Classics, MA by Research

Start dates: 1st October, 1st January, 1st April & 1st July. An MA by Research in Classics enables you to undertake a research project led by your own passions and interests. Your project will take one year full-time or two years part-time. It is suitable if you want to undertake a first research degree as a culmination of taught studies, or if you are considering further research in form of a PhD. You undertake original research for a thesis up to 40,000 words. This demonstrates original research with a significant contribution to the subject area, and will be related to the languages, literature, philosophy or culture of the classical world, from Homer to the later Roman empire, and the reception of the ancient world in modern culture. After it is submitted, there is an oral examination of your thesis, a viva voce examination, or viva. We have considerable experience in supervising a wide variety of topics relating to Greek and Roman literature. Particular research strengths at Swansea include ancient narrative literature and the reception of earlier literature in Hellenistic and imperial fiction, Greek tragedy, ancient philosophy, and Greek and Roman political thought. A number of research groups also offer focus and community for staff and postgraduates: • The Centre for Ancient Narrative Literature (KYKNOS) • The Centre for research into Gender in Culture and Society (GENCAS) Working at an elite academic level, you are introduced to key concepts and interpretative techniques shaping study of the civilisations of Greece and Rome. You will develop and hone research skills needed for high-level work in any field of Classics, while skills and training programmes available on campus provide further support. You will have the opportunity to deliver presentations to research students and staff at departmental seminars, and at the School of Culture and Communication Postgraduate conference.

If English is not your first language you will need an acceptable pass in an approved English Language qualification to make sure you get the full benefit from studying at Swansea. We consider a wide range of qualifications, including the Swansea University English Test, the British Council IELTS test (with a score of at least 6.5 and 6.5 in each component). A full list of acceptable English Language tests can be found here.

International students: £18,250 per year

UK students: £5,006 per year

Apr or Jul 2026

Rolling admissions – apply as early as possible

• Singleton Park Campus, United Kingdom