MPhil in Late Antique and Byzantine Studies at University of Oxford

Programme overview

The MPhil in Late Antique and Byzantine Studies is a two-year taught course exploring the transformation of the ancient world (Late Antiquity c.250-c.750 and Byzantium c.330-c.1453), with specialisation in periods, regions, languages and approaches. Teaching is delivered by scholars across several Oxford faculties and the degree can be taken free-standing or as a step towards doctoral research.

What you will study

Year one: classes in either Late Antique History or Byzantine History, a core class on Late Antique and Byzantine Archaeology and Visual Culture, a core class on Religion, and a language or skills pathway (languages include Greek, Latin, Syriac, Arabic, Armenian, Coptic, Middle Persian and Hebrew; auxiliary disciplines include papyrology, epigraphy, palaeography and numismatics). Year two: a thesis plus one other examined element (a dissertation, auxiliary disciplines or a language paper).

Career pathways

About a quarter of master's students proceed to doctoral work at Oxford, others continue academic study elsewhere, and other destinations are in line with undergraduate history careers such as law, finance, management consultancy and the civil service.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

An undergraduate degree with a minimum of 68% overall (high upper second class) and 68% for the dissertation in a relevant humanities or social science discipline; entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first. Minimum GPA 3.6/4.0 for US degrees (successful candidates normally 3.75 or higher). Applicants must have experience of working on a historical subject at undergraduate level, though not necessarily a history degree. Professional experience may compensate for shortcomings in the formal record for mature students. No GRE/GMAT. Three referees (academic preferred), transcripts, combined statement of purpose and research proposal (500-1,000 words) and a writing sample of up to 4,000 words. Interviews not normally held. English language (University higher level): IELTS Academic 7.5 overall with at least 7.0 in each component; TOEFL iBT 110 (minimum Listening 22, Reading 24, Speaking 25, Writing 24); C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency 191 overall and 185 per component; Oxford Test of English Advanced 165 overall and 155 per component. Tests must be taken within two years of the start date. Application deadline: 12:00 UK time, 7 January 2027 (2027-28 entry).

Domestic applicants: GBP 18,980 a year (2027/28). Home fee, annual course fee Source

International applicants: GBP 46,350 a year (2027/28). Overseas fee, annual course fee Source

Intake: 3 October 2027

Duration: 21 months full-time

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