Classical Studies

Course Outline

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.



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.

Requirements

Applicants 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.



Applicants 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 an interview to satisfy the selection committee of their suitability for the programme.



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.



English Language Requirements

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

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



Non-EU Closing Date

Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. 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.

Start Date: 8th September 2025

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.