Classical Studies

Our MA in Classical Studies is either a one-year degree, taken full-time, or a two-year degree, taken part-time. It allows students to develop language skills in both Latin and Greek, while also developing their knowledge of the history, art, and literature of the Roman Imperial period and of the manner in which these were transmitted through the medieval and into the modern periods. It better equips students with the research and writing skills necessary in order to undertake a PhD in some aspect of 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, you will 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, you work closely with an academic supervisor to complete a 20,000-word minor research dissertation on a topic of your choice within the broad area of Classical Studies, taken to include Late Antiquity also.

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.

Closing Date: Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.

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: 9th September 2024

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.