About the course

This two-year MPhil is the course taken by the majority of master's students in Ancient History. It is an intensive research training degree designed to equip you with a range of both knowledge and skills in Greek and/or Roman history; but it will prove stimulating and enjoyable for those whose aim is simply to deepen their understanding of current debates and developments in Ancient History.

Supervision

The allocation of graduate supervision for the course is the responsibility of the Faculty of Classics and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the Faculty of Classics.

Assessment

You will produce a thesis of up to 25,000 words submitted at the end of the second year, two pieces of work based on graduate seminars run by members of the faculty in Greek and Roman History, and three further options.

All the linguistic options are assessed by a three-hour written examination, taken at the end of the first or second year.

All other options are assessed by a pair of pre-submitted essays. those on the compulsory seminar are submitted at the end of the first year, and oral feedback is provided; those on the other options may be submitted at the end of the first or second year.

Graduate destinations

Most MPhil graduates go on to take doctorates, either in Oxford or elsewhere. Many subsequently take up university teaching or research posts after finishing their doctorates. Those who do not take doctorates go into a variety of occupations, including teaching, publishing, administration, business and other professions.