Ancient History (MA)
1 year (Full-time) / 2 years (Part-time) / n/a (Distance / E-Learning)
Course Aims
The MA in Ancient History allows students to explore the history, society and culture of the Greek and Roman world from Archaic Greece to Late Antiquity, through a combination of taught modules and individual research.
Special Features
- Flexible programme geared to the student’s interests.
- Training in research skills and methods, theoretical concepts and the techniques of conducting and writing up an independent research project.
- Students can take a course at the British School in Athens or Rome.
Course Description
The MA in Ancient History is designed to be flexible, enabling students to pursue their own interests whilst gaining a solid foundation of research skills. We offer a range of seminar-based modules that explore major themes and approaches in the study of the ancient world, and a variety of Special Topics in which the student researches a subject of their choice under the guidance of a supervisor. The MA can serve as a basis for doctoral research, but it also provides transferable skills, which will be valuable for a career.
The taught element of the MA runs from October to May, and combines research training modules, study of an ancient language, and a choice of specialised options (listed below). It is also possible to take a residential course at the British School in Athens or the British School in Rome. During the taught stage of the MA, students lay the foundations for the second part of the course, which is an individual research project, carried out between May and September, leading up to a dissertation of 20,000 words. The course can be taken full-time in one year, or part-time over three years.
Course Structure
Students take a total of 180 credits of modules, consisting of:
- 40 credits of core skills modules
- 20 credits of language modules
- 60 credits of option modules
- 60 credit Dissertation (topic or theme chosen by the student in consultation with academic staff)
Please see the Ancient History website for more course and module information.
Skills Acquired
In addition to helping students obtain a detailed and critical knowledge of their chosen area of ancient history, the MA offers the chance to acquire and perfect valuable skills that are applicable to careers in many different fields. Often referred to as transferable or generic skills, these expand students' individual capabilities and make it easier for them to obtain employment and enter their careers with abilities that are widely considered essential for professional success.
Upon completion of the MA in Ancient History, students will have acquired the following skills:
- Intellectual skills, including the ability to critically evaluate evidence and its interpretation, and to be tolerant of differing interpretations; to sustain a logical argument and reach a conclusion that can be defended; to synthesise and analyse information; to compare and contrast theoretical explanations and to integrate different methodologies.
- Language skills, including the ability to read and interpret texts in either Latin or ancient Greek.
- Communication skills, including the ability to communicate orally in an appropriate professional manner; to make presentations both as an individual and as part of a group; to write effectively at an advanced level.
- Information technology skills, including the ability to use electronic resources for ancient historians and classicists; to find, manage and utilise information and data. Personal skills, including the ability to manage workloads; to adapt and apply skills to new contexts; to assess and formulate priorities, constraints and goals, and to adapt to changing circumstances.
- Above all, by the end of the MA, students will be able to critically assess the work of others and of their own, to engage effectively in debate at an advanced level, to plan, design and carry out a coherent research strategy, and to produce detailed and coherent reports and presentations.
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UK & EU Full Time for 2013/14
£5,445.00
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UK & EU Part Time for 2013/14
£2,723.00
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International Full Time for 2013/14
£12,700.00
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International Part Time for 2013/14
£6,350.00
Entry Requirements
1st or upper 2nd class UK Honours degree in an appropriate subject.
Suitable for graduates in Ancient History, Classics and Classical Archaeology and related humanities and social science disciplines.
Students whose first language is not English will be required to pass an IELTS test (minimum 6.5) or equivalent.
Note: International students pursuing part-time programmes of study are not eligible for Tier 4 (General Student) visas and must have alternative leave to remain in the UK if they intend to study at the University in person.
How to Apply
To make an application please use our Online Application Service and select the MA Ancient History option. Applicants should use the Personal Statement section of the form to outline their area of interest and, if possible, the topic that they hope to research for their dissertation.
Funding
For information on funding available for Masters students at the School of History, Archaeology and Religion please see the school's funding information.
Tuition Fees:
Next intake: September 2013
School Contact
Name: Dr Guy Bradley
Telephone: +44 (0)29 2087 0903
Fax: +44 (0)29 2087 4929
Email: BradleyGJ@cardiff.ac.uk
School Website:
http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/share/
