
Please note the course details apply to 2025 entry. Details for 2026 entry for our postgraduate courses will be published from mid-October 2025.
Please note the course details apply to 2025 entry. Details for 2026 entry for our postgraduate courses will be published from mid-October 2025.
Our course offers you the opportunity to study Greek and Roman art and archaeology at one of the largest Classics departments in the UK. The course is intercollegiate with options taught at King’s, UCL and Royal Holloway and you can take advantage of our close links to the Institute of Classical Studies, one of the UK’s best Classical libraries. It gives you the unique opportunity to acquire technical skills provided by optional modules in papyrology, epigraphy and palaeography. It leads to further research or careers in education, journalism, finance, politics and the cultural sector.
“I graduated from King’s in 2018 with an MA in Classical Art & Archaeology and then pursued a PhD in Classics which I completed in 2022. Now I have my own Artist Consultancy business, and I have been able to draw on the skills I’ve gained through my MA and PhD in my career to date”
Through this Classical Art & Archaeology MA you will explores the relationship between humans and their visual and material environment in the ancient world. You will examine monuments, art, objects and the craft skills that produced archeologically significant works. Traditionally, classical archaeology has focused on the art history of Classical Greece and Italy but has more recently branched out geographically, chronologically and theoretically. All trends are well represented here at King’s where our expert staff cover an extraordinarily wide range of specialisms. These include Bronze Age Aegean, Late Antique and Byzantine archaeology and architecture, Roman frontiers, Persian monuments, Greek pottery and sculpture, Roman mosaics and inscriptions. Many other staff members employ art historical and archaeological methods in their work. The course consists of a required core module, three to six optional modules and a dissertation. The first and last of these will provide you with concentrated training in research techniques and methodology in Classical art and archaeology. Besides purely archaeological topics, you may take modules from our master’s courses in Classics and the Ancient World, and Ancient History. You may also be able to take appropriate modules from other master’s courses at King’s. Students also have the opportunity to study Latin, and Ancient Greek and to acquire technical skills in the handling of documentary evidence. These will be particularly valuable to students who intend to pursue further research in classical archaeology or art history. We offer our MA on an intercollegiate basis, combining the expertise of staff in all three of the participating colleges - King’s, UCL and Royal Holloway. It centres on the University’s Institute of Classical Studies, which not only contains a world-class research library, but also hosts the richest programme of seminars, conferences, and occasional lectures for this subject area in the UK, as well as offering module options.
Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
2:1 BA degree with honours in Classics, Classical Studies, Ancient History, Classical Archaeology, History or a closely related subject.
In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree with a final mark of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme. If you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme.
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Your application will be assessed by the Postgraduate Admissions Tutor, and by other academics as appropriate. We do not usually interview applicants.
Applications must be made online using King's Apply, the Admissions Portal.
A non-refundable application fee of £85 applies.
You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
Personal Statement | Yes |
Please provide a personal statement of around 750 words, answering the following questions: Briefly explain why you are applying for this specific programme and how it fits with your future plans? (max 250 words) How does your experience and education make you a suitable candidate for this programme? (max 250 words) Please say a little about your preferred options & specialisation within the course? (max 250 words) Please write these questions as separate answers, with a clear title for your answer to each question. Documents where your answers are not clearly titled and separated will not be accepted. |
---|---|---|
Previous Academic Study | Yes | A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents. |
References | Yes | One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. In some cases, we may request an additional reference from you. |
Other | Optional | You may wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of your application. |
The MA course consists of a wide range of optional modules and a research dissertation. You will be trained in a variety of research skills and the unique opportunity to acquire technical skills in the handling of documentary evidence through modules in Greek Papyrology, Greek & Latin Epigraphy, and Greek & Latin Palaeography. These will be particularly valuable to students who intend to pursue further research in classical archaeology or art history.
As well as archaeological and art-historical topics, you can also choose modules from MA courses across the university, including Ancient History Classics, and Reception. Students also have the opportunity to study Latin and Ancient Greek.
We offer our MA on an intercollegiate basis, combining the expertise of staff in all three of the participating colleges - King’s, UCL and Royal Holloway. It centres on the University’s Institute of Classical Studies, which not only contains a world-class research library, but also hosts the richest programme of seminars, conferences, and occasional lectures for this subject area in the UK.
Research seminars
In the Department of Classics we run a research seminar series (which we encourage MA students to attend), where you will learn about the current research of our academic staff and PhD students. Our Department also regularly hosts major research conferences with speakers from around the world.
Personal tutor
At King’s all students on a taught programme are allocated a personal tutor who will play a key role in helping you to get the most out of your studies, providing support and encouragement for your time at university.
Personal tutors provide you with the opportunity periodically to take stock of your learning, academic progress and general wellbeing as you progress through your studies, offering guidance on how to seek further support if you need it, and how to access the range of opportunities available to you as a King's student.
Dissertation supervisor
As a full time student, during your first term at King’s you will need to decide on your MA dissertation subject, if you have not done so before you arrive. The dissertation can be related to work you are doing for a taught module, or it can be in a completely different area.
As a part-time student, at the beginning of your second year at King’s you will need to decide on your MA dissertation subject, if you have not done so before you arrive. The dissertation can be related to work you are doing for a taught module, or it can be in a completely different area.
Teaching
As a full-time student, we will typically provide you with six to eight hours of teaching through lectures and seminars each week, and we will expect you to undertake 35 hours of independent study.
If you are a part-time student, we will typically provide you with three to four hours of teaching through lectures and seminars each week and, depending on the number of modules you take each term, we will expect you to undertake 15-20 hours of independent study.
For your dissertation, we will provide five hours of supervision from a member of the Department, depending on your chosen topic, who will oversee your work on it. We will expect you to undertake 575 hours of independent study.
Typically one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
Greek Play
Every year (since 1953) students in the Department of Classics have produced and performed a Greek play - the only production in the UK to be performed annually in the original Greek. Read more about the Greek Play (and its history) at King’s: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/classics/about/greekplay
Regulating body
King's College London is regulated by the Office for Students.
Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework essays, individual or group presentations and written examinations.
Dissertation supervision
As a full time student, during your first term at King’s you will need to decide on your MA dissertation subject, if you have not done so before you arrive. The dissertation can be related to work you are doing for a taught module, or it can be in a completely different area.
As a part-time student, at the beginning of your second year at King’s you will need to decide on your MA dissertation subject, if you have not done so before you arrive. The dissertation can be related to work you are doing for a taught module, or it can be in a completely different area.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
You are required to take:
In addition, students are required to choose modules totalling 30 credits from a range of Archaeology modules that may typically include:
Choose two to four modules totalling 60 credits from a range of options that may typically include
Master’s modules offered by:
All subject to approval.
As a part-time student, you will take Research training in Classical Archaeology in your first year, along with 45 to 60 credits of optional modules. In your second year, you will take your dissertation module and a further 30 to 45 credits of optional modules.
King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
Our graduates use our training to pursue further research in our department. Others transfer the skills and knowledge they develop with us to careers in teaching, journalism, cultural management, or the financial sector.
Full time: £13,500 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £6,750 per year (2025/26)
Full time: £30,000 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £15,000 per year (2025/26)
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.
If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.
If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.
Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.
King’s College London offers King’s Bridge Scholarships, covering full-time or part-time tuition fees for selected Arts & Humanities master’s programmes. Open to home students from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds. Learn more.
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
Through this Classical Art & Archaeology MA you will explores the relationship between humans and their visual and material environment in the ancient world. You will examine monuments, art, objects and the craft skills that produced archeologically significant works. Traditionally, classical archaeology has focused on the art history of Classical Greece and Italy but has more recently branched out geographically, chronologically and theoretically. All trends are well represented here at King’s where our expert staff cover an extraordinarily wide range of specialisms. These include Bronze Age Aegean, Late Antique and Byzantine archaeology and architecture, Roman frontiers, Persian monuments, Greek pottery and sculpture, Roman mosaics and inscriptions. Many other staff members employ art historical and archaeological methods in their work. The course consists of a required core module, three to six optional modules and a dissertation. The first and last of these will provide you with concentrated training in research techniques and methodology in Classical art and archaeology. Besides purely archaeological topics, you may take modules from our master’s courses in Classics and the Ancient World, and Ancient History. You may also be able to take appropriate modules from other master’s courses at King’s. Students also have the opportunity to study Latin, and Ancient Greek and to acquire technical skills in the handling of documentary evidence. These will be particularly valuable to students who intend to pursue further research in classical archaeology or art history. We offer our MA on an intercollegiate basis, combining the expertise of staff in all three of the participating colleges - King’s, UCL and Royal Holloway. It centres on the University’s Institute of Classical Studies, which not only contains a world-class research library, but also hosts the richest programme of seminars, conferences, and occasional lectures for this subject area in the UK, as well as offering module options.
Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.
Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.
King's is regulated by the Office for Students
A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
2:1 BA degree with honours in Classics, Classical Studies, Ancient History, Classical Archaeology, History or a closely related subject.
In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree with a final mark of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme. If you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme.
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Your application will be assessed by the Postgraduate Admissions Tutor, and by other academics as appropriate. We do not usually interview applicants.
Applications must be made online using King's Apply, the Admissions Portal.
A non-refundable application fee of £85 applies.
You will be asked to submit the following documents in order for your application to be considered:
Personal Statement | Yes |
Please provide a personal statement of around 750 words, answering the following questions: Briefly explain why you are applying for this specific programme and how it fits with your future plans? (max 250 words) How does your experience and education make you a suitable candidate for this programme? (max 250 words) Please say a little about your preferred options & specialisation within the course? (max 250 words) Please write these questions as separate answers, with a clear title for your answer to each question. Documents where your answers are not clearly titled and separated will not be accepted. |
---|---|---|
Previous Academic Study | Yes | A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents. |
References | Yes | One academic reference is required. A professional reference will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago. In some cases, we may request an additional reference from you. |
Other | Optional | You may wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of your application. |
The MA course consists of a wide range of optional modules and a research dissertation. You will be trained in a variety of research skills and the unique opportunity to acquire technical skills in the handling of documentary evidence through modules in Greek Papyrology, Greek & Latin Epigraphy, and Greek & Latin Palaeography. These will be particularly valuable to students who intend to pursue further research in classical archaeology or art history.
As well as archaeological and art-historical topics, you can also choose modules from MA courses across the university, including Ancient History Classics, and Reception. Students also have the opportunity to study Latin and Ancient Greek.
We offer our MA on an intercollegiate basis, combining the expertise of staff in all three of the participating colleges - King’s, UCL and Royal Holloway. It centres on the University’s Institute of Classical Studies, which not only contains a world-class research library, but also hosts the richest programme of seminars, conferences, and occasional lectures for this subject area in the UK.
Research seminars
In the Department of Classics we run a research seminar series (which we encourage MA students to attend), where you will learn about the current research of our academic staff and PhD students. Our Department also regularly hosts major research conferences with speakers from around the world.
Personal tutor
At King’s all students on a taught programme are allocated a personal tutor who will play a key role in helping you to get the most out of your studies, providing support and encouragement for your time at university.
Personal tutors provide you with the opportunity periodically to take stock of your learning, academic progress and general wellbeing as you progress through your studies, offering guidance on how to seek further support if you need it, and how to access the range of opportunities available to you as a King's student.
Dissertation supervisor
As a full time student, during your first term at King’s you will need to decide on your MA dissertation subject, if you have not done so before you arrive. The dissertation can be related to work you are doing for a taught module, or it can be in a completely different area.
As a part-time student, at the beginning of your second year at King’s you will need to decide on your MA dissertation subject, if you have not done so before you arrive. The dissertation can be related to work you are doing for a taught module, or it can be in a completely different area.
Teaching
As a full-time student, we will typically provide you with six to eight hours of teaching through lectures and seminars each week, and we will expect you to undertake 35 hours of independent study.
If you are a part-time student, we will typically provide you with three to four hours of teaching through lectures and seminars each week and, depending on the number of modules you take each term, we will expect you to undertake 15-20 hours of independent study.
For your dissertation, we will provide five hours of supervision from a member of the Department, depending on your chosen topic, who will oversee your work on it. We will expect you to undertake 575 hours of independent study.
Typically one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
Greek Play
Every year (since 1953) students in the Department of Classics have produced and performed a Greek play - the only production in the UK to be performed annually in the original Greek. Read more about the Greek Play (and its history) at King’s: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/classics/about/greekplay
Regulating body
King's College London is regulated by the Office for Students.
Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework essays, individual or group presentations and written examinations.
Dissertation supervision
As a full time student, during your first term at King’s you will need to decide on your MA dissertation subject, if you have not done so before you arrive. The dissertation can be related to work you are doing for a taught module, or it can be in a completely different area.
As a part-time student, at the beginning of your second year at King’s you will need to decide on your MA dissertation subject, if you have not done so before you arrive. The dissertation can be related to work you are doing for a taught module, or it can be in a completely different area.
The study time and assessment methods detailed above are typical and give you a good indication of what to expect. However, they are subject to change.
You are required to take:
In addition, students are required to choose modules totalling 30 credits from a range of Archaeology modules that may typically include:
Choose two to four modules totalling 60 credits from a range of options that may typically include
Master’s modules offered by:
All subject to approval.
As a part-time student, you will take Research training in Classical Archaeology in your first year, along with 45 to 60 credits of optional modules. In your second year, you will take your dissertation module and a further 30 to 45 credits of optional modules.
King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.
Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.
Our graduates use our training to pursue further research in our department. Others transfer the skills and knowledge they develop with us to careers in teaching, journalism, cultural management, or the financial sector.
Full time: £13,500 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £6,750 per year (2025/26)
Full time: £30,000 per year (2025/26)
Part time: £15,000 per year (2025/26)
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.
If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.
If you are a current undergraduate King’s student in receipt of the King's Living Bursary this academic year, you are not required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the programme. Please note, this will not change the total fees payable for your chosen programme.
Please visit our web pages on fees and funding for more information.
King’s College London offers King’s Bridge Scholarships, covering full-time or part-time tuition fees for selected Arts & Humanities master’s programmes. Open to home students from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds. Learn more.
In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:
To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.
We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that there is sufficient time for your application to be assessed and we may need to request further information from you during the application process.
Our first application deadline is on 9 March 2025 (23:59 UK time). The final application deadlines for this programme are:
After the first application deadline in March:
Please note, you will not be eligible for an application fee refund if you apply after the first application deadline, and we are unable to process further offers because places are filled and we close the course before the final application deadline.
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