Postgraduate research courses in the School of Classics

The School of Classics is a centre of world-class research in Greek and Latin literature, ancient history, art, archaeology, ancient philosophy and classical reception. Motivated graduates join the School, usually to undertake the PhD (three years), or to take the one-year MLitt, which may be taken as preparation for the PhD or as a stand-alone postgraduate qualification. The School also welcomes visiting postgraduates.

people sitting round a table with laptops smiling at speaker who is off-camera

Research students have dedicated 24-hour office space in the School, and an annual research allowance. They are an essential part of the School's wider scholarly community, taking part in the School's research seminars, regular lectures and workshops. They hold weekly postgraduate seminars to discuss their current work, and contribute to STAGE, a nationwide network of postgraduate research in Classics.

Research degrees

The School of Classics offers three research degrees:

  • PhD (Doctorate), normally of three years duration leading to a thesis of no more than 80,000 words and an oral examination.
  • MPhil, normally of two years duration. The first year comprises the taught components of an MLitt, and the second a dissertation of about 40,000 words followed by an oral examination. 
  • MSt (Res), a one-year research-based Masters degree, comprising a full-time research project leading to a dissertation.
    The School of Classics encourages most students considering a one-year degree to take the MLitt, which provides training in research across a broad range of Classical subjects. If you are considering an MSt (Res), please contact the Director of Postgraduate Studies (classicsdopg@st-andrews.ac.uk), particularly if you are considering taking a PhD afterwards.