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Graduate Studies

The Classics and Archaeology department at Queen’s has the honour of being one of the longest-running university departments in the country. Because our graduate program is small, we are able to provide our students with individual attention and support. Our students consistently win both internal and external awards and fellowships. Our faculty members have expertise in Greek and Roman archaeology, history, language and literature, so your research opportunities are vast and varied. You will also have multiple opportunities to get hands-on archaeological experience by taking part in faculty-supervised digs around the Mediterranean world. More information about Graduate Studies in Classics and Archaeology can be found in the School of Graduate Studies Academic Calendar, or by contacting our Graduate Coordinator.

Want to talk to a graduate student about their tips and tricks to having a successful grad studies experience? Or how to best prepare before you arrive? Or perhaps you are still undecided as to whether to apply to grad school? Contact a Graduate Inclusivity Fellow HERE!

Program Learning Outcomes

Program Overview

Queen’s Department of Classics and Archaeology offer two Fields of Study for its MA:

  • Classics and Archaeology
  • Classical Studies and Archaeology

Our 24-month program is offered in two patterns, from which students must choose one:

  • Pattern I - Thesis and Defence
  • Pattern II - Major Research Paper or Project (MRP)

Below is our program structure. Please note:

  • Full-year courses are 6.0 units
  • Half-year courses are 3.0 units
  • Courses taken outside the department require special permission from the Graduate Coordinator and/or your Supervisor. 
Classics and Archaeology (Greek and Latin required for admission)

Pattern I - Thesis (CLAS 899)

  • Thesis & Defence (roughly 100 pages)
  • CLAS 800 & 802
  • 4 half-year courses, 2 of which must be Greek and/or Latin
  • 1 full-year Modern Language course OR do a written translation test

Pattern II – MRP (CLAS 898)

  • MRP
  • CLAS 800 & 802
  • 6 half-year courses, 2 of which must be Greek and/or Latin
  • 1 full-year Modern Language course OR do a written translation test

Language Requirement is fulfilled if:

  • Students can demonstrate the ability to read and comprehend a modern language (normally French, German, or Italian) OR;
  • If you have taken a Modern Language in your undergraduate program (Ontario Academic Credit or equivalent).

Please Note:

  • Students can also fulfill their Modern Language requirement by taking an Ancient Language instead.

Classical Studies and Archaeology (No Greek or Latin required for admission)

Pattern I - Thesis (CLAS 899)

  • Thesis & Defence (roughly 100 pages)
  • CLAS 800 & 802
  • 4 half-year courses (CLAS; GREK; LATN)
  • 1 half-year course of Modern Language OR a written translation test

Pattern II – MRP (CLAS 898)

  • MRP
  • CLAS 800 & 802
  • 6 half-year courses (CLAS; GREK; LATN)
  • 1 half-year course of Modern Language OR a written translation test

Language Requirement is fulfilled if:

  • Students can demonstrate the ability to read and comprehend a modern language (normally French, German, or Italian) OR;
  • Have completed two-year-long Ancient Language courses (12.0 credits)

Please Note:

  • Students can also fulfill their Modern Language requirement by taking an Ancient Language instead.

Patterns are chosen in consultation with the supervisor. The thesis has a recommended length of 100 pp. on a topic chosen in consultation with the thesis supervisor and will be subject to examination under the general regulations of the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs. The Major Research Essay has a recommended length of 50 pages, and the Major Research Project has an accompanying essay of no less than 25 pages that explicates the methodology and advances an interpretation of the results. The Essay or Project will not be subject to an oral defence but will be read and approved by another faculty member in addition to the supervisor, and must show the capacity for critical and analytical research and reflect the state of scholarship in the subject.

Pattern II is recommended for students in the Classical Studies and Archaeology field, but is also available to students in the Classics and Archaeology field.

MA students in the program should meet with a potential supervisor and agree on a pattern and plan of study by the beginning of their second year.

Students in both patterns must also take two "professional seminar" courses (CLAS 800 and CLAS 802).
As well, a reading knowledge of a modern (normally French, German or Italian) or ancient (Ancient Greek or Latin) language is a requirement for obtaining the MA.

What do I need to know to APPLY?

Academic Requirements

  • Four-year bachelor's degree in Classics or other relevant field, and
  • Grade requirements: minimum first-class or high second-class standing (B+ average)

Additional Requirements

  • A good knowledge of ancient Greek and Latin is required for the Classics and Archaeology field. There are no language requirements for admission to the Classical Studies and Archaeology field.
  • A 5-10 page writing sample to be emailed to the Classics Graduate Program as a PDF.
  • In the application, you will be required to provide contact information for two referees. Referees will not be contacted until your application is submitted.
  • If English is not a native language, prospective students must meet the English language proficiency requirements in writing, speaking, reading, and listening.

Apply Now

Important Dates

  • September: Applications Open - apply online.
  • February 1st: Application Deadline
  • March 1st: Notification of Acceptances goes out

** Before you start your application, please review the Graduate Studies application process.