Greek and/or Latin Languages and Literature

The majority of students take the shorter MSt, which the faculty recommends as the default master's choice in Greek and/or Latin languages and literature. However, the MPhil is often taken by two groups of students and designed with them in mind: those who feel that they would benefit from two more years of taught education in Classics before embarking on a doctorate; and those who have a clear idea of the topic that they hope to research eventually for their doctorate, and who wish to start extensive work on this topic already in their master's dissertation.

Nearly all students take the course as preparation for a research degree, and for such students it might offer, for instance, linguistic training; the opportunity to become acquainted with an ancillary discipline such as papyrology; engagement with a particular author's texts at a deeper level; and/or textual criticism of Greek and/or Latin; or, reception studies. The MPhil also offers, through an obligatory dissertation, the first steps in actual research and the extended presentation of a scholarly argument.

You will study three options: a thesis and any two options from lists A and B. You will study one option in your first year and the other in your second year, and will work on your thesis across both years.

List A comprises major literary texts and genres - for example, historiography, lyric poetry, Cicero, Ovid. You may also propose your own text or genre option, for approval by the Graduate Studies Committee. The core of the teaching for these options is a series of, typically fortnightly, one-on-one sessions with a tutor. Examination is by means of three submitted essays of up to 7,500 words and a paper of translation and comment.

List B comprises more technical subjects such as the textual criticism of Greek or Latin texts, papyrology, comparative philology and reception. These options are delivered in a variety of ways, often by (typically weekly) classes. Assessment is by exam or pre-submitted work or a combination of the two. Intermediate Ancient Greek or Latin may be taken if you have not studied both languages to a high level in the course of your first degree.

Your thesis can be up to a maximum of 25,000 words. The subject has to be devised in consultation with your supervisor and approved by the Graduate Studies Committee, and must be submitted by the sixth week of the Trinity term of your second year.

There is the possibility to specialise in reception across the course by choosing the Reception module option and working on reception topics in a text/genre option, though you will still sit a translation exam as detailed below.

As an MPhil student you are assigned a supervisor, who provides overall direction for your course, and with whom you have regular meetings. Your supervisor will arrange tutors for you for each option. You will have considerable input yourself in shaping and driving your studies.

All MPhil students have the opportunity to attend a wide range of lectures, seminars and talks by visiting speakers. In their first year, they also attend a class on research techniques in Classical literature, extending over two terms: this includes in the first term units on topics such as the history of classical scholarship and on research resources, as well as on various aspects of literary theory. In the second term considerable attention is paid to presentational skills, as students deliver papers of their own to the group.

Please see the Graduate admissions part of the Classics website for more material, including the current handbook for the course.

The allocation of graduate supervision for this 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.

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.

Changes to this course and your supervision

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. In certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.

Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.

For further information, please see our page on changes to courses.

Other courses you may wish to consider

If you're thinking about applying for this course, you may also wish to consider the courses listed below. These courses may have been suggested due to their similarity with this course, or because they are offered by the same department or faculty.

Courses suggested by the faculty

Classical Languages and Literature DPhil
Greek and/or Latin Languages and Literature MSt
Ancient History DPhil
Greek and/or Roman History MSt
Greek and/or Roman History MPhil
Classical Archaeology MSt
Classical Archaeology MPhil
Ancient Philosophy MSt
Women's Studies MSt

All graduate courses offered by the Faculty of Classics

Ancient History DPhil

Classical Languages and Literature DPhil

Greek and/or Latin Languages and Literature MSt

Greek and/or Latin Languages and Literature MPhil

Greek and/or Roman History MPhil

Greek and/or Roman History MSt

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Entry requirements