Doctor of Philosophy in Classics

Classicists study the languages, literature, material culture, and history of Ancient Greece and Rome. The Department of Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies offers a PhD Classics with the option of three streams: Classics (language-based program), Ancient History, or Classical Archaeology. Classics students develop competence to the highest level in Greek and Latin, Ancient History students master as least one of Greek or Latin and undertake additional coursework outside of the Department to develop marketable expertise in a second field, Classical Archaeology students become experts in archaeological practice and theory. Students in all streams attain advanced reading skills in Latin, Greek, and relevant modern languages.

Students develop range and breadth through coursework and comprehensive examinations in Years 1 and 2 of the program, after that, students will be encouraged and enabled to narrow their focus so that they become world experts in their chosen dissertation topic.
The PhD in Classics is the only program in Canada to offer students the opportunity to expand their perspective beyond Greece and Rome to the broader cultural, material, and religious contexts of interconnected ancient Mediterranean and Near East through multi-disciplinary coursework and research. We have ten full-time faculty specializing in Greek literature and philosophy, Latin literature and translation, Greek and Roman history, Roman law, Greek and Roman theatre, Greek mythology, Bronze Age archaeology, Greek material culture, Roman provincial archaeology. Our other faculty in Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Studies are interdisciplinary researchers whose work regularly engages with classical literature, art, and culture.

Applicants for the PhD must have an MA and must have completed a minimum of 12 credits of course work at the graduate level (i.e. numbered 500 or above) in the relevant field. All applications must meet the minimum requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.

The PhD in Classics and PhD in Classics (Ancient History) require a minimum of 12 credits at the graduate level in Ancient Greek and Latin, with at least 3 credits in each language. The PhD in Classics (Classical Archaeology) requires a minimum of 12 credits at the graduate level in Classical Archaeology and prior completion of the archaeological fieldwork requirement. Graduate-level coursework in Ancient Greek and Latin are requirements for the PhD Classics and the PhD Classics (Ancient History) Applicants to the PhD Classics (Classical Archaeology) must have completed at least two years undergraduate study (12 credits, or equivalent) in either Ancient Greek or Latin prior to admission (minimum grade: B-/68%)
3 letters of reference. Statement of intent. Sample of writing. Transcripts and diplomas in a language other than English must be accompanied by certified English translations. Note: GRE scores are not necessary.

IELTS - A minimum overall band score of 7.0 is required with a minimum score of 6.5 in each component.
TOEFL IBT - 100 for the internet-based exam with minimum component scores of 22 (reading, listening) and 21 (writing, speaking).