ClassicsMRes

Develop the skills for both doctoral study and a future career. You'll broaden your knowledge of classical antiquity through taught modules to become a confident independent researcher and you’ll complete a major individual research project supervised by a specialist in the field. 

Course structure

The course runs over 12 months full-time on campus. You can also study this programme on a part-time basis.

The taught modules let you develop your research skills and enhance your knowledge of the ancient world and its texts and languages. You’ll develop the key research and language skills to make the transition to becoming a confident Classics researcher. 

• Contribute to Departmental journals and forums for postgraduate students, including an annual conference.                                         
• Join a diverse department spanning a range of disciplines, including Ancient History, Classics, Byzantine Studies and Archaeology.             
• Deepen your knowledge of classical antiquity via taught modules and undertake your own research thesis, which can be useful for future doctoral research 
• An MRes combines the best of postgraduate taught study with in-depth independent research.

Benefit from our breadth of research expertise

Birmingham's Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology department is one of the few UK university departments that brings together the study of ancient Greece, Rome and Egypt. We also combine antiquity studies with Byzantine studies. You'll learn from academic experts with broad research interests across classics and archaeology. Our extensive academic expertise in the history, cultures and languages of the ancient world means we can support lots of research thesis topics, offering you the freedom to explore the area of classical antiquity that interests you most.  

An MRes is a programme that helps you develop the skills for doctoral study and a future career.

You’ll complete a major individual research project, supervised by a specialist in the field of study, and produce a 20,000-word thesis in an area that interests you. You’ll also complete a taught component that develops research and analytical skills.

The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.

As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.

2025/26 session

The following must be taken:

Students must choose 40 credits of optional ancient language modules at an appropriate level.

All optional lists are indicative; not all modules will run each year due to staff availability.

Language module selection will depend on previous experience/qualifications as outlined below

Students with no prior language experience choose 40-credits of EITHER LM Greek or LM Latin from the following:

Students with A-level Greek and Latin or equivalent may take 40-credits in Greek OR Latin from the following:

Students with post A-level Greek and Latin experience may take 40-credits from the following:

You should have, or expect to get, a 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant area.

Relevant equivalent study or professional experience can also be considered for entry.

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

English Presessional Programmes

Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.

The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Postgraduate Masters Loan

To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.

When proposing your own research topic you’ll need to make sure the department offers the necessary expertise. Before you submit your application, we ask that you contact the programme director in the first instance via the ‘Ask us a question’ button above, to discuss your research proposal. 

If there is a good fit between your proposed research and our research strengths, we’ll be able to give you advice on a draft of your research proposal, and potential supervisors, before you make a formal application.

When contacting a member of our staff, it would be helpful to include the following:

• A draft research proposal or a summary of your research ideas
• Details of university-level qualifications and any relevant professional experience
• Details on how you propose to fund your research

Please contact only one member of staff in the first instance.

Find a supervisor

A summary of our key research areas, and staff working within those, can be found below.

• Byzantine, Ottoman and modern Greek studies
• Egyptology
• Heritage
• History, literature and culture of Classical and Hellenistic Greece
• History, literature and culture of the Late Republic and Early Empire
• History of rhetoric
• Inter-state religion in the Ancient World
• Mortuary and Funerary Archaeology
• Prehistoric and early historic Europe
• Reception of the Ancient World
• Religion and ritual
• Urbanism and the ancient city
• Wetland archaeology and environments of Northwest Europe

Research proposal

The research proposal is a key part of your application, so take your time. Your potential supervisors will use it to decide if your research is something they can support.

Your proposal should be a clear and concise summary of your research. It generally consists of an outline of your proposed research project, including your main research questions and the methods you intend to use.

You should also comment on the potential impact and importance of your intended research and on how your work would interact with current trends in your academic field. It should illustrate the relevance of your topic to the research interests and expertise of the staff within your chosen department. 

The word count is typically 1,000-1,500 words for Arts programmes and around 2,500 words for Law programmes. 

Submitting your application 

We have put together some helpful information on the research programme application process and supporting documents on our how to apply page. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.

If you experience any difficulties with the application process and contacting potential supervisors, please contact us via the "Ask us a question" form above.

Our Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology graduates enter many roles, including:

• Project archaeologist
• Researcher
• Civil servant

Employers our Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology graduates have worked for include:

• Headland Archaeologists
• Government departments

Careers Network

Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.