Prospective MA Students

The Department of Classics and Archaeology at Queen’s offers a two-year program of study leading to the degree of Master of Arts in Classics and Archaeology. Queen’s is one of Canada’s top-ranked research universities and its Classics and Archaeology department is an exciting place to grapple with core questions of Ancient History, Literature, Archaeology, and Philology.

Queen's Classics and Archaeology offer two Fields of Study for its MA: (i) Classics and Archaeology and (ii) ​Classical Studies and Archaeology, and the 24-month program is offered in two patterns, from which students must choose one: Pattern I (thesis and defence, plus 4 half-courses) or Pattern II (major research essay or project, plus 6 half-courses). 

 

Classics and Archaeology (Greek and Latin required for admission)

Pattern I (Thesis)

 - 4 half-courses (2 of which must be Greek and/or Latin)

 - Thesis (about 100 pages) and defense

Pattern II (Major Research Essay or Project)

 - 6 half-courses (2 of which must be Greek and/or Latin)

 - Major Research Essay or Major Research Project

 

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

Pattern I (Thesis)

 - 4 half-courses 

 - Thesis (about 100 pages) and defense

Pattern II (Major Research Essay or Project)

 - 6 half-courses 

 - Major Research Essay or Major Research Project

 

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. 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 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

Feel free to also view the information regarding the graduate studies application through the School of Graduate Studies.


Important Dates

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

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