Faculty of Classics - University of Cambridge

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MPhil in Classics

Cambridge offers a nine month  research-based M.Phil. course in Classics, providing a specialist qualification in a chosen area of Classical Studies - Greek and Latin Literature, Philosophy, History, Art and Archaeology, Philology and Linguistics, or Interdisciplinary approaches to the Ancient World. It is important to appreciate that this is not a conventional taught masters programme but instead provides training through, alongside and integrated with, individual research.

Each student works with an individual supervisor; and participates in an M.Phil. seminar.  Student and supervisor meet and consult regularly throughout the year; and M.Phil. seminars are held weekly in the various subject areas.  These cover central topics and themes, approaches and methodologies, in the relevant area of study; and allow M.Phil. students to get to know each other, discuss and support, each other's work.

The course provides an excellent foundation for doctoral research, introducing students to a range of research techniques and specialist skills, current debates, and further understandings in the field; but it can also happily stand as a degree qualification in its own right, as a completion of your classical education in its own terms.

Course Structure
The course starts at the beginning of October.  You will be required to submit three essays of around 4,000 words each in December, February and April, and, by a date in the middle of June, a thesis of around 10,000 words.  These are on topics which you choose, in consultation with your supervisor.  Where appropriate a written language exam in Greek or Latin may be required in place of one of the essays; similarly, an exercise or examination in a specialist subject such as epigraphy, numismatics, or palaeography, may be offered in place of an essay.  Training in numismatics, for example, as well as work with other material artefacts can make use of the collections at the Fitzwilliam Museum; and the wealth of other resources for the study of the classical world concentrated in Cambridge.

Students are sometimes advised to apply for the affiliated BA first, which would allow them to expand their knowledge in Classics before entering into research work, and applications must be submitted before mid-October (you can find some information here). If you are uncertain whether this applies to you, please contact the Academic Secretary.

 

 

 

 

Illustration: Opening of Latin translation of Aristotle's Metaphysics, CCC MS 239 (13th century).  By kind permission of the Master and Fellows, Corpus Christi College, Cambridge.