Classics (MLitt) 2027 entry

Course information may change. Module information and course content, teaching and assessment may change each year and after you have accepted your offer to study at the University of St Andrews. We display the most up-to-date information possible, but this could be from a previous academic year. For the latest module information, see the module catalogue.

• Compulsory

  • Themes and Methods in Classical Research 1: focuses on the sources for the study of the classical world, how to access them (that is, the resources available for classical research), and how to use this material sensitively and appropriately.
  • Themes and Methods in Classical Research 2: a series of seminars structured around themes in classical research (e.g. the environment, performance, reception).

• Optional

  • Elementary Latin 1: provides an introduction to the Latin language for beginners, concentrating on morphology, vocabulary, and basic syntax.
  • Elementary Latin 2: builds on work from 'Elementary Latin 1' and develops knowledge of Latin language and enables the reading of Latin texts for beginners.
  • Greek History and Material Culture: Introduces students to contemporary debates in Greek historiography, art history, archaeology and related sub-disciplines, as well as innovations in theoretical and methodological applications that are advancing new areas of study.
  • Greek History and Material Culture (Language Option): Introduces students to contemporary debates in Greek historiography, art history, archaeology and related sub-disciplines, as well as innovations in theoretical and methodological applications that are advancing new areas of study.
  • Greek Language and Literature 1: involves detailed study of a range of set texts as well as linguistic and translation exercises designed to enhance students' knowledge of Greek and confidence in reading Greek literature in its historical and cultural context.
  • Greek Language for Beginners: provides a thorough grounding in the Greek language for beginners or near beginners.
  • Greek Language for Beginners 2: follows on from GK1001 and guides students through further study of the vocabulary, forms, and syntax of the ancient Greek language. It prepares students for the challenge of reading and interpreting Greek literature.
  • Greek Literary Culture: Introduces students to the interrelationship between Greek texts and Greek culture from the archaic period to Imperial Rome, different methodological and theoretical approaches to literary cultures, and key contemporary debates.
  • Greek Literary Culture (Language Option): Introduces students to the interrelationship between Greek texts and Greek culture from the archaic period to Imperial Rome, different methodological and theoretical approaches to literary cultures, and key contemporary debates.
  • Greek Pastoral and Passion: introduces students to the thematic connections between bucolic or pastoral poetry and the Greek novel and involves detailed study of set texts and linguistic and translation exercises.
  • Hebrew 1: Introduction to Hebrew Language: aims to give students a sufficient knowledge of the grammar and vocabulary of Old Testament Hebrew to be able to read and analyse prescribed texts.
  • Hebrew 2: aims to extend students' skills in reading the Hebrew Bible and in the techniques of textual criticism and of exegesis.
  • Intermediate Ancient Greek for MLitt (A): GK5003 is for PGT students with an A-Level or equivalent in ancient Greek. It combines analysis of passages from oratory, historiography, philosophy and fiction in the original Greek in their cultural context with linguistic/translation exercises.
  • Intermediate Ancient Greek for MLitt (B): Following on from GK5003 (or equivalent), GK5004 combines detailed study of a range of ancient poetry in the original Greek, including Homer's Iliad, lyric, elegy and drama, in their context with linguistic/translation exercises.
  • Intermediate Latin for MLitt (A): This module is aimed at students taking an MLitt in Classics who have some prior knowledge of Latin language and want to develop their literary and linguistic competence. It combines elements of LT2003 with the MLitt programme.
  • Intermediate Latin for MLitt (B): This module is aimed at students taking an MLitt in Classics who took LT5002 in their first semester. This module aims to consolidate command of the language and introduce students to new genres and authors.
  • Latin Literary Culture: Introduces students to the interrelationship between Latin texts and Roman culture from the period of the republic to late antiquity, different methodological and theoretical approaches to literary cultures, and key contemporary debates.
  • Latin Literary Culture (Language Option): Introduces students to the interrelationship between Latin texts and Roman culture from the period of the republic to late antiquity, different methodological and theoretical approaches to literary cultures, and key contemporary debates.
  • Roman History and Material Culture: Introduces students to contemporary debates in Roman historiography, art history, archaeology and related sub-disciplines, as well as innovations in theoretical and methodological applications that are advancing new areas of study.
  • Roman History and Material Culture (Language Option): Introduces students to contemporary debates in Roman historiography, art history, archaeology and related sub-disciplines, as well as innovations in theoretical and methodological applications that are advancing new areas of study.
  • Themes in Greek and Roman Philosophy (20 credits): The module will give students from both Classics and Philosophy an opportunity to deepen their knowledge of ancient Greek and Roman philosophy.
  • Themes in Greek and Roman Philosophy (30 credits): An interdisciplinary module between Classics and Philosophy allowing students to explore Greek and Roman philosophical texts in depth, all based on a single theme (to change yearly).

• Language modules

  All students have the opportunity to study Greek or Latin from beginners’ level, or to improve their language skills through more advanced language courses.

  Students who take Greek or Latin language modules take alternative versions of the optional modules which follow the same course of study but with a reduced workload and fewer credits.

• Dissertation

  Each student undertakes a dissertation of 15,000 words on a specialist subject chosen in consultation with the MLitt convenor and a dedicated supervisor who is responsible for guiding you through the research process and commenting on draft sections. The completed dissertation must be submitted by mid-August.

  If students choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MLitt, there is an exit award available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a postgraduate diploma (PGDip). By choosing an exit award, you will finish your degree at the end of the second semester of study and receive a PGDip instead of MLitt.