Why study this course?
The course embraces the study of all aspects of the ancient Greek and Roman world including Greek and Latin literary culture, ancient history, archaeology, classical philosophy, and the reception of antiquity in later periods.
If you are interested in part-time study, you should contact the School's Director of Postgraduate Teaching by emailing classicsdopgt@st-andrews.ac.uk in the first instance to request approval.
Highlights
- A unique and intensive core course, including training in the use of literary sources and material evidence and exposure to a range of theoretical approaches and key themes in the study of antiquity.
- A range of optional modules, including Greek and Roman literary cultures, material cultures, and ancient philosophy.
- Training in practical research and transferable professional skills (for example: presentation skills, digital humanities, outreach and public engagement).
- Provides a wide foundation in key debates in the study of antiquity.
- Offers the opportunity to focus on a wide range of specialist areas, with one-to-one supervision from leading researchers.
- Allows students to develop their skills in Greek or Latin or to begin ancient languages from scratch, and to develop reading skills in a relevant modern language.
You will benefit from the unique range of expertise of the School's staff as the School of Classics is one of the major centres for Classics and Ancient History in the United Kingdom.
Distinctive areas of expertise include:
- ancient ecology and landscape studies
- ancient literary criticism
- ancient philosophy
- ancient religion
- the archaeology and art history of Rome and the Roman provinces
- Classical Reception Studies
- Greek and Roman tragedy and comedy
- Hellenistic and imperial Greek literature
- Greek and Roman historical writing
- Late Antiquity
- the literature and culture of the Roman empire
- representations of war and battle in antiquity and beyond
- visual culture
Students on the MLitt may – in addition to the teaching provided as part of the MLitt – be allowed to audit survey courses or more specialist modules run for St Andrews undergraduates. This is particularly appropriate for those students with a less developed background in Classics and Ancient History.
Teaching
Delivered through group seminars and one-to-one supervision with around 5 hours of staff contact per week.
Flexible study
Learn full-time (two semesters) or part-time (four semesters).
Dissertation
A 15,000-word project with regular support.
Assessment
A mix of coursework (research papers, book reviews, draft research proposal on your dissertation topic, presentation on your dissertation topic) and the take-home exam for the Themes and Methods in Classical Research 1 module.
Modules
Classics students have the opportunity to choose two of the five overarching optional modules, one per semester. These modules are designed to give you both a familiarity with the key debates in a given subject area and the opportunity to develop a topic of your own choice with one-to-one supervision. The choice of modules allows you flexibility to develop a range of pathways and to focus, for example, on history, literary culture, philosophy or archaeology, or to focus on Greek or Roman history and literature in combination.
For more details, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the module catalogue. The modules are examples from previous academic years and may be subject to change before you start your course.
What it will lead to
Careers
Postgraduates from the School of Classics go on to pursue careers in a diverse range of professional careers. For example, recent graduates have gone on to work in:
- publishing
- law
- finance
- teaching
- university administration
- museum curatorship
Others have gone on to successful academic careers in the UK, North America and internationally.
Advice on academic and other career paths is integrated into the MLitt.
Further study
The two-year Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree option in Greek and Latin may be particularly appropriate for those wanting to pursue further work in Greek or Latin language.
The MPhil is identical to the MLitt degree in the first two semesters. MPhil students then proceed to write a 40,000-word dissertation over the next year, but they may (in consultation with the course coordinator) audit further taught modules in the course of their second year.
Many graduates continue their education by enrolling in PhD programmes at St Andrews or elsewhere, and preparation for application to PhD programmes forms a key component of the MLitt.
The School sets aside funding each year for PhD scholarships, which cover both fees and stipend and are awarded on the basis of academic merit and research promise.
The School also supports a number of applications for PhD funding each year to the Scottish Graduate School for Arts and Humanities, and works closely with all applicants to develop their proposals for this competition.
Why St Andrews?
Students on the MLitt are a core part of the School of Classics' scholarly community and benefit from a range of other activities in the School, including:
- a weekly research seminar at which visiting researchers discuss their research
- regular work-in-progress seminars organised by and for postgraduates
- workshops and masterclasses run by distinguished visiting scholars as part of the activities of the School's research centres
- related lectures and seminars in areas of overlap such as Late Antiquity, classical philosophy, and Persian history in other Schools
- lectures, social events and trips organised by the Student Archaeology Society.
- reading groups in which students of mixed linguistic ability read and discuss a text in Greek or Latin (for example, an ancient philosophy reading group organised within the Department of Philosophy)
- a range of one-off conferences and workshops.
Alumni
When you graduate you become a member of the University's worldwide alumni community. Benefit from access to alumni clubs, the Saint Connect networking and mentoring platform, and careers support.
“The University has a phenomenally supportive and inclusive postgraduate community that is dedicated to both academic and personal growth. There is a great balance between a rigorous and diverse curriculum, and a real sense of camaraderie and a passion for the subject by both students and lecturers.”
- Texas, USA
Ask a student
If you are interested in learning what it's like to be a student at St Andrews you can speak to one of our student ambassadors. They'll let you know about their top tips, best study spots, favourite traditions and more.
Entry requirements
The minimum requirements for entry to the MLitt in Classics are a first-class or 2.1 degree or equivalent. If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.
In reviewing applications for the MLitt, the School of Classics looks especially at:
- your statement of your plans for the MLitt and for future study or careers
- your academic background and level of performance (especially in courses relevant to the MLitt, and in any research projects or dissertations that you may have completed)
- evidence of your ability to complete a high-level MLitt dissertation and of potential to progress to further research degrees (particularly evidenced by your sample of written work)
- whether St Andrews is a good match for your specialist interests. The MLitt Convenor is happy to be contacted and, if necessary, to set up a meeting in person or virtually so that you can discuss your plans and to ensure that St Andrews is the best place for you to pursue a Masters degree.
If you have any queries concerning the programme or your suitability for it, you are encouraged to make contact in advance of your application.
Non-native English speakers must also demonstrate English language proficiency. See English language tests and qualifications.
The qualifications listed are indicative minimum requirements for entry. Some academic Schools will ask applicants to achieve significantly higher marks than the minimum. Obtaining the listed entry requirements will not guarantee you a place, as the University considers all aspects of every application including, where applicable, the writing sample, personal statement, and supporting documents.
Application requirements
- CV
- letter of intent, including:
- why you wish to study for an MLitt in Classics at St Andrews
- your suitability for the programme
- the areas that you are keen to specialise in
- possible areas for dissertation study (the School does not expect clearly worked-out proposals, or even that you have identified a single area for your research project, just an indication of your particular areas of interest)
- any future plans for further research or careers beyond the MLitt (not essential, but you may wish to include some detail on that if it explains your motivation for applying).
- sample of your own, single-authored academic written work (between 2,000 and 5,000 words)
- two original signed academic references
- academic transcripts and degree certificates
For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.
English language proficiency
If English is not your first language, you may need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability. See approved English language tests and scores for this course.
Fees and funding
- UK: £12,030
- Rest of the world: £25,900
Before we can begin processing your application, a payment of an application fee of £50 is required. In some instances, you may be eligible for an application fee waiver. Details of this, along with information on our tuition fees, can be found on the postgraduate fees and funding page.
Scholarships and funding
We are committed to supporting you through your studies, regardless of your financial circumstances. You may be eligible for scholarships, discounts or other support:
- GREAT Scholarship
- St Andrews Sanctuary Scholarship
- St Leonard's funding opportunities
- Graduate discount (15% off tuition fees)
The School of Classics offers a small number of scholarships paying a maximum of half the home-fee rate for which all students admitted to the programme will be considered.
Contact us
Start your journey
Legal notices
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy
Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the course archive.
Curriculum development
As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online.
Tuition fees
The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online.
Page last updated: 12 March 2025
