Ranking
8th
Classics department - REF 2021
Course overview
Immerse yourself in the advanced study of Ancient Greek and Roman civilisations. This course lets you specialise in the area of antiquity that interests you most.
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.
September - December (11 weeks)
Full-time students normally take three modules per term in the first two terms.
There are two hours of seminar time per module per week, and an emphasis on guided independent learning.
One-third of your degree is your dissertation. You begin planning and submit a proposal for your dissertation during term one.
Course highlights
Explore connections across different cultures and historical periods, and between different types of evidence (textual, archaeological, iconographic).
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.
Learn research skills and explore ancient worlds.
Study Greek, Latin or Egyptian as part of your degree.
Gain practical experience handling objects in our collections.
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.
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.
- 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.
Module information
The programme comprises 120 credits of taught modules and a 60-credit dissertation. Modules run for one term, and each module involves a two-hour weekly seminar which you’ll need to attend.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
2025/26 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LM Dissertation (CAHA MA) | 60 | Full Term |
| LM Research Skills & Scholarship | 20 | Semester 1 |
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.
Credits must be balanced evenly across semesters; students choose 40 credits in Semester 1 and 60 credits in Semester 2.
Students wishing to take modules from outside CAHA should first gain the approval of the programme convenor. This will be given provided the student can demonstrate a) that s/he is suitably qualified to take the module(s) in question, and b) that the module(s) form(s) part of a coherent academic programme of study.
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.
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LM Egyptian Language 1 | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Egyptian Language 2 | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Greek 1 | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Greek 2 | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Greek 3 | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Greek Texts | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Latin 1 | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Latin 2 | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Latin 3 | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Latin Texts | 20 | Semester 2 |
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 (CAL).
This list is indicative; not all modules will run each year due to staff availability.
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LH Age of Empires | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LH Death, Burial and Society | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LH Face to face with Egypt’s Gods | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LH War, Peace, and Diplomacy in the Roman World | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Ancient Literary Genres | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Archaeological Theory, Method and Interpretation | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Archaeology of Greece | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Funerary Archaeology | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM Ideas and Ideals in the Roman World | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Slavery in the Ancient World: Approaches to Studying Enslaved People in Ancient Societies | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LM The economies of the Late Roman, Byzantine and Frankish East | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LM Towns, tombs, and temples: the archaeology of ancient Egypt | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Sparta | 20 | Semester 2 |
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:1 Honours degree
in Classics, Archaeology, History or another relevant subject
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.
Fees and scholarships
- £10,900
Full-time
- £5,450
Part-time
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.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
- 31 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non-tier 4 applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Career opportunities
By studying a postgraduate degree in Classics, Ancient History or Archaeology at Birmingham, you’ll develop transferable skills suited to a range of career paths. These skills include the ability to write to tight deadlines, the ability to present a strong argument, plus the ability to research and analyse information.
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
The University is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits [The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers report].
Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique.
Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations.
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.
Student experience
At Birmingham, your university experience isn’t just about studying. You will have the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
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.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation will allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
As one of the original pioneering cities, Birmingham has developed into a melting pot for shopping, food and drink, nightlife, sport, culture, and industry. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.
Campus life
Our green and spacious campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn, relax and socialise. Like a town of its own, just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus, so that you can get the most out of your university experience.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.