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Classical Civilisation at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS

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2026 - 2027
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

Our MA Classical Civilisation is ideal if you have no prior knowledge of Greek and Latin but are keen to undertake advanced study of the classical world at postgraduate level. Throughout the course, you will explore politics and culture, religion, sex and sexuality, the writing of history, and the reception of classical culture in the modern world. Why choose this course?

  • Taught by world-leading academics working at the cutting edge in their fields, this course encourages you to interrogate the meanings that have been attached to the classical past.
  • Our strong links with the British Museum mean representation of classical antiquity in London’s museums is a particular focus.
  • Through our partnership with the British School at Rome, you will have the chance to apply to take an eight-week residential ‘City of Rome’ postgraduate course as an option - please note that acceptance on the course is competitive and you will need to fund your own travel and accommodation.
What you will learn If you are a graduate with a longstanding fascination in the Greco-Roman world, but you have not had the chance to study it formally or only have undergraduate training in the field, then this course is for you. Within a broadly chronological framework, we offer you the chance to explore multiple aspects of ancient Greek and Roman history and culture, from the archaic period through the classical era to late antiquity, including Greek and Latin literature and the archaeology and material culture of the ancient Mediterranean. You will be able to follow your interests choosing from a range of option modules, including the opportunity to learn Greek or Latin, if you wish. How you will learn This course is available to study full- or part-time and is taught via evening seminars. These usually include a presentation by the tutor as well as wide-ranging discussion of issues related to the set readings. Some option modules may involve daytime site visits and student presentations to offer you the opportunity to develop your presentation skills and learn how to give and receive feedback in discussion. You will also complete a dissertation on a topic of your choice, with the support of a supervisor. Highlights
  • Birkbeck was ranked in the top eight universities in the UK for its History research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.
  • Our research is unique in its range across geographical and chronological boundaries. We are the only university in London to include historians, classicists, archaeologists and art historians in the same team of academics who investigate every period from prehistory to the early twenty-first century. We see the study of the past as crucial for our understanding of present-day society, culture and politics.
  • We are at the heart of academic London with access to unparalleled research resources and situated close to . Situated very close by are: the Institute of Classical Studies, with its library, training facilities and seminars; the British Museum, with its extensive collection of classical antiquities; and the British Library, the largest national library in the world.
Careers and employability On graduating with this MA Classical Civilisation, you will have gained an array of important transferable skills, including:
  • composing a well-reasoned and evidenced argument in writing
  • advanced research skills
  • making critical judgements in relation to limited and partial evidence
  • critically interrogating the claims made by others.
Studying this course will prepare you for roles in a range of fields and professions including:
  • teacher
  • museum curator
  • civil service fast streamer
  • non-fiction published author.

Modules

For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.

Assessment method

Assessment is by four essays and a dissertation of 15,000-16,000 words. Every module has an attendance requirement, so you will need to attend at least 60% of classes in order to pass.

How to apply

International applicants

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, the requirement for this programme is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses, foundation programmes and language support services to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.

Entry requirements

A second-class honours degree (2:2) or above in an arts subject. No previous knowledge of Greek or Latin is required. We will also normally consider social science and science graduates, and applicants with other qualifications. We offer a one-year Graduate Certificate in History, which can be used as a conversion course if you want to study at postgraduate level but have a degree in a significantly different discipline. Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.

English language requirements

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

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

To be confirmed
Classical Civilisation at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS