PhD Classics and Ancient History (On-Campus or by Distance Learning)

The Department of Classics and Ancient History offers the opportunity to carry out postgraduate research in a distinctively wide range of areas, from all the major civilisations of the ancient Mediterranean, to all periods of classical antiquity.

As a postgraduate researcher in the Department, you will join an internationally acclaimed research community. Times Higher Education ranked us among the top 5 departments of Classics in the country for our performance in the latest Research Excellence Framework exercise.

We offer two postgraduate research-only programmes, whether you are looking to complete your academic studies with a PhD or pursue your research at Masters level.

Why Study this Course?

• World-leading research: Times Higher Education ranked us among the top 5 departments of Classics in the country for our performance in the latest Research Excellence Framework exercise, with 38% of our research rated as ‘world-leading’', and a further 43% rated as ‘internationally excellent’.
• Transferable skills: Birmingham's Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology graduates develop a broad range of transferable skills including: familiarity with research methods; the ability to manage large quantities of information from diverse sources; the ability to organise information in a logical and coherent manner; the expertise to write clearly and concisely and to tight deadlines; critical and analytical ability; the capacity for argument, debate and speculation; and the ability to base conclusions on statistical research.
• Established expertise: The University of Birmingham has a distinguished tradition of Classical scholarship going back more than 100 years.

Employability

Your degree will provide excellent preparation for your future career, but this can also be enhanced by a range of employability support services offered by the University and the College of Arts and Law.

The University's Careers Network provides expert guidance and activities especially for postgraduates, which will help you achieve your career goals. The College of Arts and Law also has a dedicated careers and employability team who offer tailored advice and a programme of College-specific careers events.

You will be encouraged to make the most of your postgraduate experience and will have the opportunity to:

• Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique, whether you are looking for a career inside or outside of academia
• Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations
• Attend an annual programme of careers fairs, skills workshops and conferences, including bespoke events for postgraduates in the College of Arts and Law
• Take part in a range of activities to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers and enhance your CV