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Classical Civilisation

MA

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Key information

Key information for 2026-27

Start date:
October 2026
Study route:

  • One year full-time, on campus

  • Two years part-time, on campus

Status:
Fully approved
Location:
Birkbeck Campus, Central London
Awarding body:
University of London
Study options:
Full-time | Part-time | On campus

Course overview

Our MA Classical Civilisation is ideal if you have no prior knowledge of Greek and Latin but are keen to undertake advanced study of the classical world at postgraduate level. Throughout the course, you will explore politics and culture, religion, sex and sexuality, the writing of history, and the reception of classical culture in the modern world.

  • Why choose this course?
    • Taught by world-leading academics working at the cutting edge in their fields, this course encourages you to interrogate the meanings that have been attached to the classical past. 
    • Our strong links with the British Museum mean representation of classical antiquity in London’s museums is a particular focus. 
    • Through our partnership with the British School at Rome, you will have the chance to apply to take an eight-week residential ‘City of Rome’ postgraduate course as an option - please note that acceptance on the course is competitive and you will need to fund your own travel and accommodation. 

  • What will I learn?

    If you are a graduate with a longstanding fascination in the Greco-Roman world, but you have not had the chance to study it formally or would like to build upon your undergraduate training in the field, then this course is for you.

    Within a broadly chronological framework, we offer you the chance to explore multiple aspects of ancient Greek and Roman history and culture, from the archaic period through the classical era to late antiquity, including Greek and Latin literature and the archaeology and material culture of the ancient Mediterranean.   

    You will be able to follow your interests choosing from a range of option modules, including the opportunity to learn Greek or Latin, if you wish. 

  • How will I learn?

    This course is available to study full- or part-time and is taught via evening seminars. These usually include a presentation by the tutor as well as wide-ranging discussion of issues related to the set readings.

    Some option modules may involve daytime site visits and student presentations to offer you the opportunity to develop your presentation skills and learn how to give and receive feedback in discussion.

    You will also complete a dissertation on a topic of your choice, with the support of a supervisor. 

  • How often will I attend classes?

    Full-time: Two to three evenings a week, October to July.

    Part-time: One to two evenings a week, October to July.

  • Course disclaimer

    Birkbeck makes all reasonable efforts to deliver educational services, modules and programmes of study as described on our website. In the event that there are material changes to our offering (for example, due to matters beyond our control), we will update applicant and student facing information as quickly as possible and offer alternatives to applicants, offer-holders and current students.

    Most of our courses are taught in the evenings, however some of our courses offer a daytime timetable. Where there is an option to attend daytime teaching sessions, this is stated in the How will I learn? section.

More highlights

  • Birkbeck was ranked in the top eight universities in the UK for its History research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework. 
  • Our research is unique in its range across geographical and chronological boundaries. We are the only university in London to include historians, classicists, archaeologists and art historians in the same team of academics who investigate every period from prehistory to the early twenty-first century. We see the study of the past as crucial for our understanding of present-day society, culture and politics. 
  • We are at the heart of academic London with access to unparalleled research resources and situated close to . Situated very close by are: the Institute of Classical Studies, with its library, training facilities and seminars; the British Museum, with its extensive collection of classical antiquities; and the British Library, the largest national library in the world. 

Modules and Teaching

School of Historical Studies

The school is intensively interdisciplinary and its research and teaching covers every period from prehistory to the early twenty-first century.

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Entry requirements

A second-class honours degree (2:2) or above in an arts subject. No previous knowledge of Greek or Latin is required.

We will also normally consider social science and science graduates, and applicants with other qualifications.

We offer a one-year Graduate Certificate in History, which can be used as a conversion course if you want to study at postgraduate level but have a degree in a significantly different discipline.

We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge and previous work experience. We may waive formal entry requirements based on judgement of academic potential.

On your application form, please list all your relevant qualifications and experience, including those you expect to achieve.

Apply now to secure your place. The earlier you apply, the sooner your application can be considered, and you can enrol. You do not need to have completed your current qualification to start your application.

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Fees

MA: One year full-time or two years part-time, on campus, starting in October 2026

Academic year 2026-27

Part-time home students: £6,000 per year
Full-time home students: £12,000 per year
Part-time international students: £11,490 per year
Full-time international students: £22,980 per year

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing their course may be subject to annual inflationary increases. For more information, please see the Fees Policy.

Discover the financial support available to you to help with your studies at Birkbeck.

Birkbeck's campus is located in the historic and vibrant Bloomsbury area of central London - named one of the best places to live in London 2025 by The Times.

Careers and employability

On graduating with this MA Classical Civilisation, you will have gained an array of important transferable skills, including: 

  • composing a well-reasoned and evidenced argument in writing
  • advanced research skills
  • making critical judgements in relation to limited and partial evidence
  • critically interrogating the claims made by others. 

Studying this course will prepare you for roles in a range of fields and professions including: 

  • teacher
  • museum curator 
  • civil service fast streamer
  • non-fiction published author.

We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Student support

Birkbeck offers study, learning and wellbeing support to undergraduate and postgraduate students to help them succeed.

Our Learning Development Service provides a lively programme of free weekly workshops building essential academic skills - from writing and critical thinking to maths and referencing - offering flexible sessions, practical tips, and online resources to boost your skills and confidence.

Our Disability and Mental Health Service can support you if you have disabilities, specific learning differences, mental health conditions or neurodivergence, by providing practical support to help you achieve your academic potential.

Our Counselling Service aims to support you with any emotional and psychological difficulties that are affecting your experience and engagement with your studies at university. It is a free, non-judgemental and confidential service which consists of a consultation process followed by time limited counselling contact.

Find out more about the full range of student services we offer at Birkbeck.

How to apply

You apply directly to Birkbeck for this course, using the online application link.

You will need to prove your identity when you apply. Find out more about how to apply.

Related courses

Study routes for Classical Civilisation (MA)

Please select a study route below to continue your application.

Please note that international students who require a Student visa to study in the UK can only apply for full-time, on campus routes.

Starting in October 2026

Full-time

Part-time