Ancient History

Based in the School of History, Archaeology and Religion, you join a vibrant academic and research community, proud of our reputation for training the next generation of researchers.

Supervised by experts, our postgraduates encounter exciting opportunities to debate and exchange ideas, whether through our internationally-connected Research Centres or numerous seminar series.

Our projects across disciplines continue to advance research, supported by partners ranging from the Arts and Humanities Research Council to the Wellcome Trust.

Programme aims

To offer knowledge and expertise for a career in research (media, commercial, public sector etc), public service, teaching and academia.

Distinctive features

Cardiff offers considerable research strength in ancient history and has very strong links with archaeology, medieval history and religious studies through the Centre for Late Antique Religion and Culture.
Wide chronological coverage, from Archaic Greece to Late Antiquity
Opportunities for interdisciplinary research with archaeology, medieval history and religious studies.
Encouragement and support for postgraduate students from the University of Wales Institute for Classics and Ancient History, which is run jointly by Cardiff in association with the Departments of Classics and Ancient History at Swansea and Lampeter.

Key facts

Mode of study	Full-time, part-time
Qualification	PhD, MPhil
Full-time duration	PhD 3 years, MPhil 1 year
Part-time duration	PhD 5 years, MPhil 2 years
Start dates	January, April, July, October

We offer a full range of expertise, but the following areas are of particular strength:

History and Archaeology of Archaic Societies, the Roman Republic & Empire or the Later Roman and Early Medieval Periods
Greek Epigraphy
Political and Social History of the Greek City States
History and Archaeology of the Roman Republic and Empire
History and Archaeology of the Later Roman and Early Medieval Periods
Warfare in Antiquity
Housing and the Built Environment
Gender and Sexuality
Ancient Medicine.

UK government postgraduate doctoral loans

Candidates for the Professional Doctorate programme may be eligible to apply for a UK government postgraduate doctoral loan.

Find out more about UK government postgraduate doctoral loans

Funding

We are delighted to be part of the South, West and Wales Doctoral Training Partnership, which is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council.

See our latest PhD studentships and projects and find out more about other funding opportunities.

Tuition fees

Suitable for graduates in Ancient History, Classics, Classical Archaeology and related humanities and social science disciplines.

Applicants should normally possess a first or upper second class Honours degree or equivalent in an appropriate subject field and a good pass at MA.

English language requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English are normally expected to meet the minimum University requirements (e.g. 6.5 IELTS). Please see our English Language Requirements guidance for more details.