The Classics and Ancient History MA explores the literature, cultures, history and societies of ancient Greece and Rome and their later reception, whilst delivering transferable skills and training that employers value.
The programme’s modules help you to develop thematic perspectives on the ancient world and understand ideas that inform contemporary research. They build your skills in research and communication, encouraging you to adopt strategies for gathering and organising information, analysing complex evidence, evaluating propositions and articulating arguments for different audiences. As well as pursuing independent research, you will work with fellow students to coordinate and participate in a research colloquium.
You will choose from optional modules focused around the literary, documentary, visual and material culture of ancient Greece and Rome. These modules shed light on the lived experiences of people in Classical antiquity.
Additional options in Classical and Near Eastern Archaeology allow you to expand beyond Greece and Rome to the Mediterranean and the Near East, and to work with objects in our Garstang Museum collection. You can develop skills in ancient Greek or Latin language. You may also apply to study abroad at the British School of Athens or the British School of Rome as an accredited part of your degree.
This variety allows you to tailor the MA to suit your interests, and prepares you for completing a dissertation on the agreed topic of your choice.
The programme is designed for graduates in Classics, Classical Studies, Classical Civilisation, Ancient History and other relevant disciplines who wish to broaden and deepen their understanding of the Classical Greco-Roman world and its legacy.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
On the Classics and Ancient History MA full-time programme you take 30 credits of required modules and two optional modules totalling 30 credits in each semester.
Registration onto language modules is determined by ability level.
Not all combinations of optional modules are possible. For example, you are only permitted to take one of HLAC711, HLAC712 or HLAC713. Therefore for further details on optional module combinations please contact the Programme Lead.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| RESEARCH SKILLS FOR ACE M-LEVEL STUDENTS (ALGY601) | 30 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
On the Classics and Ancient History MA full-time programme you take 30 credits of required modules and two optional modules totalling 30 credits in each semester.
Registration onto language modules is determined by ability level.
Not all combinations of optional modules are possible. For example, you are only permitted to take one of HLAC711, HLAC712 or HLAC713. Therefore for further details on optional module combinations please contact the Programme Lead.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| CONCEPTS AND CONTROVERSIES (CLAH856) | 15 |
| RESEARCH EVENT (CLAH854) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Your dissertation will be completed over the summer period.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| ACE MA AND MSC DISSERTATION (ALGY600) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
The majority of teaching is delivered in seminar format with fellow students, combined with one to one session support from your dissertation supervisor.
Within the core module ‘Research Event’ (CLAH854) you will work together with fellow students to articulate a research question and pursue it through organizing, participating in and reflecting on a research event, or colloquium. Independent study is carried out alongside this via producing a written portfolio. This work enables you to strengthen your research skills and topic-specific knowledge, whilst building key employability skills associated with team work and developing practice-based understanding of event organization.
Optional modules in Classical and Near Eastern Archaeology offer sessions in handling and evaluating archaeological remains.
In years when they are running, full-time students may apply to attend a residential postgraduate course at the British Schools of Athens (CLAH898) or Rome (CLAH899). Places on the courses are awarded by the schools on academic merit. Successful applicants receive practical skills training and develop knowledge and understanding of an aspect of ancient Greece or Rome, and benefit from the expertise, resources and facilities available at an international institute for advanced research.
Optional ancient Greek or Latin language modules involve frequent contact sessions (two or three per week). The different language modules available cater for different levels of prior knowledge, therefore those at complete beginner to advanced levels will be supported in language learning.
You are continually supported in your dissertation work by a dissertation supervisor, who will discuss progress and offer feedback on draft writing.
Assessments are fundamentally research-based; they require students to identify and marshal resources, evaluate and analyse evidence from critically informed perspectives, and to develop robust arguments. This is achieved through a varied portfolio of assessment activities depending on the module.
The optional modules: ‘Truth and Lies’ (CLAH851), ‘Spaces and Places’ (CLAH853), ‘The Body’ (CLAH852) and ‘Praise and Blame’ (CLAH858) require you to complete a 5,000 word essay on a research project. This assessment assists in building towards the longer 15-20,000 word required Dissertation. Optional modules in Classical and Near Eastern Archaeology involve similar essay assessments, plus other assessment tasks such archaeological reports and catalogues.
Optional ancient languages modules involve unseen exams (with a dictionary) to assess linguistic competence and comprehension. From intermediate language level onwards, these are balanced with critical exercises and commentaries to assess interpretation and translation, which include a research component. The language modules are the only modules on the course to assess via exam.
Required modules in Research Skills and Methodologies introduce a range of other activities through which research can be presented and reflected upon in other formats, including blogs, journals, posters, and oral presentations. These varied assessments engage you with the techniques of research appropriate to your subject specialisms whilst familiarising you with different communication strategies and technologies. Through the diverse assessment approach of the programme you are therefore provided with preparation for further research and enhanced employability.
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
The Department of Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology is part of the School of Histories, Languages and Cultures. Teaching takes place across campus, including in specialist facilities in the Central Teaching Hub and Garstang Museum of Archaeology.
Postgraduate students Nadia and Richard discuss their research specialisms on the Classics and Ancient History MA and why they enjoy the course.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
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The programme provides academic training for those seeking a career in the HE sector. It also forms a good background for careers elsewhere in education and in the heritage industry. Graduates will have enhanced skills suitable to a wide range of employment, especially where communication, critical thinking and research are key components of the role. The required module ‘Research Event’ (CLAH854) fosters skills such as event organization, teamwork, leadership and management, which will be transferrable to many future work environments.
With the Classics and Ancient History MA you are well equipped for a wide variety of jobs in sectors such as:
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £11,700
Part-time place, per year - £5,850
Full-time place, per year - £24,100
Part-time place, per year - £12,050
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies..
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
If you’re a UK University of Liverpool graduate joining a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive £3,000 off your tuition fees. You must have graduated in the last two years and received a widening access scholarship during your undergraduate studies.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in Classics (or a closely related subject e.g. Classical Studies/Classical Civilisation, Ancient History). |
| International qualifications |
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this MA, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| Duolingo English Test | 120 overall, with no component below 105 |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 61 overall, with no component below 59 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 overall, with no skill below 65 |
| PSI Skills for English | B2 Pass with Merit in all bands |
| INDIA Standard XII | National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English. |
| WAEC | C6 or above |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 6.0 | 6 weeks | On campus |
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 10 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 6.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 12 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.0, and no component below 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0, for further details.
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Programme Lead: Professor Colin Adams
Last updated 8 November 2024 / / Programme terms and conditions