This two-year course 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.

The MPhil is the course taken by the majority of Oxford's master's students in Ancient History.

As part of the course, you will take three options, one of which is a language.

Competence in ancient Greek and/or Latin being a requirement for doctoral work in Ancient History, many MPhil students choose one of these languages as their linguistic option: both are available at Elementary and Intermediate level. For those whose Greek and Latin are already serviceable, there is an opportunity to acquire one of the principal languages of scholarship in Ancient History, French, Italian, or German or to lay foundations in another ancient language relevant to their interests, such as Hebrew, Aramaic or Coptic.

Language teaching is provided in the form of classes and/or individual or small-group tutorials.

Another option is drawn from a list of subjects based on Methods and techniques of scholarship, such as Greek or Roman Numismatics, Greek or Roman Epigraphy, and Documentary Papyrology.

The final option is chosen from a second list of topics on specific historical periods or themes, among which are Greek history ca 650–479 BCE Athenian Democracy in the Classical Age Alexander the Great and his successors 336–301 BCE Roman history 146 BC–46 BCE Roman history 138–312 CE The economy of the Roman Empire The provinces of the Roman Empire Greek and/or Roman religions Greek and/or Latin historiography The world of Augustine and The City of Rome (this option is taught in Rome, and involves attendance at the residential course organised by the School annually in Rome, with intensive exploration of the sites and museums of the city only those accepted by the School may take the option).