Ancient History

Ancient History at the University of Oxford offers an exceptional opportunity for students to explore the rich and diverse history of the ancient world from the beginnings of recorded history to the fall of the Roman Empire. This comprehensive program is designed to provide a thorough understanding of the political, social, cultural, and religious developments that shaped ancient civilizations across regions such as Egypt, Greece, Rome, the Near East, and other key areas. Students will engage with primary sources, archaeological findings, and the latest scholarly research, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills essential for historical inquiry. The course structure combines rigorous lectures, seminars, and independent research, allowing students to tailor their academic experience according to their interests. Oxford's world-class faculty, renowned for their expertise in areas such as classical philology, archaeology, and ancient history, will guide students through complex historical narratives and interpretations. The program also offers practical training in ancient languages, including Latin and Greek, which are vital for primary source analysis. Students will have access to extensive library resources, archaeological collections, and opportunities for fieldwork, including participating in excavations. The degree aims to equip graduates with a profound understanding of ancient societies and their enduring influence on the modern world, preparing them for careers in academia, museums, cultural heritage management, journalism, or further postgraduate study. Graduates of the program often pursue research at leading institutions worldwide, contributing to our growing knowledge of the ancient past. The Oxford Ancient History program is distinguished by its commitment to academic excellence, innovative teaching methods, and an intellectually stimulating environment, making it an ideal choice for students passionate about exploring the origins and legacies of human civilization.

The DPhil takes the form of the composition of a substantial dissertation, of up to 100,000 words, based on new research on a subject of your choice. You will be appointed a supervisor or supervisors with relevant expertise, who will support you throughout your doctoral work, beginning with the formulation of the topic and ending with the final examination. 

The best dissertations are published, many in the Oxford University Press series of Classical Monographs which exists for this purpose. 

The vision of the DPhil as a necessary stage of an academic career, following on from master's-level education and preparing for postdoctoral work and beyond, is reflected in five other ways:

1. Doctoral students are required to set the topics of their individual specialisation in a larger understanding of developments in the field across the world.

2. They are encouraged to pursue a diversity of scholarly interests on the side of working on their doctoral dissertation, so as to start building a larger portfolio of specialities. They may produce articles or review books in areas somewhat different from that of their dissertation, and towards the end of their doctoral may begin to contemplate a postdoctoral project.

3. The Classics Faculty assists doctoral students in continuing to develop necessary research skills, and acquiring or improving knowledge of relevant ancient and modern languages. Competence in Latin and/or Greek is an admission requirement.

4. Doctoral students can be trained and given experience (with mentoring) in undergraduate teaching of several different kinds, eg class, lecture, tutorial.

5. There are other structures, within the Classics Faculty, the Humanities Division and the wider University, to help with career-development and with academic placement.

Finally, it is fully recognised that some students will choose not to pursue a professional career in Classics, and the structures mentioned in the points above are tailored to their needs too. The experience of the Classics DPhil programmes is intended to be personally fulfilling and intellectually enriching in itself, and the cognitive skills required are highly transferable to other walks of life.

Examples of recent DPhil thesis titles include:

Part-time study

The faculty welcomes applications for part-time study on the DPhil. Part-time students are fully integrated into the research culture of the Classics Faculty and afforded all the same opportunities and support as full-time students.

The faculty appreciates that part-time research students will have non-standard attendance and work patterns. Although there is no requirement to reside in Oxford, part-time research students must be able to commit to attendance in Oxford at least once a week during Weeks 0 to 9 of each term, in order to meet with their supervisor, participate in research seminars and undertake skills training.

It is not possible to study for the DPhil in Ancient History by distance learning.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in classics or a similar course of academic study with substantial course components in the area of ancient history.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.7 out of 4.0.

You will normally be expected to have a master's degree in a relevant subject with scores at the same level as first-class or high upper second-class honours.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

You should demonstrate a satisfactory knowledge of ancient languages appropriate to your intended research.

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Research proposal: Up to 1,200 words, typically two to three pages
• Written work: Two essays of 2,000 words each
• References/letters of recommendation: Three overall, all of which must be academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

The University of Oxford offers a comprehensive range of financing options to support students enrolled in its Ancient History programs. Funding for students varies depending on their nationality, residency status, and the specific requirements of their course. Domestic students, including UK nationals, can apply for government-sponsored loans, such as postgraduate student loans, which typically cover tuition fees and contribute toward living expenses. International students are encouraged to seek external scholarships, grants, or sponsorships, as the university's internal funding opportunities are predominantly targeted at UK residents.

Oxford provides numerous college-based bursaries and scholarships aimed at supporting students financially during their studies. These awards are often need-based but can also be merit-based, recognizing academic excellence or other contributions. Additionally, the university encourages students to explore external scholarship programs offered by governments, charitable organizations, and foundations that support students pursuing humanities, including Ancient History.

Graduate students can benefit from funding competitions organized periodically by the university or external bodies, which may include travel grants, research stipends, or conference funding to facilitate active participation in academic events. Furthermore, some colleges may offer specific financial support packages for students enrolled in Ancient History, covering fees, accommodation, or research expenses.

It is important for prospective students to thoroughly research and prepare their funding applications well in advance of admission deadlines. The university also provides detailed guidance and advice through its dedicated financial aid offices, helping students identify suitable sources of funding and navigate the application process. Overall, Oxford’s funding landscape for Ancient History students is robust, combining internal bursaries, scholarships, and external grants to make studying at one of the world’s leading universities feasible for a diverse range of students.

The Ancient History program at the University of Oxford offers students a comprehensive study of the history and culture of the ancient Mediterranean world, focusing on civilizations such as Greece and Rome from their origins to late antiquity. The program combines rigorous historical analysis with philological study, enabling students to develop a deep understanding of ancient societies through primary sources, archaeological findings, and critical interpretation. Students gain expertise in ancient languages, including Greek and Latin, which are essential for engaging with primary texts in their original form. The curriculum is designed to foster analytical skills through a combination of lectures, seminars, and independent research projects, encouraging students to critically evaluate different historical narratives and archaeological interpretations.

The program typically includes foundational courses in ancient history, where students explore key themes such as political history, social structures, religion, philosophy, and art in classical civilizations. Advanced modules allow students to specialize in topics like the history of Athens, the Roman Republic, or the transition from paganism to Christianity in late antiquity. Practical training may include workshops on interpreting ancient inscriptions, analyzing archaeological data, and conducting independent research. Students have access to extensive library resources and archives, as well as opportunities to engage with scholars through seminars and conferences held at the university.

Beyond coursework, the program encourages students to participate in archaeological fieldwork, internships, and study trips to relevant sites and museums. This hands-on experience complements classroom learning and provides valuable insights into the material culture of ancient civilizations. Graduates of the program are well-equipped for careers in academia, cultural heritage, museum curation, archaeology, and public history, or further postgraduate study. The University of Oxford's distinguished faculty, rich academic resources, and vibrant intellectual community make it an ideal environment for those interested in exploring the complex history and legacy of antiquity in depth.