Welcome to MPhil/PhD Classical Studies

Lincoln's doctoral programme in Classical Studies offers interested students advanced research opportunities in ancient Greek and Roman history and Greek and Latin languages, literatures, and cultures. It is designed to prepare students to embark on careers in academia, teaching, the heritage sector, and the civil service, amongst many other fields.

Research students can benefit from a broad range of expertise offered by our Classical Studies staff, across both local and global contexts, including in Lincoln itself, Britain, Iberia, the Mediterranean world, and the ancient Near East.

The School of History and Heritage brings together academics, archivists, librarians, postgraduate students, and researchers with interdisciplinary interests in both Ancient History/Classics and the subsequent interpretation and representation of the Classical past. We also have a strong relationship with the wider scholarly and professional community.

How You Study

Students have access to support and training to develop the practical and critical skills necessary for investigation and study at doctoral level, and for interpreting a wide range of evidence. Students will have opportunities to receive tuition in relevant languages.

Over the course of your studies, you will be expected to complete an original piece of research that makes a substantial contribution to the existing scholarship on and knowledge of the subject under scrutiny. You will be guided throughout this process by expert and well-published supervisors, from whom you will receive feedback and advice. Your PhD project might cross disciplinary boundaries and focus on multiple subject areas; in such cases, we will endeavour to support you through the allocation of supervisors in relevant fields.
Students are required to produce appropriate written work which will be submitted to their supervisors for feedback and to agree the next stage of work.

Due to the nature of postgraduate research programmes, a significant amount of time will be spent in independent study and research. Full-time students currently meet with their academic supervisors once a month, and part-time students every other month.

The School of History and Heritage promotes the development of a stimulating research environment within which our postgraduate community plays a central role. Initiatives such as research seminars with internal speakers and visiting academics, and staff-student reading groups, aim to foster cross-disciplinary debates and collaboration, as well as providing opportunities for career development.

How You Are Assessed

The assessment at this level of study takes the form of an 80,000-word thesis.

A PhD is usually awarded based on the quality and originality of the student's thesis and their ability to present and successfully defend the chosen research topic in an oral examination (viva voce). Students are also expected to demonstrate how their research findings have contributed to knowledge in the subject area or developed existing theory or understanding.

Career Opportunities

A doctoral qualification can be the capstone of academic achievement and often marks the beginning of a career in academia or research.