Skip to main content
Graduate

MSt in Greek and/or Latin Languages and Literature

Offering advanced study in classical texts, languages and scholarship methods, this nine-month taught course is aimed at a level between undergraduate and doctoral study.

Full time

Open
Upcoming application deadline for 2027-28 entry:
12:00 midday UK time on Tuesday 5 January 2027

Expected length
9 months
Expected start date
October 2027
English language level
Higher level required

Application deadlines

12:00 midday UK time

Final application deadline for entry in 2027-28

Bust and globe close-up in the Old Library, St Edmund Hall

About the course

The MSt is the main master's course in Classical literature offered by the Faculty of Classics and the one which the faculty recommends unless there are particular reasons for preferring the MPhil in Greek and/or Latin Languages and Literature.

The majority of students take the course as preparation for a research degree, and for such students it might offer, for instance, linguistic training; the opportunity to become acquainted with an ancillary discipline such as papyrology or palaeography; engagement with a particular author's texts at a deeper level; and a first introduction, via the dissertation, to extended research and the extended presentation of a scholarly argument.

Course structure

This section provides an overview of the course structure, while details of the individual course components are provided below.

All students attend a class on research techniques in Classical literature, extending over three terms.

You will also undertake three options. Most students choose a dissertation (D) as one of their three options, although this is not compulsory.

The scheduling of the options depends on the choices you make, but typically you will work particularly on your first two options in the first two terms and particularly on your dissertation in the third. There is the possibility of specialising in reception (one of the option modules) across the course, by choosing the reception module and by working on reception topics in the text option, though you will still sit a translation exam as detailed below.

You will have considerable input yourself in shaping and driving your studies. You also have the opportunity to attend a wide range of lectures, seminars and talks by visiting speakers.

Core components

You will attend a class on research techniques in Classical literature.

Option modules

You will select three options from lists A, B and C and D. One option must be from list B or C.

Course details

Entry requirements

For entry in 2027-28

Funding and costs

College preference

Before you apply

Completing your application

Contact details