Classical Languages and Literature

DPhil in Classical Languages and Literature

Course Code | 000500 

The Sub-Faculty has more than 30 permanent members, and covers almost every aspect of Greek and Roman Literature from Homer to the contemporary reception of classical culture.

In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise, Oxford’s Classics Faculty presented the largest number of academics in UK Classics (71), of whom 70% were assessed at either 4* or 3*, the highest proportion in UK Classics. We also received the top rating of 24 in the last Quality Assurance Exercise (2000).

MSt in Greek and/or Latin Languages and Literature

Course Code | 000670 

The MSt is the normal course for our Master’s Students, and the one which we recommend unless there are particular reasons for preferring the MPhil. In this you take three options:

• a 10,000-word dissertation
• text-based subjects, such as Greek Tragedy, Cicero or Neronian literature - self-designed options are available and common
• a technical option, such as literary theor, theory of reception, papyrology, palaeography, textual criticism or a language option

All students attend a class on Research Techniques in Classical Literature, extending over two terms. This includes units on topics such as the history of classical scholarship and on research resources, and students present their own work in progress. Language classes are also available in Greek and Latin at both the elementary and intermediate levels.

• Length of programme: Nine months
  

MPhil in Greek and/or Latin Languages and Literature

Course Code | 000680 

The MPhil is usually taken by fewer students; the MSt is the normal route to the DPhil at Oxford, followed by three years of doctoral study, but the MPhil can also be used as a route to the DPhil, followed by two years of doctoral study. As with the MSt, applicants for the MPhil wishing to enter doctoral programmes elsewhere after a master's degree at Oxford are also welcomed. You offer:

• a thesis of up to 25,000 words
• two options chosen from Lists A and B:
  • List A is of major literary texts in subjects such as Greek Tragedy, Cicero or Neronian Literature; self-designed options are also possible
    
  • List B comprises more technical subjects such as the textual criticism of Greek or Latin texts, papyrology, comparative philology, and literary theory

As in the MSt, students attend the class on Research Techniques in Classical Literature. There are language options in intermediate Greek or Latin.

• Length of programme: Twenty-one months

The new Faculty building at 66 St Giles’ houses state-of-the-art facilities; full details are available via the Classics website.

Information on academic staff profiles

Careers teaching classics in schools and universities, plus other varied high-grade destinations.

• MSt and MPhil in Ancient History
• MSt and MPhil in Classical Archaeology
• MSt and MPhil in Late Antique & Byzantine Studies
• MSt in Women's Studies