University of Cambridge campus

Arts & Humanities

Doctor of Philosophy in Classics at University of Cambridge

University of Cambridge, United Kingdom

Programme overview

The PhD is a three to four-year research degree, examined by a thesis of up to 80,000 words. Candidates work independently and closely with their Supervisor, a senior member of the Classics Faculty, and also have an academic advisor. Classes are provided in specialist research skills (e.g., epigraphy, palaeography, numismatics, Linear B and German).

Faculty: School of Arts and Humanities  |  Department: Faculty of Classics  |  Duration: 3-4 years full-time; 4-7 years part-time  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Intake: January 2027, April 2027, October 2027, January 2028, April 2028  |  Location: Cambridge, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

When appropriate, students are encouraged to work away from Cambridge, perhaps to undertake fieldwork or study manuscripts in libraries abroad. Doctoral students spend most of their time working independently, researching their own specialist topic, but there is a wide variety of postgraduate seminars offered in the various subject areas (Greek and Latin Literature, Philosophy, History, Art and Archaeology, Philology and Linguistics, and Interdisciplinary Approaches to the Ancient World). Thesis / Dissertation One thesis of no more than 80,000 words and oral examination (viva).

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants for this course should have achieved a Masters (Distinction). A first-class or distinction in a UK MA or MPhil postgraduate programme or overseas equivalent, with evidence of expertise in your chosen classical discipline. If the institution at which the student is currently studying offers the award of a distinction in a master's degree, we would expect a distinction to have been achieved. English language: IELTS (Academic) 7.5 overall with at least 7.0 in each element.

Domestic applicants: GBP 11,208 a year (2027/28). University Composition Fee (tuition) for 2027 entry; maintenance/living costs excluded. Source

International applicants: GBP 33,876 a year (2027/28). University Composition Fee (tuition) for 2027 entry; maintenance/living costs excluded. Source

Intake: January 2027, April 2027, October 2027, January 2028, April 2028

Duration: 3-4 years full-time; 4-7 years part-time

Explore more study programmes

View all study programmes →

Ready to start your study abroad journey?

Book a free consultation with our expert counsellors and take the first step towards your dream university.

Copyrights © 2026 StudyMapped. All rights reserved.