1. Study
2. Postgraduate
3. Taught Courses
4. Masters
5. Classical Studies

About This Course

Fact File

• Title

  Classical Studies

• Code

  MACLS

• College

  Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences

• Duration

  1 Year Full-time; 2 Years Part-time

• Teaching Mode

  Full-time, Part-Time

• Qualifications

  MA

• EU Fees

  €6,130; €3,130 (Year 1 Part-time); €3,130 (Year 2 Part-time)
  See Fees and Costs for full details.

• Non-EU Fees

  €16,700

• Entry Requirements

  Applicants should hold a Second Class Honours Grade I in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) or equivalent in Ancient History, Greek, Latin, Greek & Roman Civilisation, or a related discipline. See Requirements for full details.

• Closing Date

  Open for EU applications, check rounds closing under How to Apply

• Non-EU Closing Date

  30 June 2023

• Start Date

  11 September 2023

Course Outline

Our MA in Classical Studies is either a one-year degree, taken full-time, or a two-year degree, taken part-time. It allows students to develop language skills in both Latin and Greek, while also developing their knowledge of the history, art, and literature of the Roman Imperial period and of the manner in which these were transmitted through the medieval and into the modern periods. It better equips students with the research and writing skills necessary in order to undertake a PhD in some aspect of Classical Studies.

The programme consists of two equal parts of 45 credits each, the first consisting of taught modules, and the second a minor research dissertation. 

In part one, you will take 30 credits of language modules in both Latin and Greek, and 15 credits of modules in areas of Roman history and culture, or the transmission and reception of such, all in translation. Latin and Greek can be taken either at a beginner’s level or at some more advanced level. At the more advanced level, the texts studied all relate to the Roman Imperial period. 

In part two, you work closely with an academic supervisor to complete a 20,000-word minor research dissertation on a topic of your choice within the broad area of Classical Studies, taken to include Late Antiquity also.

See also our Postgraduate Diploma in Ancient and Medieval Languages programme which focuses on the development of skills in two or more ancient or medieval languages.

Course Practicalities

There will be an average of 10 hours of language classes or lectures per week, spread throughout the week, during the teaching term. The beginner’s module in Latin (LT6001) is taken by a variety of students doing postgraduate programmes run by other departments also.

Assessment in the taught component of the course varies from module to module, but usually combines some form of continuous assessment, whether class tests or essays, with an end-of-semester examination, with the majority of marks for the final examination. The dissertation, worth half of the total mark, and undertaken under the supervision of a member of staff, reflects the importance of independent research.

Part-time option

The part-time option is taught during weekday working hours over two years.

Who teaches the course

The Department of Classics has a strong track record in Classical Studies, with academic staff specialising in different aspects of Classical Studies. Our teaching staff have extensive records of publication in leading international journals or major university presses.

• Dr David Woods
• Dr Catherine Ware
• Dr Crystal Addey

Why Choose This Course

Ours is the only MA in Ireland specialising in Classical Studies. The fact that it places such emphasis on the learning of Greek and Latin prepares students particularly well for independent research at the PhD level.

Skills and Careers Information

The MA in Classical Studies provides a broad training suited for those interested in careers in the cultural and heritage sectors as well as in the education sector. A good basic knowledge of Latin, combined with an ability to pursue independent research, will prove particularly useful for those involved in the maintenance of museum and library collections, historical archives, and the numismatic trade.

Potential career paths include jobs involving historical archives, museum collections, the numismatic or antique trades, and teaching.

Requirements

Applicants should hold a Second Class Honours Grade I in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) or equivalent in Ancient History, Greek, Latin, Greek & Roman Civilisation or a related discipline.

Applicants who hold a Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) will also be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) subject to the approval of the programme selection committee.

Some applicants who do not fulfil the usual entry requirements may be invited for an interview to satisfy the selection committee of their suitability for the programme.

Fees and Costs

The EU fee for this course is €6,130; €3,130 (Year 1 Part-time); €3,130 (Year 2 Part-time).

The Non-EU fee for this course is €16,700.

How Do I Apply

Additional Requirements (All Applicants)

Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This will include the following:

• You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held. We strongly encourage you to complete this section with all relevant work experiences that will support your application.
• In addition to your previously declared qualifications, please outline any additional academic courses, self-learning and professional training relevant to this programme.
• Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.
• Please detail your computing/technical/IT skills.
• Please add the name and email address of two referees.

The closing date for non-EU applications is 30 June 2023

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