The course

Classical Reception (MRes)

If you are curious about how modern life has been shaped by ancient Greece and Rome and are looking to advance your skills in literary, historical and socio-cultural analysis, then this course, taught in the Department of Classics by world-renowned experts, is for you.

The history and culture of the Classical world, its art, literature, politics and culture have been passed down to us through generations of thinkers and its legacy has shaped modern thought and the way we live today. This Masters programme leads you to explore that legacy and to develop skills in research and methodology in this fascinating and growing field of intellectual history.

Intended either as a further year's study after a first degree or as training in the technical disciplines needed to undertake doctoral research, the course is structured to provide you with advanced training in research skills. Not only will you acquire a detailed understanding of the role the Classical world has played in shaping the modern era but you will develop skills that are much sought after outside of academia, specifically:

the ability to communicate views and present arguments clearly and coherently
the ability to critically digest, analyse and summarise content
organisation and research skills
problem-solving skills and capability
the ability to innovate and think creatively

This course draws on the department’s Centre for the Reception of Greece and Rome, and the thriving and internationally recognised research and teaching expertise of the Classics department. The Centre brings together the department’s wide range of research expertise on areas as wide as political and literary philosophy, urbanism, literary receptions, science fictions, and popular culture.

A global leader in Masters provision, Royal Holloway gives you the opportunity to take part in one of the most extensive programmes of research seminars and training programmes offered by any institution. During your time with us you will be under the careful supervision of our academic staff with access to not only the Royal Holloway library but also the world-class resources of the Institute of Classical Studies, the Warburg Institute, the British Library, Senate House Library, and other specialised libraries in the School of Advanced Study.

From time to time, we make changes to our courses to improve the student and learning experience. If we make a significant change to your chosen course, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.

Course structure

Core Modules

This module, delivered in the autumn term, will introduce you to a broad range of approaches to the field of classical reception, one of the most dynamic, influential fields in the discipline of Classics. The module is organised into three, broad interrelated strands that draw on the expertise of staff and the interests of students. Individual taught sessions explore topics such as the classical tradition, social and political theory, critical theory and thought, history and literature, gender, postcolonial theory, urban design and theory, aesthetics, popular culture, cinema, children’s literature, electronic media, visual studies and fine art, radical politics, intellectual history, philosophy and the history of ideas. The module guides you in exploring the legacies of the ancient world and helps you develop your critical and research skills, to understand methodology and the craft of academic writing.
You will produce a dissertation of 30,000 – 35,000 words as the principal component of this MRes. Students are supported by a series of workshops in the autumn, spring and summer terms which provide key skills and guidance in developing the dissertation topic, gathering research materials, presenting work, preparing the text of the dissertation and so on. During the spring and summer term, you will meet with your individual supervisor on a regular basis to discuss progress, submit work and develop your ideas. You will work on drafting and refining your dissertation over the year until submitting it in September.
This module will describe the key principles of academic integrity, focusing on university assignments. Plagiarism, collusion and commissioning will be described as activities that undermine academic integrity, and the possible consequences of engaging in such activities will be described. Activities, with feedback, will provide you with opportunities to reflect and develop your understanding of academic integrity principles.

All modules are core

Teaching & assessment

Assessment is carried out through coursework and a dissertation.

Part-time students normally take taught elements in their first year and the dissertation in their second year with preparatory work in year one.

Entry requirements

2:2

UK Bachelors degree or equivalent.

A successful applicant will usually have the following qualities:

an openness to new themes and current interpretations of the classics
an understanding of and interest in the many and diverse ways in which the classical has influenced the modern
an ability to relate disparate areas of study and work with different frameworks.

A sample essay may be required if we would like more information upon which to base a decision.

International & EU requirements

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall. Writing 7.0. No other subscore lower than 5.5.
Pearson Test of English: 61 overall. Writing 69. No other subscore lower than 51.
Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE): ISE III.
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) grade C.
TOEFL iBT: 88 overall, with Reading 18 Listening 17 Speaking 20 Writing 26.
Duolingo: 120 overall, 135 in Literacy, 135 in Production and no sub-score below 100.

Your future career

Graduates of classical degrees have much to offer potential employers having developed a range of transferable skills, both practical and theoretical, whilst studying with us. With up to 90% of our most recent graduates now working or in further study, according to the Complete University Guide 2015, it’s true to say our graduates are highly employable.

In recent years, PhD graduates, many of whom have progressed from our MA programmes, have taken up academic positions at Oxford, Bristol and Roehampton Universities. Outside of academia, our graduates have embarked on teaching careers in the UK and overseas, undertaken archaeological and museum work and pursued careers in journalism, finance, politics and the arts.

Fees, funding & scholarships

Home (UK) students tuition fee per year*: £11,600

EU and international students tuition fee per year**: £23,700

Other essential costs***: None, but should you decide to take modules which are delivered in Central London, travel will be required.

How do I pay for it? Find out more about funding options, including loans, grants, scholarships and bursaries.

* and ** These tuition fees apply to students enrolled on a full-time basis in the academic year 2025/26. Students studying on the standard part-time course structure over two years are charged 50% of the full-time applicable fee for each study year.

Royal Holloway reserves the right to increase all postgraduate tuition fees annually. Be aware that tuition fees can rise during your degree (if longer than one year’s duration), and that this also means that the overall cost of studying the course part-time will be slightly higher than studying it full-time in one year. The annual increase for continuing students who start their degree in 2025/26 will be 5%.  For further information, see the  fees and funding , and terms and conditions.

** This figure is the fee for EU and international students starting a degree in the academic year 2025/26. Find out more

*** These estimated costs relate to studying this particular degree at Royal Holloway during the 2025/26 academic year, and are included as a guide. Costs, such as accommodation, food, books and other learning materials and printing, have not been included.