Ranking
8th
Classics department REF 2021
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Course overview
Uncover the past and join an active research community conducting archaeological work across Europe, the Mediterranean, and beyond. On our MRes you'll pursue your own research project and take taught modules to develop your subject knowledge and research skills.
Develop the skills for both doctoral study and a future career. You'll broaden your knowledge of archaeology 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.
September - December (11 weeks)
Two-thirds of your degree is your research thesis. You’ll also take three taught modules during the first two terms of the MRes.
Course highlights
At Birmingham, you can investigate a research topic of your choice, guided and supported by academic supervisors at all stages of your project. We'll consider all potential archaeological subject areas and advise you on viability and the best ways to develop your project designs.
Archaeology staff in the Department of Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology are experts in all areas of British and European prehistoric archaeology. We also offer research expertise in Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Byzantine archaeology.
Our thematic specialisms include fields as diverse as mortuary and funerary archaeology, the archaeology of ritual and religion, wetland archaeology, environmental archaeology, landscape archaeology, and GIS and geophysical methods.
- Develop research skills and capabilities relevant for all professional fields in Archaeology and Heritage.
- Our Department of Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology was ranked 8th in the UK Research Excellence Framework Exercise 2021, based on research rated 4* (Times Higher Education).
- An MRes combines the best of postgraduate taught study with in-depth independent research.
Contribute to Departmental journals and forums for postgraduate students.
Access our vast archaeology collections in the University library.
Discover a broad range of archaeological thematic research areas.
Benefit from our breadth of research expertise
We offer a range of research specialisms in Birmingham's Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology department. You'll learn from academic experts with broad research interests across classics and archaeology.
Our extensive academic expertise in areas includes British and north-west European Neolithic, Bronze Age and Iron Age prehistoric archaeology, as well as thematic specialisms like wetland, environmental and landscape archaeology.
This means we can support lots of research thesis topics. Discover the freedom to explore the area of classical antiquity that interests you the most.
Course delivery
At Birmingham, research and teaching go hand-in-hand. Lecturers and professors continue to research in their field, offering valuable expertise in Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology.
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 a taught component that develops research and analytical skills.
- Taught modules - each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework and assignment preparation.
- Seminars – modules are mainly taught by small group teaching.
- Research thesis– you'll undertake a 20,000-word thesis in an area that interests you.
Module information
The programme comprises 60 credits of taught modules and a research thesis. Modules run for one term, and you’ll take three modules during the MRes alongside your research thesis.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
2025/26 session
Students choose 40 credits of optional modules.
All optional lists are indicative; not all modules will run each year due to staff availability.
You will also study one compulsory module (this is currently under review and will be updated soon).
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:1 Honours degree
in a relevant subject
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.
Fees and scholarships
- £7,017
Full-time
- £3,509
Part-time
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.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
Before you make your application
Please refer to our six-step process on applying for PhD, MA by Research and MRes opportunities for Arts subject areas, which includes detailed advice on research proposals and how to write them.
We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Career opportunities
By studying a postgraduate degree in Classics, Ancient History or Archaeology at Birmingham, you’ll develop transferable skills suited to a range of career paths. These skills include the ability to write to tight deadlines, the ability to present a strong argument, plus the ability to research and analyse information.
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
The University is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits [The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers report].
Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique.
Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations.
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.