Classics and Ancient History
Source: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/pg-research/degrees/classics/ Parent: https://www.exeter.ac.uk/study/pg-research/degrees/
| Degrees Degree types explained | - MPhil/PhD Classics and Ancient History - MA by Research Classics and Ancient History |
| Duration | Degree duration details |
| Start date | September, January or April |
| Location | Streatham Campus |
| Study modes Study mode details | Full time and part time Distance-based research available Study mode details |
Why study Classics and Ancient History at Exeter?
- Vigorous research culture spanning the breadth of the Classical world.
- Wide range of world-leading research expertise, much of which falls within the remit of our three research centres.
- Research degrees are currently available at the level of PhD, MPhil and MA by Research.
- Attentive and supportive expert supervision.
- Access to an extensive research library.
Contact
Web: Enquire online
Phone: +44 (0)1392 72 72 72
Contact
Web: Enquire online\ Phone: 0300 555 6060 (UK)\ +44 (0)1392 723044 (non-UK)
Classics and Ancient History research
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Top 10 in the UK for Classics and Ancient History
6th in the Complete University Guide 2026; 10th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
Proactive Classics Society with successful student tutor scheme
We are 4th in the UK for world-leading Classics research
Based on 4* research in the Research Excellence Framework 2021
Top 50 in the world for Classics and Ancient History
QS World University Subject Rankings 2025
Research overview
Our vigorous research culture spans the breadth of the Classical world with methodological strengths literature, language, history, archaeology and philosophy.
We offer a wide range of world-leading research expertise, much of which falls within the remit of our three research centres. We welcome applications for postgraduate research across all our specialisms.
Prospective PhD candidates are encouraged to explore the interests of our academic staff in more detail and should make informal contact with a potential supervisor before submitting a formal application.
Research degrees are currently available at the level of PhD, MPhil and MA by Research. Enrolment for a PhD usually follows after a year of being registered for an MPhil, following a successful upgrade involving the submission of sample work. There are also opportunities for MA by Research students to upgrade to MPhil status if they wish. The MA by Research is suited to dedicated students who are comfortable with independent research with a focused topic already in mind.
Research centres
Our research is characterised by world-leading and internationally excellent research projects over a wide range of sub-disciplinary fields.
Centre for Hellenistic and Later Greek Studies
Supported by a £1.25 million Leverhulme grant, the Centre for Hellenistic and Later Greek Studies is rapidly becoming internationally recognised for the study of the history and culture of the post-classical Greek world.
The Exeter Centre for Classical Reception
The Exeter Centre for Classical Reception was established in the summer of 2019 to acknowledge and build on the extraordinary expertise in the field of classical reception across various Humanities disciplines at Exeter.
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How to apply
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Applying for MPhil/PhD study
Students applying to enter directly into the MPhil/PhD programme would normally be expected to have a Masters degree with Merit or equivalent in Classics and Ancient History, or other relevant qualifications such as a doctorate in another subject.
Applying for MA by Research
The MA by Research is suited to dedicated students who are comfortable with independent research with a focused topic already in mind. Applicants should have a proven track-record of producing excellent research at undergraduate level, either in the form of an overall first class degree in Classics and Ancient History, or an upper-second class degree with a first-class dissertation (or equivalent). They should also obtain prior approval on a research proposal from their prospective supervisor in the department of Classics and Ancient History before submitting an application. Students should also have an undergraduate degree in Classics and Ancient History, or a cognate discipline e.g. Archaeology.
Requirements for international students
If you are an international student, please visit our international equivalency pages to enable you to see if your existing academic qualifications meet our entry requirements.
English language requirements
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile E: view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.
PhD and Research Programme application process
The information below applies to self-funded PhD, MPhil and Masters by Research applicants, but if you are applying for a funded PhD studentship, please follow the specific instructions related to that application.
- Pinpoint your PhD research area
- Investigate whether this area is available at Exeter
- Ensure that you meet our English language entry requirements (international students only)
- Construct and refine your PhD research proposal
- Approach your potential supervisor(s)
- Apply online
PhD studentships pages can be accessed in our Funding lists on Finance tabs under each research topic page, and are also available from the Postgraduate Research search results pages on this site, on the PhD projects tab.
Full details of the application process can be found on our Apply now webpage.
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Fees and funding
Fees 2025/26
Tuition fees per year 2025/26
- Home: £5,022 full-time; £pro-rata part-time
- International: £23,500 full-time
For those studying for more than one year, our fees are expected to increase modestly in line with Consumer Price Inflation measured in December each year. More information can be found on our Student Finance webpages.
Fees 2026/27
Tuition fees per year 2026/27
- Home: £5,238 full-time; £pro-rata part-time
- International: £23,750 full-time
For those studying for more than one year, our fees are expected to increase modestly in line with Consumer Price Inflation measured in December each year. More information can be found on our Student Finance webpages.
Current funding opportunities
Our Postgraduate Funding webpage provides links to further information. If you are considering a PhD in the future, in addition to University of Exeter funding, we have been successful at securing postgraduate funding for PhD research through our funded centres.
Current available funding
Supervision
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- Attentive and supportive expert supervision through regular meetings, including the provision of constructive feedback on draft written work.
- You will be assigned a first supervisor, second supervisor and a pastoral tutor.
- Co-supervision involving expertise from other departments and colleges at Exeter (and other universities as part of the AHRC SWW DTP) is possible, if relevant to the needs of your project.
- Supervisory meetings are expected roughly once every month.
- As well as advising on the content of your thesis, supervision can also help provide further guidance on the upgrade processes, and the preparation of papers for academic conferences and publication (where appropriate).
Facilities
Our research is primarily supported an extensive research library, which includes a substantial collection of both physical and digital books, journals and resources.
Two members of the Department with research interests in digital classics are based within the Digital Humanities Lab, a state-of-the-art facility for undertaking digitally-enabled research and teaching. The facility houses two photography labs, an audio-video lab and a 3D makerspace, as well as a seminar room equipped with a nine-screen video wall. The facility offers a programme of events throughout the year including training sessions in digital skills for postgraduate researchers and staff, hackathons, and a seminar series.
Careers
We are committed to ensuring you receive high quality research supervision to maximise your potential and prepare you for a rewarding career.
Postgraduate students have access to the wide range of support offered by our Career Zone. In addition, postgraduate research students can access our Postgraduate Researchers' Programme, which covers a range of topics to help you to succeed during your research degree and to act as a springboard for your research career.
Graduate destinations
Below are some examples of initial jobs undertaken by Classics and Ancient History postgraduates who studied with us in recent years.
Please note that, due to data protection, the job titles and organisations are listed independently and do not necessarily correspond.
Graduate destinations
Below are some examples of initial jobs undertaken by Classics and Ancient History postgraduates who studied with us in recent years.
Please note that, due to data protection, the job titles and organisations are listed independently and do not necessarily correspond.
| Job title | Organisation |
|---|---|
| Education Officer International Public Relations Specialist Classics Teacher Lecturer Adjunct Instructor Lecturer Teaching Fellow International Public Relations Specialist Lecturer Academic issues manager | Department of Education Hokkaido University, Japan Plymouth College Seoul National University Art Institute of Calefornia, LA Stellenbosch University, South Africa University of Edinburgh Hokkaido University, Japan University of Exeter University of Exeter Guild of Students |
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