Antiquity (Classics and Ancient History)MA

Study the ancient world in greater depth and prepare for a career in areas such as cultural heritage or further academic research.  

Course structure

The course runs over 12 months full-time. You can also study this programme on a part-time basis.

You’ll gain the tools to make independent interpretations of primary evidence and study at least one classical language module, giving you the skills to immerse yourself fully in ancient sources. You’ll also develop the key research skills to manage your own independent research project confidently.   

• Access a range of learning resources including environmental and material culture teaching collections and our Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology Museum. 
• Explore your specific interests through our choice of modules and through your dissertation topic.   
• Join a lively postgraduate community and enhance your learning by taking part in events, research seminars and academic conferences.  
• Learn from experts undertaking highly regarded research - we were ranked as the 8th Classics department in the UK in the Research Excellence Framework exercise 2021 based on research rated 4*, according to Times Higher Education.

Get involved in the postgraduate community

Learn from highly qualified and experienced experts involved in current regional, national and international research. You’ll also join an active postgraduate community. Take part in regular events and academic conferences, enabling you to enhance your research and presenting skills and make valuable connections for your future.  

• 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.
• Dissertation – you'll undertake a 12,000-word dissertation in an area that interests you.

The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.

As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.

2025/26 session

The following must be taken:

Students choose 100 credits of optional modules, 40 credits of which must be ancient language modules and at least 20 credits of either Greek or Latin.

All optional lists are indicative; not all modules will run each year due to staff availability.

Students choose 40 credits from the below ancient language modules.

Language module selection will depend on previous experience/qualifications, e.g. students with no previous experience can take LM Greek 1 and 2, OR LM Latin 1 and 2. Students with A Level Greek and Latin (or equivalent) can take LM Greek 3 and LM Greek Texts, OR LM Latin 3 and LM Latin Texts. Students with post A Level Greek and Latin (or equivalent) will normally take LM Greek Texts AND LM Latin Texts, but could also combine LM Egyptian Language 1 AND Either LM Greek texts OR LM Latin Texts.

Students choose a further 60 credits of optional modules, of which 60 credits normally to be taken in Classics/Ancient History, OR 40 credits from Classics/Ancient History, plus 20 credits from any CAHA modules student is suitably qualified to take; or 20 credits optional modules from another Department/School, taken from within modules offered by the College of Arts and Law.

This list is indicative; not all modules will run each year due to staff availability.

We normally require a 2:1 degree, or equivalent, in a discipline relevant to the selected pathway, such as Classics, Archaeology or History.

English language requirements

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

English Presessional Programmes

Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.

The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Postgraduate Masters Loan

To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.

Birmingham Masters Scholarships

We want to welcome the brightest talent to our postgraduate community. That’s why our Birmingham Masters Scholarships award £3,000 to more than 300 students each year.

Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.

Our Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology graduates enter many roles, including:

• Project archaeologist
• Researcher
• Civil servant

Employers our Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology graduates have worked for include:

• Headland Archaeologists
• Government departments

Careers Network

Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.