The course provides a training in research through seminars, classes, and individual supervised study. The primary focus must be chosen from among the following: (A) Literature; (B) Philosophy; (C) History; (D) Archaeology; (E) Linguistics; (X) Interdisciplinary approaches to the ancient world. The course also caters for candidates who still need to bring their knowledge of Greek and/or Latin up to an appropriate standard for the subject areas on which they are concentrating.
The examination consists of:
a) A thesis of about 10,000 words, in one of subject areas A-E and X,
b) Two essays, each of about 4,000 words and within the same subject area as
the thesis or on a topic suitably related to it.
c) another essay of about 4,000 words within any area of Classics or a related discipline; or a language examination in Greek and/or Latin; or a language examination in another ancient Indo-European language; or an exercise in a specialist skill such as numismatics, palaeography, epigraphy or papyrology.
In place of an essay, some project of equivalent value may be substituted. Each student’s choice of options and subjects requires the approval of the Degree Committee.
A certificate signed by the Chairman of the Faculty Board of Classics is available to successful candidates, detailing the subject area (B) covered and the work submitted. In this way, the M.Phil, can serve as a qualification in a specific branch of Classics, e.g. Ancient History, Ancient Philosophy. It can also be used as the first year of a Ph.D., providing training in research techniques.
Special Note
All applicants are advised to indicate in Section 1 of their application form their likely area of specialisation. Those from outside Cambridge should supply, on a separate sheet if necessary, detailed information about their previous attainments in Classics (including Greek and Latin language) and in other relevant subjects, and should if possible submit one or two samples of their written work in these areaB.
Closing date for completed applications: 31 January for students applying to AHRB; otherwise 31 March. Please contact the Graduate Secretary if you will have difficulty meeting either of these deadlines.
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