Classical Studies

The programme consists of two equal parts of 45 credits each, the first consisting of taught modules, and the second a minor research dissertation.

In part one, students take 30 credits of language modules in both Latin and Greek, and 15 credits of modules in areas of Roman history and culture, or the transmission and reception of such, all in translation. Latin and Greek can be taken either at a beginner's level or at some more advanced level. At the more advanced level, the texts studied all relate to the Roman Imperial period.

In part two, students work closely with an academic supervisor to complete a 20,000-word minor research dissertation on a topic of their choosing within the broad area of Classical Studies, taken to include Late Antiquity also.

See also our Postgraduate Diploma in Ancient and Medieval Languages programme which focuses on the development of skills in two or more ancient or medieval languages.

Course Practicalities
There will be an average of 10 hours of language classes or lectures per week, spread throughout the week, during the teaching term. The beginner's module in Latin (LT6001) is taken by a variety of students doing postgraduate programmes run by other departments also.

Why Choose This Course
This is the only MA in Ireland specialising in Classical Studies. The fact that it places such emphasis on the learning of Greek and Latin prepares students particularly well for independent research at the PhD level.

Modules

Further details on the modules listed above can be found in our Book of Modules. Any modules listed above are indicative of the current set of modules for this course but are subject to change from year to year.

University Calendar

You can find the full academic content for the current year of any given course in our University Calendar.

Candidates should hold a Second Class Honours Grade I in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) or equivalent in Ancient History, Greek, Latin, Greek & Roman Civilisation or a related discipline.

Candidates who hold a Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) will also be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) subject to the approval of the programme selection committee.

Some applicants who do not fulfil the usual entry requirements may be invited for interview to satisfy the selection committee of their suitability for the programme.

English Language Requirements
Applicants that are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Please visit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.

For applicants with qualifications completed outside of Ireland
Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.

International/Non-EU Applicants
For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.

In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.
Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.

The closing date for non-EU applications is 30 June 2023

How Do I Apply
1. Check Dates: Check the opening and closing dates for the application process in the fact file boxes at the top of the page.

For Irish and EU applicants we operate a rounds system and you can check the rounds closing dates here.
Note that not all our programmes are subject to the rounds system so check the opening and closing dates for your specific programme in the fact file boxes above.

2. Gather Documents: Scanned copies of supporting documents have to be uploaded to the UCC online application portal and include:

Original qualification documents listed on your application including transcripts of results from institutions other than UCC;
Any supplementary items requested for your course if required.

3. Apply Online: Apply online via the UCC online application portal. Note the majority of our courses have a non-refundable €50 application fee.

Any questions? Use our web enquiry form to contact us.

Additional Requirements (All Applicants)
Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This will include the following questions:

You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held. We strongly encourage you to complete this section with all relevant work experiences that will support your application.

In addition to your previously declared qualifications, please outline any additional academic courses, self-learning and professional training relevant to this programme.

Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.

Please detail your computing/technical/IT skills.
Please add the name and email address of 2 referees.

Assessment in the taught component of the course varies from module to module, but usually combines some form of continuous assessment, whether class tests or essays, with an end of semester examination, with the majority of marks for the final examination. The dissertation, worth half of the total mark, and undertaken under the supervision of a member of staff, reflects the importance of independent research.

1 year Full-time; 2 Years Part-time.

The part-time option will be taught during weekday working hours over 2 years

Start Date: 7 September 2020

Skills and Careers Information
The MA in Classical Studies provides a broad training suited for those interested in careers in the cultural and heritage sectors as well as in the education sector. A good basic knowledge of Latin, combined with an ability to pursue independent research, will prove particularly useful for those involved in the maintenance of museum and library collections, historical archives, and the numismatic trade.

Potential career paths include jobs involving historical archives, museum collections, the numismatic or antique trades, teaching.