27Nov
PostgraduateCourse summary
If you want to expand your understanding of, or research into, classical literature and language then this programme offers you the perfect opportunity to do just that. Our Classics MA also provides postgraduates with the ideal foundation for conducting research at doctoral level. Organised on an intercollegiate basis, this MA programme is jointly run with King’s College London and University College London to enable you to take full advantage of the teaching expertise of all three participating colleges. This tri-collegiate approach offers up an unparalleled range of modules to study: postgraduate units cover Greek and Latin literature and ancient philosophy, as well as key technical skills such as papyrology, epigraphy, and palaeography. Our Classics department has an excellent track record in producing publications that advance the understanding of the ancient world. A thriving and internationally recognised centre of excellence in research and teaching, the department is home to two College Research Centres - Centre for the Reception of Greece and Rome (CRGR) and the Centre for Oratory and Rhetoric (COR). Research in the department covers the whole range of Classical Studies, from Homeric Greece to the very end of the Roman Empire with particular interests in language, literature, history, ancient philosophy as well as Greek and Roman archaeology. In classical language, literature and thought we are particularly well equipped to supervise dissertations on: Homer, epic tradition, Greek drama, the ancient novel, Greek literature under the Roman Empire, ancient rhetoric and oratory, Latin epic and elegy, ancient myth, ancient philosophy (especially Neoplatonism) and classical reception. A global leader in Masters provision, Royal Holloway gives you the opportunity to take part in one of the most extensive programmes of research seminars and training programmes offered by any institution. During your time with us you will be under the careful supervision of our academic staff with access to not only the Royal Holloway library but also the word-class resources of: the Institute of Classical Studies, the Warburg Institute, the British Library, Senate House Library, and other specialised libraries in the School of Advanced Study.
Modules
Core modules Dissertation: This is a piece of original work of 10,000–12,000 words in the field of classical language, literature or thought, or the classical tradition. A two-hour workshop for all students in the first half of Spring Term provides key skills and guidance in developing the dissertation topic, gathering research materials, presenting work, preparing the text of the dissertation etc, and a second two-hour workshop for all students at the beginning of Summer Term checks on progress and provide space for work-in-progress presentation of the topics by the students as well as feedback. During Spring and Summer Term, dissertation supervisors arrange periodic meeting with you every two to four weeks, as needed, to discuss progress, solve issues etc. You will submit a draft of the dissertation to you supervisor by the end of Summer Term for feedback; the summer vacation is then spent making improvements, amendments, and revisions. Research Training in Classics: You will attend a series of seminars which acquaint you with the range of sources available, and methods required, for the advanced study of Classical languages, literature and thought. Thereafter, you will learn how to undertake independent research, and how to present your findings clearly and coherently. Optional modules: In addition to these mandatory course units there are a number of optional course units available during your degree studies.
Assessment method
Assessment is carried out by a variety of methods including coursework, examinations and a dissertation.
Entry requirements
2:1 Successful applicants will usually have the following qualities: An openness to new themes and current interpretations of the classics An ability to relate disparate areas of study and work with different frameworks Previous experience of learning either Greek or Latin for at least one year at undergraduate level. Normally a UK 2:1 (Honours) or equivalent, with experience of Latin or Greek at undergraduate degree level or equivalent. We will consider high 2:2 or relevant work experience. Candidates with professional qualifications in an associated area will also be considered. Where a ‘high 2:2’ is considered, we would normally define this as reflecting a profile of 57% or above.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Republic of Ireland | £14400 | Year 1 |
| EU | £23700 | Year 1 |
| England | £14400 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £14400 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £14400 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £14400 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £14400 | Year 1 |
| International | £23700 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
These tuition fees apply to students enrolled on a full-time basis in the academic year 2025/26. Students studying on the standard part-time course structure over two years are charged 50% of the full-time applicable fee for each study year.
Royal Holloway reserves the right to increase all postgraduate tuition fees annually, based on the UK’s Retail Price Index (RPI). Please therefore be aware that tuition fees can rise during your degree (if longer than one year’s duration), and that this also means that the overall cost of studying the course part-time will be slightly higher than studying it full-time in one year.
This figure is the fee for EU and international students starting a degree in the academic year 2025/26. For further information, please visit: https://royalholloway.ac.uk/studying-here/fees-and-funding/postgraduate/tuition-fees/
These estimated costs relate to studying this particular degree at Royal Holloway during the 2025/26 academic year, and are included as a guide. Costs, such as accommodation, food, books and other learning materials and printing, have not been included.
Sponsorship information
Various full and partial awards may be sought, including AHRB studentships and College scholarships.
Provider information
Royal Holloway, University of London
Egham
TW20 0EX