advancement through internships, networking events, and career advice.Key Reasons to Study There:
Prestigious University:
Part of the University of London, renowned for its academic excellence.Flexible Study Options:
Evening and weekend classes for working professionals.Central London Location:
Access to the city's cultural and social attractions.Research-Led Teaching:
High-quality teaching informed by cutting-edge research.Strong Career Support:
Dedicated career services to help students achieve their career goals.Academic Programs:
Birkbeck offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:
Arts:
History, English, Philosophy, Languages, and more.Sciences:
Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, and more.Social Sciences:
Economics, Sociology, Politics, Law, and more.Business:
Management, Finance, Marketing, and more.Humanities:
History of Art, Music, Theatre, and more.Other:
Birkbeck is committed to public engagement and research with impact. The university actively promotes its research findings and engages with the public through events, lectures, and publications.
Entry Requirements:
Academic qualifications:
- Confirmed (or predicted) Merit or above at MA level in ancient history, archaeology, classical studies, classics, history or a related discipline.
- A distinction in the dissertation.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- For non-native English speakers: International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 7.0, with not less than 6.5 in each of the sub-tests and at least 7.0 in writing.
Visa and Funding Requirements:
- For international students:
- Student visa for courses longer than 6 months.
- Standard Visitor visa for courses shorter than 6 months.
Additional notes:
- Part-time students cannot be enrolled in full-time courses if they hold a Student visa.
- Take advantage of the Lifelong Learning Guarantee to receive a discount on tuition fees if you have previously earned a degree from Birkbeck.
Additional resources:
- Find a supervisor
- Find a course
- Come and meet us
- Request a prospectus
- International Students section
- Visa and funding requirements by country
