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Postgraduate Programmes

MA in Classics

The MA in Classics can be taken full-time in
one year, or part-time over two years.

For further information go to myUCD


The MA programme consists of 90 credits (60 credits for a Graduate Diploma):


10 credits Research Skills
50 credits Seminar/language modules
30 credits Thesis
Recent seminar modules include:
Ancient Materialities; Exploring New Worlds;
Greek Political Thought; The Epic Tradition;
The Plays of Euripides; Warfare & Society
UCD School of Classics is home to the UCD Classical
Museum, the only museum of Classical Antiquities on the island of Ireland. This
unique collection of artefacts is regularly used for undergraduate and postgraduate
teaching.


The Museum is also open to the public.

UCD students who achieve a First Class GPA will qualify for a discretionary bursary worth €1000 towards their MA Classics fees.

Further information:

Email enquiries to: Dr Martin Brady, Head of School (martin.brady@ucd.ie)

Structure

The MA in Classics at UCD is a Level 9, 90 ECTS degree. The programme consists of 40 credits of core modules and 50 credits of option modules. The core modules are two Research Skills modules and a thesis. Options are chosen from seminars and/or language modules, detailed below. The School uses a variety of assessment strategies at MA level that include oral presentation, extended essay, critical analysis, learning journal, podcast and artefact study. Some language modules are assessed by class tests and end-of-semester exams.

Seminar Modules (10 credits each)

The themes of the seminar modules reflect the research interests of the members of staff (NB – these options may vary depending on staff availability and student demand). Emphasis is on participation and debate in an informal small-group environment, and you will have the opportunity to engage closely with key primary and secondary material. You may take up to 50 credits of seminar modules during your MA.

Seminar modules for 2022/23:
  • GRC40010 Warfare and Society (Dr Philip de Souza)
  • GRC40190 The Epic Tradition (Dr Martin Brady)
  • GRC40250 The Age of Marius and Sulla (Dr Alexander Thein)
  • GRC40310 Political Thought (Dr Christopher Farrell)
  • GRC40330 Exploring New Worlds (Dr Helen Dixon)

Options for the current academic year can be seen (opens in a new window)here.

Language Modules (10 credits each)

No prior knowledge of ancient languages is required, and we offer beginners’ modules in both Latin and ancient Greek. If you have already studied ancient Greek or Latin, you can take our Advanced Language modules, which provide you with the opportunity to work on unadapted texts. You may take up to 40 credits of Greek and/or Latin from the (opens in a new window)list of modules that the School offers, so the MA in Classics at UCD offers an excellent opportunity for students to read widely in these languages. Language modules are strongly recommended for anyone intending to proceed to a research degree.

Thesis Module (30 credits)

The thesis is an opportunity to conduct your own research, and so is the most rewarding aspect of the programme. You will write 12,000 – 15,000 words on a topic of your choosing relating to any aspect of the ancient world. During your programme of study you will work closely with your assigned thesis supervisor, who will have research expertise in this area. We encourage students to think about possible thesis topics before they arrive in September, so please feel free to consult any member of staff in advance. Research interests of our staff can be seen here. The thesis is due for submission at the end of your MA programme, in August. Examples of recent MA theses include:

  • The Comic Female Stereotype in Classical Athens
  • Beekeeping in Ancient Greece
  • James Joyce’s Classical Background and his Use of Ancient Satire
  • Debt in Second and First Century BC Rome
  • Philhellenism and Felicitas in Plutarch’s Life of Lucullus
  • Punishments of Mutinies in the Roman Army
  • Conspicuous Construction: Monumentality and the Mycenaean Collapse of 1200 BC
  • Cicero’s Use of Humour in his Pro Murena and Pro Caelio Speeches          
Programme Duration

It is possible to study for the MA in Classics full time over one year (code Z044) or part-time over two years (code Z105). As a full-time student, you will take two 5-credit Research Skills modules in the Autumn Trimester and a 30-credit thesis module. In addition, you may take one 10-credit seminar module and one 10-credit language module per semester. If you are not taking a language option, you may take two seminar modules in each semester instead.

As a part-time student, in your first year you must take two 5-credit Research Skills modules in the first trimester and at least two further 10-credit options (either seminar or language modules). In the second year you will take the 30-credit thesis module plus enough seminar and/or language modules to complete your 90 credits.

It is possible to exit the MA programme with a 60-credit Graduate Diploma in Classics if you are unable to complete your thesis.

Entry Requirements

The minimum qualification for admission to the MA in Classics at UCD is an upper second class (II.1 = GPA 3.08) or equivalent in an appropriate degree. It may be possible on occasion to make offers to applicants who do not meet these criteria, subject to references, informal interview and availability of places. Potential students with alternative experiences may also be considered, and should contact us for further information. Non-native English speakers must demonstrate an overall IELTS score of 6.5 or above, with no band lower than 6.0 (or equivalent). A (opens in a new window)pre-sessional programme or pre-masters programme in intensive English for academic purposes is available for conditional offer holders who do not meet the admission requirements.

How to Apply

Application is online via (opens in a new window)UCD Graduate Admissions. To apply you will need to fill in the online form and pay the administration fee, list two referees, and include a c.500 word personal statement. Your BA results/transcripts will also be required once you have graduated.

The deadline for applications for a September start in each academic year is the 30th June of that year, although late applications may be considered subject to availability of places. Please contact the School Graduate Coordinator in the first instance if you are seeking to make a late application.

Contact

For more information or queries, please contact the School of Classics Graduate Studies Co-ordinator, Assoc. Professor Philip de Souza, philip.desouza@ucd.ie / +353 1 716 8170) or the School of Classics office (tasneem.filaih@ucd.ie / +353 1 716 8166). The UCD Graduate Open Day is an annual event for prospective postgraduates, but we are happy to show you around or talk to you about any aspect of the programme or UCD at other times too – let us know when you’ll be in Dublin!

Links

For more general information about postgraduate studies in UCD, see Graduate Admissions.

Students from outside Ireland will find further useful information at UCD Global.

Fees, Funding and Scholarships

For information about fees for the MA in Classics, please visit UCD Fees. The Graduate Admissions Fees, Funding and Scholarships page may also be useful.

The School of Classics offers two 50% and four 25% fee remission scholarships to outstanding non-EU applicants. Your application will automatically be assessed and your offer letter will include any scholarship. Please note: to be considered for one of these awards, you must apply before April 30th.

A UCD student who has achieved the best mark in Latin, Greek, or Greek and Roman Civilisation (and which must be a First) in their BA degree and who continues to a MA programme here will be considered for a BA Graduate Scholarship. Some North American students may be eligible for Federal Loans to study at UCD.

MA students are eligible to apply for the annual travel bursaries awarded by the Irish Institute of Hellenic Studies at Athens, which support a period of thesis-related research in Greece.

Careers

An MA in Classics can serve as an end in itself or will prepare you for the more advanced research required for doctoral studies. The skills you acquire in data collection, critical analysis, written and oral presentation are all highly valued by employers across a wide range of fields, and our graduates have found employment in careers in the heritage and museum sector, education, archaeology, civil service, IT, media and banking.

Testimonial

Kaylin Testimonial Pic MA Page

Kaylin Bednarz, USA, MA in Classics 2017

“The UCD School of Classics appealed to me because of the structure of the Master’s programme, and especially its Classical Museum. The museum is a fantastic resource that I was able to utilise both in class and on a volunteer basis. Being able to study the artifacts first hand is a benefit to anyone interested in museums, archaeology, and Classics. The faculty is open to student involvement, and this greatly impacted me during my time in the museum, as I was encouraged to research and publish an article about some of the museum collection. The overall support of the faculty is extraordinary and they have created an environment that helps students thrive. The MA in Classics at UCD is perfect for anyone interested in the classical world.”

For further information on the MA, please click (opens in a new window)here.

General Information

Accommodation

UCD College of Arts and Humanities Graduate School

(opens in a new window)UCD Students' Union

Appeals Process

(opens in a new window)Conflict Resolution

Classical Soc - Main page image

Classics_MA_2

MLitt in Classics

For further information go to myUCD

The MLitt is a two-year full-time (Z109) or four-year part-time (Z141) research programme, leading to the production of a thesis of 40,000 to 60,000 words that describes and analyses the context, nature, methodology and outcomes of your research. You will work closely with your supervisor for the duration of your studies, as well as meeting regularly with your Research Masters Panel. You will have meetings with your supervisor at least once a month during a trimester to review progress. Faculty in the School of Classics have a wide range of research interests and expertise, including Roman Republican history, ancient sea-faring and warfare, Aegean Bronze Age and Greek archaeology, epic poetry, Greek history, Greek drama, ancient scientific and technical writing, and the reception of antiquity. When you join our community of postgraduates, you will have access to all the facilities of the largest university in the country and enjoy our location in a vibrant capital city.

Although the MLitt is predominantly a research degree, you will also undertake formal training in research skills and ancient language(s), as well as other relevant taught modules; you may take up to 90 credits of taught modules during your MLitt.

MLitt students may transfer to the PhD after completing one year of research, subject to the recommendation of the supervisor and the approval of the Head of School. All transfers are considered by an Assessment Panel, and decisions approved by the College Graduate School Board.

As an MLitt student in the School of Classics, you will have access to our dedicated research student study room, equipped with library and desk space. You will also be able to access libraries in other Irish universities. There may be the opportunity for you to gain experience tutoring, i.e. small group teaching for some of our BA modules. We are the only university in Ireland with a Classical Museum, which is actively used in our teaching and learning and can provide you with skills in the handling, analysis and presentation of material culture. Interested students can avail of the opportunity to assist in the Museum’s outreach work with schools.

We host several lecture series throughout the year, such as the UCD Classics Research Seminar and the Classical Museum Seminar Series, and there are plenty of other events of interest to postgraduate students including those organised by the (opens in a new window)UCD Classical Society, the (opens in a new window)Irish Hellenic Society, the (opens in a new window)Irish Institute for Hellenic Studies at Athens, and the (opens in a new window)Classical Association of Ireland. All of these provide opportunities for postgraduates to present their own work as well as listen to national and international scholars. Our Dublin location also means that is is easy to attend theatres for adaptations of ancient drama, as well as a range of museums and galleries for diverse cultural events.

Entry Requirements

Admission to the MLitt in Classics at UCD requires you to hold an MA or other Masters degree in a relevant subject, and a BA degree or equivalent of at least II.1 (GPA 3.08). Applicants may also be required to possess a basic level of ancient Greek or Latin, depending on their proposed topic. Potential students with alternative experiences may also be considered, and should contact us for further information. Non-native English speakers must demonstrate an overall IELTS score of 6.5 or above, with no band lower than 6.0 (or equivalent). A (opens in a new window)pre-sessional programme or pre-masters programme in intensive English for academic purposes is available for conditional offer holders who do not meet the admission requirements.

How to Apply

Before applying, you must contact the School of Classics Graduate Coordinator in the first instance, outlining your academic experience to date and your proposed area of research and supervisor. Pending approval of the Graduate Coordinator, you will then work with your proposed supervisor to produce a research proposal. Application for the MLitt in Classics is online via (opens in a new window)UCD Graduate Admissions. To apply you will need to fill in the online form and pay the administration fee, list two referees, and include a research proposal, personal statement, copies of your BA and MA transcripts, and IELTS certificates if necessary. NB: you MUST have consulted with your proposed supervisor and have their support BEFORE you apply.

You may commence an MLitt in September, January or May of each year, although September is recommended as it is the start of the academic year. Please apply four to five months prior to your preferred start date to allow time to process your application.

Contact

For more information or queries, please contact the School of Classics Graduate Studies Co-ordinator, Assoc. Prof Professor Philip de Souza, philip.desouza@ucd.ie  / +353 1 716 8670) or the School of Classics office (tasneem.filaih@ucd.ie / +353 1 716 8166). The UCD Graduate Open Day is an annual event for prospective postgraduates, but we are happy to show you around or talk to you about any aspect of the programme or UCD at other times too – let us know when you’ll be in Dublin!


Links

For more general information about postgraduate studies in UCD, see Graduate Admissions.

Students from outside Ireland will find further useful information at UCD Global.

Fees, Funding and Scholarships

For information about fees for the MLitt in Classics, please visit UCD Fees. The Graduate Admissions Fees, Funding and Scholarships page may also be useful.

The (opens in a new window)Irish Research Council provides funding for research degrees at Irish universities. These awards require the support of your proposed supervisor, and you should consult with them on the feasibility of an application.

You will be eligible to apply for the annual travel bursaries awarded by the Irish Institute of Hellenic Studies at Athens, which support a period of thesis-related research in Greece.

Careers

An MLitt in Classics serves as an end in itself, allowing you to spend several years researching a topic of particular interest to you. The skills you acquire in the course of your studies, however, such as data collection and research, critical analysis, and written presentation are all highly valued by employers across a wide range of fields. For example, Classics graduates have found employment in careers in the heritage and museum sector, education, archaeology, civil service, IT, media and banking.

For futher information on the MLitt, please click (opens in a new window)here.

General Information

Accommodation

UCD College of Arts and Humanities Graduate School

Graduate Studies Website - General Information

(opens in a new window)UCD Students' Union

Appeals Process

(opens in a new window)Conflict Resolution

PhD in Classics

For further information go to myUCD

The PhD is a four-year full-time, or six-year part-time, research
programme, leading to the production of a thesis of c.100,000 words that makes an original
and substantial contribution to knowledge.
The MLitt is a two-year full-time, or four-year part-time, research programme, leading to the
production of a thesis of 40,000 to 60,000 words that describes and analyses the context,
nature, methodology and outcomes of the research topic. MLitt students may transfer to the
PhD after completing one year of research, subject to approval.


Recent PhD; MLitt thesis topics include:


Sexual Violence in Greek Literature
Panhellenism and Greek Identity in Isocrates
Roman Auxiliaries from Caesar to Gallienus
Hunting Iconography in Early Greek Art
Imagery in Virgil and Mauriac
The Ancient Greek Farmstead
UCD School of Classics is home to the UCD Classical Museum, the only museum of
Classical Antiquities on the island of Ireland.

The minimum entry qualification for the PhD and MLitt programmes is an MA degree and a
BA degree (or equivalent) of at least Upper Second Class (2.1/GPA 3.08), in Classics or a
cognate area. Applicants may also be required to possess a basic level of ancient Greek or
Latin, depending on their proposed topic. Potential applicants should contact the Head of
School in the first instance, outlining their academic experience to date and the proposed
area of research and supervisor.

Further information:

Email enquiries to: Dr Martin Brady, Head of School (martin.brady@ucd.ie)

Entry Requirements

Admission to the PhD in Classics at UCD requires you to hold an MA or other Masters degree in a relevant subject, and a BA degree or equivalent of at least II.1 (GPA 3.08). Applicants may also be required to possess a basic level of ancient Greek or Latin, depending on their proposed topic. Potential students with alternative experiences may also be considered, and should contact us for further information. Non-native English speakers must demonstrate an overall IELTS score of 6.5 or above, with no band lower than 6.0 (or equivalent). A (opens in a new window)pre-sessional programme or pre-masters programme in intensive English for academic purposes is available for conditional offer holders who do not meet the admission requirements.

How to Apply

Before applying, you must contact the School of Classics Graduate Coordinator in the first instance, outlining your academic experience to date and your proposed area of research and supervisor. Pending approval of the Graduate Coordinator, you will then work with your proposed supervisor to produce a research proposal. Application for the PhD in Classics is online via (opens in a new window)UCD Graduate Admissions. To apply you will need to fill in the online form and pay the administration fee, list two referees, and include a research proposal, personal statement, copies of your BA and MA transcripts, and IELTS certificates if necessary. NB: you MUST have consulted with your proposed supervisor and have their support BEFORE you apply.

You may commence a PhD in September, January or May of each year, although September is recommended as it is the start of the academic year. Please apply four to five months prior to your prefered start date to allow time to process your application.

Contact

For more information or queries, please contact the School of Classics Graduate Studies Co-ordinator, Assoc. Professor Professor Philip de Souza, philip.desouza@ucd.ie  / +353 1 716 8670) or the School of Classics office (tasneem.filaih@ucd.ie / +353 1 716 8166). The UCD Graduate Open Day is an annual event for prospective postgraduates, but we are happy to show you around or talk to you about any aspect of the programme or UCD at other times too – let us know when you’ll be in Dublin!

Links

For more general information about postgraduate studies in UCD, see Graduate Admissions.

Students from outside Ireland will find further useful information at UCD Global.

Fees, Funding and Scholarships

For information about fees for the PhD in Classics, please visit UCD Fees. The Graduate Admissions Fees, Funding and Scholarships page may also be useful.

The (opens in a new window)Irish Research Council provides funding for research degrees at Irish universities. These awards require the support of your proposed supervisor, and you should consult with them on the feasibility of an application.

You will be eligible to apply for the annual travel bursaries awarded by the Irish Institute of Hellenic Studies at Athens, which support a period of thesis-related research in Greece, as well as the(opens in a new window) National University of Ireland Travelling Studentships.

Careers

A PhD in Classics serves as an end in itself, allowing you to spend several years researching a topic of particular interest to you. The skills you acquire in the course of your studies, however, such as data collection and research, critical analysis, and written presentation are all highly valued by employers across a wide range of fields. For example, Classics graduates have found employment in careers in the heritage and museum sector, education, archaeology, civil service, IT, media and banking.

For further information on the PhD, please click (opens in a new window)here.

Examples of Recent and Current PhD Topics

General Information

Accommodation

UCD College of Arts and Humanities Graduate School

Graduate Studies Website - General Information

(opens in a new window)UCD Students' Union

Appeals Process

(opens in a new window)Conflict Resolution

UCD School of Classics

Newman Building (Room K211), University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
T: +353 1 716 8166 | E: tasneem.filaih@ucd.ie