Classics and Ancient History MRes

Develop the skills for both doctoral study and a future career. You'll broaden your knowledge of classical antiquity and ancient history through taught modules to become a confident independent researcher. You’ll also complete a major individual research project supervised by a specialist in the field. 

Course structure

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

The taught modules let you develop your research skills and enhance your knowledge of the ancient world and its texts and languages. You’ll develop the key research and language skills to make the transition to becoming a confident Classics and Ancient History researcher. 

• Contribute to Departmental journals and forums for postgraduate students, including an annual conference.                                         
• Join a diverse department spanning a range of disciplines, including Ancient History, Classics, Byzantine Studies and Archaeology.             
• Deepen your knowledge of classical antiquity via taught modules and undertake your own research thesis, which can be useful for future doctoral research 
• An MRes combines the best of postgraduate taught study with in-depth independent research.

Benefit from our breadth of research expertise

Birmingham's Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology department is one of the few UK university departments that brings together the study of ancient Greece, Rome and Egypt. We also combine antiquity studies with Byzantine studies.

You'll learn from academic experts with broad research interests across classics and archaeology. Our extensive academic expertise in the history, cultures and languages of the ancient world means we can support lots of research thesis topics, offering you the freedom to explore the area of classical antiquity or ancient history that interests you most.  

An MRes is a programme that helps you develop the skills for doctoral study and a future career.

You’ll complete a major individual research project, supervised by a specialist in the field of study, and produce a 20,000-word thesis in an area that interests you. You’ll also complete a taught component that develops research and analytical skills.

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.

2026/27 Session

The following must be taken:

Students must choose 40 credits of optional modules at an appropriate level. This may include up to 40 credits of ancient language modules. We expect students doing a language-based thesis will take at least 20 credits of language options.

Ancient Language modules:

Students with no prior language experience may choose 20 or 40-credits of either Greek or Latin from the following:

Students with A-level Greek and Latin or equivalent may take the following:

Students with more advanced experience than A-level Greek and Latin may choose the following:

You should have, or expect to get, a 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant area.

Relevant equivalent study or professional experience can also be considered for entry.

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 or a Presessional English course.

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

If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term.  Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2026 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.

Tuition fee deposits for international students

International students undertaking a postgraduate taught degree are required to pay a tuition fee deposit before an electronic Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued.

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.

When proposing your own research topic you’ll need to make sure the department offers the necessary expertise. We ask that you contact the programme director via the ‘Ask us a question’ form to discuss your research proposal before you submit your application.

If there is a good fit between your proposed research and our research strengths, we’ll be able to give you advice on a draft of your research proposal, and potential supervisors, before you make a formal application.

When contacting a member of our staff, it would be helpful to include the following:

• A draft research proposal or a summary of your research ideas
• Details of university-level qualifications and any relevant professional experience
• Details on how you propose to fund your research

Please contact only one member of staff in the first instance.

Find a supervisor

A summary of our key research areas, and staff working within those, can be found below.

• Byzantine, Ottoman and modern Greek studies
• Egyptology
• Heritage
• History, literature and culture of Classical and Hellenistic Greece
• History, literature and culture of the Late Republic and Early Empire
• History of rhetoric
• Inter-state religion in the Ancient World
• Mortuary and Funerary Archaeology
• Prehistoric and early historic Europe
• Reception of the Ancient World
• Urbanism and the ancient city
• Wetland archaeology and environments of Northwest Europe

Research proposal

The research proposal is a key part of your application, so take your time. Your potential supervisors will use it to decide if your research is something they can support.

Your proposal should be a clear and concise summary of your research. It generally consists of an outline of your proposed research project, including your main research questions and the methods you intend to use.

You should also comment on the potential impact and importance of your intended research and on how your work would interact with current trends in your academic field. It should illustrate the relevance of your topic to the research interests and expertise of the staff within your chosen department. 

The word count is typically 1,000-1,500 words for Arts programmes and around 2,500 words for Law programmes. 

Submitting your application 

We have put together some helpful information on the research programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

If you experience any difficulties with the application process and contacting potential supervisors, please contact us via the "Ask us a question" form.

Our Classics postgraduate students have gone on to work in careers such as 'Heritage Development Support Officer', Archaeological Specialist' and 'News Editor' in organisations such as West Midlands Historic Buildings Trust, the Royal Shakespeare Company, and Huffpost. 

The University has commissioned Cturtle as our data partner for tracking our alumni destinations. The data above is a subset from 43,666 alumni who completed their course up to 31 July 2024.

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.