UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD · UNITED KINGDOM
MPhil in Greek and/or Latin Languages and Literature
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
21 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 21 monthsCourse Length
- Advanced linguistic trainingSpecialisation
- Substantial thesis elementResearch Focus
- Foundation for doctoral studyCareer Pathway
- World-class libraries and resourcesFacilities
- Small cohort (approx. 3 places)Intimate Learning Environment
The MPhil in Greek and/or Latin Languages and Literature at the University of Oxford is a 21-month taught master's course designed for advanced study in classical languages and literature, including a significant thesis component. It serves as an excellent foundation for students intending to pursue doctoral research in Classics, or for those who desire two additional years of intensive taught education before a PhD. The program allows students to deepen their understanding of specific authors, gain linguistic training, explore ancillary disciplines like papyrology, engage with textual criticism, or specialize in reception studies. Through a compulsory dissertation, students take their first steps into independent research and develop scholarly argumentation skills.
Curriculum
The course structure involves studying three options: a substantial thesis and two option modules chosen from Lists A, B, and C. You will study one option per year and work on your thesis across both years. All MPhil students can attend a wide range of lectures, seminars, and talks. In the first year, you will also attend a class on research techniques in Classical literature, which includes direct viewing of historical resources like papyri and manuscripts, and develops presentational skills.
- Year 1
- Research Techniques in Classical Literature
- Option from List A, B, or C
- Thesis work (ongoing)
- Year 2
- Option from List A, B, or C
- Thesis work (submission in Trinity term)
Careers
Many MPhil graduates proceed to pursue doctoral degrees at Oxford or other institutions, often leading to university teaching or research positions. For those not pursuing a doctorate, diverse career paths are available in fields such as teaching, publishing, administration, and business. The Faculty of Classics has a Sub-Faculty Placement Officer, and the University Careers Office provides dedicated support for Classicists.
- University Lecturer
- Academic Researcher
- Teacher
- Publisher
- Administrator
- Business Professional
Frequently asked questions
- What is the duration of the MPhil in Greek and/or Latin Languages and Literature?
- The MPhil in Greek and/or Latin Languages and Literature is a 21-month taught master's course.
- What are the estimated living costs for international students?
- Estimated annual living costs for a single student in Oxford range from £17,100 to £24,420 for 12 months in 2025-26. This estimate does not include travel, fieldwork, visa application fees, or the immigration health surcharge.
- What are the application deadlines?
- Applications for the 2026-27 intake are closed. You can register for email updates for when applications open for the 2027-28 intake. The university's general graduate application deadline is typically in January.
- What are the entry requirements?
- Admission requirements focus on proven and potential academic excellence. Higher level scores are required for the University's English Language Requirements.
- What is the structure of the course?
- The course involves a substantial thesis and two option modules chosen from specific lists, with one option studied per year. A class on research techniques in Classical literature is also compulsory in the first year.
- Are there any scholarships available?
- New College offers generous college awards for graduate students. To be considered, you must specify New College as your first-choice college in your application, submitted by the university's January application deadline.
Entry requirements
University's English Language RequirementsHigher level required
Admission requirements focus on proven and potential academic excellence. Oxford considers contextual factors to understand applicants' achievements within their individual backgrounds.
Fees
Tuition (international)Information not provided on the program or supporting pages.
Tuition (home)Information not provided on the program or supporting pages.
LivingEstimated annual living costs for a single student in Oxford range from £17,100 to £24,420 (for 12 months in 2025-26). This includes food (£3,960-£6,180), accommodation (£9,480-£11,460), personal items (£2,400-£4,020), social activities (£540-£1,200), study costs (£480-£1,080), and other miscellaneous expenses (£240-£480).
These living cost estimates are based on a single, full-time student without dependants. Additional costs may include travel to Oxford, fieldwork, visa application fees, and the immigration health surcharge for international students. The immigration health surcharge is a significant upfront cost covering the entire duration of your visa and any additional time granted by the Home Office.
How to apply
1. Find your courseBrowse the complete list of postgraduate courses on the University's Graduate Admissions website. Check the specific entry requirements and application deadlines for your chosen MPhil program.
2. Prepare your application documentsGather all necessary documents, which typically include academic transcripts, English language test results (if applicable), references, and a research proposal or statement of purpose relevant to your chosen options and thesis topic. Be ready to demonstrate proven and potential academic excellence.
3. Submit your application onlineComplete the University's online application form. Ensure all sections are filled accurately and all required documents are uploaded before the specific application deadline for the MPhil in Greek and/or Latin Languages and Literature. For scholarship consideration, ensure New College is selected as your first-choice college if applying for their graduate awards.
4. After you applyOnce your application is submitted, you can monitor its status via the online portal. The University will communicate further instructions regarding interviews (if any) or admissions decisions.
5. Student Visa (International Applicants)If you require a student visa, you will need to apply for it once you have received an offer of admission. Be prepared to budget for the visa application fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge, which must be paid upfront for the entire duration of your course and any additional time granted by the Home Office.
Scholarships
New College Graduate AwardsGenerous college awards
Frequently asked questions
What is the duration of the MPhil in Greek and/or Latin Languages and Literature?
+
The MPhil in Greek and/or Latin Languages and Literature is a 21-month taught master's course.
What are the estimated living costs for international students?
+
Estimated annual living costs for a single student in Oxford range from £17,100 to £24,420 for 12 months in 2025-26. This estimate does not include travel, fieldwork, visa application fees, or the immigration health surcharge.
What are the application deadlines?
+
Applications for the 2026-27 intake are closed. You can register for email updates for when applications open for the 2027-28 intake. The university's general graduate application deadline is typically in January.
What are the entry requirements?
+
Admission requirements focus on proven and potential academic excellence. Higher level scores are required for the University's English Language Requirements.
What is the structure of the course?
+
The course involves a substantial thesis and two option modules chosen from specific lists, with one option studied per year. A class on research techniques in Classical literature is also compulsory in the first year.
Are there any scholarships available?
+
New College offers generous college awards for graduate students. To be considered, you must specify New College as your first-choice college in your application, submitted by the university's January application deadline.