External summary

The MSc by Research in Classics provides a grounding in the methods and techniques of investigation while at the same time allowing you to pursue your own research and complete an extended thesis, with the guidance of supervisors who are experts in the field. As such it is an excellent preparation for further research at doctoral level.

At Edinburgh, the Subject Area of Classics can offer research supervision at MSc level in all the main areas of classical studies, including Greek and Latin languages and literature, classical art and archaeology, and ancient history. Our special areas of expertise include such diverse fields as the study of late antiquity, art history, ancient philosophy, Hellenistic poetry, Cicero, Roman politics and imperialism, ancient slavery, and Persia. Within the expertise available, students can develop and explore their own research agenda, whether they wish to pursue philological, historical, archaeological, or philosophical research, or a combination thereof.

Weekly research seminars in the Subject Area of Classics as well as regular international conferences and workshops within the School provide additional space for thought and exchange, and intellectual development, for students on this programme. Moreover, the graduate community is intellectually active, supportive, and convivial; and our graduates organize their own seminar series and conferences.

Educational aims of programme

This programme aims to introduce students of Ancient History, Classical Archaeology/Art and Greek and Latin Languages and Literature to an advanced study of the Graeco-Roman world in the form of research. Its principal aim is to help students develop their research skills in a specific area of classical studies.

Students on the programme will be provided with the suitable training in research methodology and resources for further postgraduate research at doctoral level. Language training is also available at appropriate levels.

Thus, the degree provides students with a programme enabling them (depending on their choice of research topic):

• To acquire the skills for advanced study of one or more of the following areas of research, and to further our knowledge in one or more of the following areas of research:

• Greek and/or Latin language and literature

• Greek and/or Roman history

• Greek and/or Roman art

• Greek and/or Roman archaeology

• To be able to complete a well-researched and intelligible dissertation within their chosen area(s) of expertise.

Programme outcomes: Knowledge and understanding

Graduates from the MSc in Classics by Research will possess and demonstrate

• an advanced understanding of other cultures, their histories, literatures, and/or material records, and ways of critically engaging with them

• an advanced appreciation of the interaction and links among the different areas of classical scholarship and of the diversity of methodological and theoretical approaches in the study of the various subjects within Classics

• an advanced understanding of the different value of various bodies of evidence for the study of different problems and topics

• an advanced understanding and critical appreciation of the thoughts, beliefs, ideas and concepts held in classical antiquity as expressed in the literature, history and/or material culture of ancient society as well as a sophisticated understanding of a range of viewpoints on problems of interpretation and evaluation of the past

• an advanced understanding of (esp.) economic, legal, social, cultural, ethical, and political responsibilities and issues surrounding the study of the past and its applications

• an improved understanding of the role of the past and its study in the shaping of class, ethnic, gender, national and other identities with current, sometimes sensitive relevance

• an improved understanding of how to enjoy the life of the mind with particular reference to an intellectual engagement with the ancient world

And, depending on their chosen area of research:

• a high grasp and outstanding knowledge of one or more of the following areas of research:

• Greek and/or Latin language and literature

• Greek and/or Roman history

• Greek and/or Roman art

• Greek and/or Roman archaeology

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in research and enquiry

Graduates from the MSc in Classics by Research will possess and demonstrate

• an advanced ability to draw valid conclusions about one or more of the following areas of research into the Graeco-Roman past:

• Greek and/or Latin language and literature

• Greek and/or Roman history

• Greek and/or Roman art

• Greek and/or Roman archaeology

• an  advanced ability to apply philological, historical and/or archaeological knowledge in the study and interpretation of textual and/or material sources

• an advanced ability to analyse and comment on the thoughts, beliefs, ideas and concepts of ancient voices with due consideration of their social, political and historical contexts and of pertinent secondary literature

• an advanced ability to identify, define and analyse problems and issues pertaining to the study of the ancient world through the collection and interpretation of often complex and difficult primary source material

• an advanced ability to exercise critical judgement in the evaluation of the opinions and arguments of other scholars of the classical world in one or more of the following areas of research:

• Greek and/or Latin language and literature

• Greek and/or Roman history

• Greek and/or Roman art

• Greek and/or Roman archaeology

• an advanced ability to think creatively and imaginatively in order to solve difficult philological, historical and/or archaeological problems with often scanty and/or diverse evidence

• an advanced ability to formulate own questions of the classical past, and to search for, evaluate and successfully employ ancient source material and/or modern theories in answering these questions

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in personal and intellectual autonomy

Graduates from the MSc in Classics by Research will possess and demonstrate

• a high ability to exercise informed critical judgement regarding the study of one or more of the following areas of research:

• Greek and/or Latin language and literature

• Greek and/or Roman history

• Greek and/or Roman art

• Greek and/or Roman archaeology

• a high ability to organise complex and lengthy arguments pertaining to the study of the ancient world and to present well-reasoned conclusions

• a high ability to gather and evaluate complex and variegated data independently, and to organise this into complex and lengthy arguments of a philological, historical and/or archaeological nature

• an advanced ability to formulate their own opinion on the basis of the ancient evidence, textual and/or material, that is new or different to the views expressed by others

• an advanced ability to test, modify and strengthen their own views through collaboration and debate with peers and seniors

• an advanced ability to turn intellectual curiosity in the ancient world into the responsible study of and research on an important aspect of the human past, and to relate that past to their own place in the world

• an advanced ability to analyse how national, cultural, social and/or political assumptions and viewpoints can influence the study of the ancient world and the roles and places of the different elements that made up the ancient world

• an advanced ability to reflect on the role of the ancient world, its images, thoughts, words, and actions, and its influence on the modern world

• an advanced ability to reflect on the role of scholarly inquiry into the classical past in the making of the modern world

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in communication

Graduates from the MSc in Classics by Research will possess and demonstrate

• an advanced ability to make effective use of oral, written and visual means to critique, negotiate, create and communicate understanding

• an advanced ability to marshal argument lucidly, coherently and concisely, be it in writing or in speaking

• an advanced ability to think on their feet when presented with unexpected and/or unusual evidence, questions or topics and to propose remedies and answers in a clear and persuasive manner in the time given, be it in a supervision session, in class, a research seminar or a postgraduate forum

• an advanced ability to present their views in collaboration with others, both in group discussion and in joint presentations

an advanced ability to present lucidly the results of investigation to specialists and non-specialists alike, orally or in written form, be it in class, at postgraduate meetings, or in a public forum

Programme outcomes: Graduate attributes - Skills and abilities in personal effectiveness

Graduates from the MSc in Classics by Research will possess and demonstrate

• an advanced ability to work independently and investigate purposefully

• an advanced ability to approach intellectual challenges with academic rigour and mental agility

• an advanced ability to think under pressure when addressing often difficult questions

• an advanced ability to manage and meet firm deadlines and to organise their own learning and workload to that effect

• an advanced ability to contribute to wider debates and issues on the basis of their knowledge and understanding of the ancient world that shows a high level of social responsibility and a commitment to social fairness

• an advanced ability to collaborate effectively with others, including peers and academic seniors, capitalising deliberately on diversities of thinking, experience and skills in ways that value personal difference

Programme outcomes: Technical/practical skills

Graduates from the MSc in Classics by Research will possess and demonstrate

• a high command of bibliographical and library research skills, as well as a range of skills in reading and textual analysis

• an advanced ability to explore and use a range of research resources, such as libraries, archives, museums, etc.

• an advanced ability to employ a range of electronic resources and presentation aids, and means of electronic communication (e.g. electronic databases, powerpoint, wikis, etc.)

Programme structure and features

The MSc in Classics by Research offers a rigorous academic programme of study that enhances students understanding of issues of equality and diversity through research into a culture that is different to our own, including its language, its material culture, its political system, etc. Students on this programme are required to conceptualise their own place in today’s world against the backdrop of a world that is not only very different to our own, but that has left a sustained legacy to the modern world in the form of its cultural, philosophical and similar achievements.

Structure and Credit Values

Students on the MSc in Classics by Research are required to satisfy the programme requirements as laid out below.

Assessment details

Students submit a thesis not exceeding 30,000 words (180 credits) which is examined by two examiners subject to confirmation by an external examiner. During the duration of the programme, students meet regularly with their supervisor(s), at least once a month, who offer guidance as the students’ research and writing progress. Students are required to audit the Classics research skills training courses (Professional Skills in Classics and Classics Methodology Seminars) unless they can document a sound knowledge and expertise in these areas prior to the start of the programme. Additionally, students will be directed to suitable training in other research fields and, where necessary, to attend classes to develop their knowledge of ancient and modern languages. They will also have the opportunity to attend other courses, whether because they are relevant to the project or simply because they are of interest.

Progression requirements

n/a

Learning outcomes and assessment practices

The programme's outcomes, detailed above, are assessed by means of a single dissertation of 30,000 words as described under ‘Assessment details’.

Modes of study

The programme may be taken full time over twelve months or part-time over twenty four months.

Exit Awards

Requirements for the Award of the Diploma

In order to be awarded the diploma candidates must:

• be awarded a pass at diploma level (i.e. 40%) for the 180 credits of study examined for the degree, i.e. for the dissertation.

Requirements for the Award of the MSc

In order to be awarded a Masters degree candidates must:

• be awarded a pass at 50% or above for the 180 credits of study examined for the degree, i.e. for the dissertation.

Requirements of the Award of the MSc with Distinction

The Masters degree may be awarded with distinction. In order to be awarded a Masters degree with distinction, candidates must:

• be awarded a pass at 70% or above for the 180 credits of study examined for the degree, i.e. for the dissertation.

Teaching and learning methods and strategies

All students will undertake a 30,000 word dissertation on a topic agreed with the supervisor/s, to be submitted by a date specified in the University Regulations. The dissertation is an extended piece of scholarship in which a student is expected to formulate and sustain a substantive piece of research within the discipline of Classics. The dissertation is expected to engage critically and analytically with the literature in the field, building upon relevant concepts and theory covered in the taught element of the degree and deploying a range of primary and secondary sources as well as appropriate data-analytic and bibliographic skills.

Assessment methods and strategies

The degree is obtained by means of research and presentation of a thesis (about 30,000 words)

Career opportunities

The MSc by Research in Classics provides a grounding in the methods and techniques of investigation, while at the same time allowing students to pursue their own research and complete an extended thesis.  As such it is an excellent preparation for further research at doctoral level, and a number of graduates go on to pursue a PhD.  Others might pursue their interest in working in related areas such as museum work, the cultural heritage industry, or education for example.  Whilst others enter work or vocational training in areas unrelated to their academic studies.  

Each graduate’s experience of the programme will be different, and personalisation will have been provided by their thesis topic.  Outlined in this DPS are a range of specific skills and abilities they have the potential to develop however.  Graduates may also combine skills gained from their undergraduate studies, along with other non-academic experience, to decide on these next steps. 

Given that the career options are broad, an ability to identify their individual interests, motivations and skill set, to research opportunities, and gather sufficient relevant experience  is key to success.  For information and support with career planning, consult the postgraduate section of the Careers Service website:  www.ed.ac.uk/careers/postgrad

Other items

The Programme Director is responsible for monitoring and reporting on students’ overall academic progress, as well as offering pastoral support. The Classics Graduate Officers will offer additional academic and pastoral advice and support to each student.  The Graduate Officer, in conjunction with the Head of Classics, will ensure that two supervisors are appointed to guide students through the process of completing the dissertation.

Access is provided to a networked wireless graduate study room with 38 desktop PCs, as well as two further graduate study rooms containing book collections, wireless networking and study space. These are maintained by Information Services via an e-Learning and Web Development Officer. Information Services also offer students access to training courses in a range of computing applications. 

MSc students are also encouraged to engage with and attend the various research seminar programmes organised by the School so as to familiarise themselves with current research issues and to develop their discursive skills.