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Late Antique and Byzantine Studies

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Late Antique and Byzantine Studies

MA
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Key information

Duration: 1 year full time or 2 years part time

Institution code: R72

Campus: Egham

UK fees*: £12,000

International/EU fees**: £27,000

The course

Late Antique and Byzantine Studies (MA)

The MA in Late Antique and Byzantine Studies enables students to specialise in an exciting and multi-faceted field of study that covers the history and culture of the Mediterranean world during the long millennium from the foundation of Constantinople in 324 to the fall of the Byzantine empire in 1453. Taking this MA at Royal Holloway is ideal if you are interested in progressing to doctoral research in Byzantine studies, particularly in reading and editing Byzantine texts from manuscripts. It can also lead to careers in education, journalism, international relations, politics, diplomacy, finance, and museum, libraries and cultural sectors.

This is an intercollegiate course coordinated by the Hellenic Institute at Royal Holloway, drawing on the resources of the whole of the University of London (Royal Holloway, King’s College London, University College London, and Institute of Classical Studies). The course offers a wide range of modules in research skills (ancient languages, epigraphy, papyrology, palaeography, art and archaeology) and those that will develop your critical and conceptual understanding of the field through a variety of disciplines (history, literature, and material culture).

For studentships, bursaries and prizes relating to this course, please visit the Hellenic Institute page.

We sometimes make changes to our courses to improve your experience. If this happens, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.

Core Modules

You will take the Research Methods core course and one from the following:

  • In this module you will develop an understanding of the basic grammar, syntax, and vocabulary of Attic Greek. You will become proficient in reading unseen simple passages of Greek without assistance and gain confidence in handling Ancient Greek texts in their original form.

  • In this module you will further develop your understanding of the Ancient Greek language to the point where you are able to read substantial texts. You will carry out grammatical exercises, including some translation from English into Greek, as well as preparing to translate passages from Greek to English. As your confidence increases, you will increasingly focus on the translation and interpretation of texts.

  • This module attracts students from many disciplines, including Classics, Ancient History, Medieval and Renaissance Studies, Theology and English. You do not need to have any previous experience of learning Latin, although it may be useful to have some knowledge of a modern language. In addition, a basic knowledge of Greek and Roman mythology will be useful in your preparation for the tests and exam.

  • This module continues the study of the Latin language for those students who have completed Beginner’s Latin or an equivalent course (e.g., GCSE Latin). The course will cover grammatical constructions and aims to prepare you to confidently translate and understand literary Latin texts in both prose and verse. You will practise Latin grammar through translation exercises both from Latin into English and from English into Latin, and will undertake a close reading of selected portions of an unadapted literary text, the second book of Virgil’s Aeneid.

  • In this module you will be introduced to the study of Greek papyri, documentary as well as literary. The texts are studied from facsimiles and are chosen to illustrate the development of Greek bookhands and cursive scripts. You will also learn to examine formal aspects of the transmission of Greek literature on papyrus, and familiarise yourself with the range of documentary types available as sources for the history of Graeco-Roman Egypt.

  • In this module you will develop an understanding of how to transcribe and study texts from facsimiles (reproductions) of Greek manuscripts dated or datable between the 9th and 12th centuries. Throughout the year you will be introduced to a variety of texts, ranging from biblical, theological and hagiographical to classical, literary and scientific. You will learn how to decipher abbreviations, ligatures and cryptogrammes, how to identify different styles and scribal hands, how to trace and date Greek manuscripts, placing them in the Byzantine cultural milieu in which, and for which, they were produced.

    Coursework focusses on transcribing texts and producing commentaries on the layout and the script. During the second term you will be invited to our annual visit Lambeth Palace Library to examine original Greek manuscripts and to attend the University of London Postgraduate Working Seminar on Editing Byzantine Texts, where you will learn through practice to edit, translate and annotate a Greek text from manuscripts.

  • This module provides an introduction to the varied physical remains left behind by Late Antiquity, primarily in the eastern Mediterranean (4th to 7th century). The selection of material and issues examined range from the urban and rural landscapes, fortifications, palaces, houses, monasteries and churches, to monumental decoration and small scale objects. This wide range of topics will be investigated thematically from a primarily functional and practical point of view, in order to trace and highlight the significant changes that occurred in this period, signalling different stages in the transformation of the Roman heritage. Each subject will be approached on the basis of case studies that exemplify the nature and problems of the evidence.

  • You will carry out an extended piece of research. You will be appointed a member of academic staff who will act as your supervisor, providing you with support and guidance. You will produce a written report of between 10,500 and 12,000 words in length.

  • This module will describe the key principles of academic integrity, focusing on university assignments. Plagiarism, collusion and commissioning will be described as activities that undermine academic integrity, and the possible consequences of engaging in such activities will be described. Activities, with feedback, will provide you with opportunities to reflect and develop your understanding of academic integrity principles.

     

Optional Modules

Below is a taster of some of the exciting optional modules that students on the course could choose from during this academic year. Please be aware these do change over time, and optional modules may be withdrawn or new ones added.

  • This module provides an introduction to the varied physical remains left behind by Late Antiquity, primarily in the eastern Mediterranean (4th to 7th century). The selection of material and issues examined range from the urban and rural landscapes, fortifications, palaces, houses, monasteries and churches, to monumental decoration and small scale objects. This wide range of topics will be investigated thematically from a primarily functional and practical point of view, in order to trace and highlight the significant changes that occurred in this period, signalling different stages in the transformation of the Roman heritage. Each subject will be approached on the basis of case studies that exemplify the nature and problems of the evidence.

  • This module traces the response of the rulers of the Byzantine Empire to the First Crusade, which passed through their territory in 1096-7. The events of the First Crusade - its preaching by Urban II in 1095, its arrival at Constantinople in 1096-7, its progress through Byzantine territory to Antioch, the ‘third wave’ of 1101 – will all be discussed in this context through a range of Byzantine and Western source material in translation.

  • This module takes a long-term view of the crusade which captured and sacked Constantinople, the capital city of the Byzantine empire, in April 1204. Starting in around 1192, it places events in the context of relations between the Byzantines and previous crusades, of the internal situation of the empire and of the position in the Latin east in the aftermath of the Third Crusade. It then examines how the Fourth Crusade was preached and planned, how it was diverted first to Zara and then to Constantinople, and how it came to attack and pillage the city.

Assessment is carried out by a variety of methods including coursework, written examinations and a dissertation.

2:2

UK Lower Class Honours degree (2:2) or equivalent in History or a related subject in the Humanities or Social Sciences.

Relevant research experience will also be considered

This course is designed especially for those who are interested in progressing to doctoral research in Byzantine studies, particularly in reading and editing Byzantine texts from manuscripts. It also aims to relate Byzantine history to the wider world. We accept applications from students with different academic backgrounds, including classics, history, theology, philosophy, literature, law, education and palaeography.

Interviews are usually offered to applicants and for those who are unable to attend a face-to-face interview will be interviewed by telephone.

One academic reference is required as part of the application before assessment is made. A second reference may be required. 

Applicants may also be asked to provide a 1,500-2,000 word critical writing essay.

International & EU requirements

Bachelors Degree/ Bachelor Honours Degree: GPA 2.6

Masters degree: GPA 3.0/ 80%

Diplomë e Integruar e Nivelit të Dytë:or Diplomë e Nivelit të Parë: 7/10, or Master i Shkencave në Mjekësi të Përgjithshme / në Mjekësi Veterinarë / ne Stomatologji: 7/10

Licence, Diplôme, Diplôme d'Études Supérieures, Diplôme de Docteur en Pharmacie: 11/20

Batxelor: 5/10

Grau de Licenciado/a: 13/10

Bachelor degree from The University of the West Indies: GPA 2.5

Título, Grado de Licenciado/A: 6/10

Specialist Diploma, (Diplom bakalavri astichan), Bachelor degree from American University of Armenia: 70%, GPA 3.0 out of 4, or 14 out of 20

Bachelor degree (Honours) with a 2:2, or a Bachelor degree (Ordinary) with a Pass with 57% overall.

Bachelor degree or Fachhochschuldiplom/Diplom (FH): Bestanden- PASS, Befriedigend - Satisfactory, or 3 out of 5

Bachelor degree (Bakalavr) or Specialist Diploma with 3.5 out of 5 or 70% overall.

Bachelor degree from The University of the West Indies: 2:2, GPA 2.5

Bachelor degree: 2.6/4 or 3.2/5 or 65%

4 year Bachelor degree from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) with a First Class Division or a Masters Degree following a 3 or 4 year degree.

Specialist Diploma 6/10, or Bachelor Degree 8/10

Bachelor degree with grade 12 overall or the Licentiaat or Licence and other two cycle diplomas with grade 12 overall.

Bachelor degree from The University of the West Indies: 2:2 or GPA 2.5

Diplôme d'études Approfondies/Supérieures/Master: 13 out of 20

Bachelors degree: 60%

Licenciado/Titulo de.... :60%, or Titulo de Bachiller Universitario: 70%

Diploma Visokog Obrazovanja Diploma Visokog Obrazovanja / Diplomirani with Grade 8

Bachelors or Masters: 60%

Título de Bacharel/ Titlo de... 6.5/10

Bachelor degree from The University of the West Indies: 2:2

Bachelor (Honours) Degree: Lower Second Class, or Bachelor (Ordinary) Degree GPA 2.5/5

Bakalavar or Diploma of Completed Higher Education with a Grade 4 out 6 overall.

Diploma d’Etudes Approfondies: 13/20

Diplome d’Etudes Approfondies: 70%

Masters degree: 60%

12/20 or GPA 2.5/4

4 year Bachelor degree with 62%, a GPA 2.5 out of 4, Grade 6 out of 12 or grade C+ overall OR 3 year Bachelor degree with 73%, a GPA of 3.1 out of 4, Grade 8 out of 12 or grade B overall, depending on the grading scheme.

Grau de Licenciado/a: 13/20

The University of the West Indies, or University of College of the Cayman Islands: 65%

Diplome d’Ingenieur (non-honours): 14/20

Diplôme d'Etat de Doctorat en Médecine, Diplome d'Etudes Approfondies 13/20

Grado de Licenciado en..., or Grado de Bachiller: 4.6/7

4 year Bachelors degree with an overall 65% to 70% or GPA of 2.8 to 3.0 out of 4.0 depending on the institution.

Licenciado en, Licenciado en, or Diploma de: 3.5/5

Licenciado, Bachiller: 7.5/10

Diplôme d'études supérieures spécialisées, Diplôme d'études approfondies, Diplôme d'Etat de docteur en Pharmacie: 13/20

3 out of 5 overall in the Baccalaureus Prvostupnik or Visoko Obrazovanja/Level VII/1 (second level degree obtained on completion of 4-6 year course).

Titulo de Licenciado/ Arquitecto / Inginiero / Doctor: 3.5/5

Overall 6.5 out of 10 or a GPA of 2.5 out of 4 in a Bachelor degree from a public university, Ptychion (from University of Cyprus) or Bachelor degree awarded by a private institution (the programme must be accredited by the Ministry of Education and Culture).

Bakalar with dobre (good), score of 2 or Grade C overall.

Diplome d’Etudes Speciales, Diplome d'Etudes Approfondies, Maistrise/Diplome d'Ingenieur/Diplome d'etudes superieures:

7 from 13 points grading system or 4 from 7 points grading system in a Bachelor degree, Candidatus Philosophiae or Professionbachelor.

Diplome d'Ingenieur Bien, or Maitrise/ Master: 14

The University of the West Indies: Lower Second Class Honours, or BSc in Nursing from Dominica State College

Licenciado/Titulo: 75%

Titulo de Licenciado/a from Universidade Nacional Timor Lorosa'e

Titulo de Licenciado/ Titulo: 7/10 OR 70%

University bachelors degree with a GPA of 2.4 overall or 65% overall

Licenciado/ Titulo de: 6.5/10

Masters Degree: 2.6/4

71-80%, 3 or C overall in a Bakalaurusekraad/Diploma, Magister or Magistrikraad

2.5 out of 4

Bachelor Degree: 2.5 or overall grade Satisfactory

GPA of 1.4 where marks are in 1 - 3 system or GPA of 2.5 where marks are in 1 - 5 system in a Kandidaattii/Kandidat or Maisteri/Magister

Licence awarded from 2009 with grade 10-11.99 or Maitrise (pre-Bologna) with grade 11

Diplome D'Ingenieur, or Maitrise: Bien

Master's degree: 60%/ GPA 2.7/4.3

Bakalarvis Khariskhi: 71%

Grade 3 overall in a Bachelor, Fachhochschuldiplom or Magister Artium

Bachelor degree with a Second Class Lower Division overall.

6 out of 10 overall in a Diploma from the Faculties of Engineering and Agriculture or a Ptychion (Bachelor degree) awarded by an AEI.

Bachelor degree from The University of the West Indies: GPA 2.5

Licenciado/ Titulo: Pass mark of 51% University: 60% or Pass mark of 61% Universities: 70%

Diplôme d'Etat de docteur en médecine, or Diplome d’Etudes Superieures/Maitrise/Diplome d’Etudes Approfondies : 14/20

65%, or 3.0 out of 4

Titulo de Licenciado/a/Grado Academico de Licenciatura: 70%

Bachelors degree degree with a Second Class Honours, Lower Division.

Egyetemi Oklevel /Foiskola Oklevel/ Alapfokozat with 3 out of 5 overall.

Baccalaurreatus with grade 6.5 out of 10 overall or Kandidatsprof / Cadidatus Mag with 6 out of 10 overall.

Bachelor degree with 55% to 60% overall or a CGPA of 5.5 to 6 out of 10 overall depending on the NIRF 1-100 institution ranking

Bachelor degree or Diploma IV with overall GPA of 2.8.

Bachelor Degree/Professional Doctorate with 12 out of 20 overall.

Bachelor’s degree (four years) with 70% overall.

Bachelors degree with at least 65% overall depending on the mark scheme.

Diploma di Laurea or Licenza di Accademia di Belle Arti with 80 out of 110 overall.

Bachelor degree (when accredited by the University Council of Jamaica, or when awarded by the Council of Community Colleges of Jaimaica): Second Class Lower Division

Bachelor degree (Gakushi) with a B overall, dependent on the mark scheme.

Bachelor degree: GPA 2.8 out of 4, Good, C, 68%

Bakalavr or Specialist Diploma with 3.5 out of 5, 75% or 2.67 out of 4.33, or 2.67 out of 4 overall.

Bachelor degree with a Second Class Honours (lower division) overall.

Bacelor/Bachelor Degree: C - Good

Bachelor degree with B or a GPA of 2.6 overall.

Specialist Diploma, Bachelor Degree, Masters Degree: 3.0 out of 4 or 4.0 out of 5

Masters degree: C or GPA 2.0

Bakalaura Diploms or Professional Bakalaura Diploms with Grade 6 overal.

Bachelor Degree/ Licence: 70%

Masters Degree: 65%

Master's degree: 70% or GPA 2.4 out of 4.0

Bachelor Degree of Medicine/Surgery/Architecture/Engineering: 65% or 2.6/4

Dipl Ing (FH) or Dipl Arch (FH) from Liechtenstein Technical College with a Grade 4.4/6 overall.

7 out of 10 overall in a Bakalauras or Specialist Diploma.

Bachelor or Diplome d'ingenieur industriel: 14/20

Licenciatura: Lower Second Class Honours or GPA 2.5

Diplome d'Ingenieur: 13/20

Masters Degree: 60%

Bachelor degree with Class 2 Division ii, B or 2.6 out of 4.0 overall.

Bachelor degree (Maldives National University): GPA 2.5

Diplôme d'Etat de docteur en Pharmacie: GPA 15 out of 20

Honours degree with a Second Class (Lower Division) overall.

Maitrise: 13/20

Bachelor Degree: Class II division II

Titulo de Licenciado/Titulo: GPA 7 out of 10 or 70%

Diplomă de Licenţă: 7/10

Bachelor degree (awarded after 2012): 80 out of 100

Masters Degree: 70%

Diploma o završenim osnovnim akademskim studijama: Grade C

Licence/Licence d'Etudes Fondamentales/Licence Profesionnelle: GPA 111 out of 20

Grau de Mestre: 12/20

Master's degree: 60%

Bachelor Honours / Professional Bachelor degree: 60%

Bachelor degree (4 years) or Master's degree (following a 3-year Bachelor degree): 65%

Bachelor degree or Doctoraal with Grade 6.0 out of 10 overall.

Bachelor degree Honours or Ordinary with an overall Grade C+ or Grade 3 out of 9 points grading system.

Licenciado/Titulo: 80%

Diplôme d'études Approfondies or Diplôme d'études Supérieures Spécialisées: 15 out of 20

Bachelor degree with a Second Class Honours, Lower Division or overall GPA of 2.4 out of 5.

Visoko Obrazovanja with 7 out of 10 overall.

Bachelor degree GPA 2.6 to 2.8 depending on your institution.

Bachelor degree, Candidatus Magisterii, Sivilingeni-r (siv. ing.) (Engineering degree ) or Sivil?konom (siv. ?k.) (Economics degree) Grade D or 3.25 where 1 is the highest.

Bachelor degree with an overall GPA of 2.6/4

4 year Bachelor degree or combined bachelors degree and Master degree for the duration of 4 years with 58% - 65% or a CGPA of 2.8 - 3.2 overall depending on your institution.

Bachelor degree: GPA 3.0 out of 4.0, 80%, B

Licenciado/ Titulo: 70%

Bachelor Honours Degree: Class II, Division B

Titulo de Licenciado/ TItulo: 3.5/5

Grado Academico de Bachiller: 13/20

Bachelor degree (awarded from 2022): 2.5/4, or Masters degree: 2.5/5

Licencjat, Inzynier or Bachelor with grade 4 out of 5

Diploma de Estudos Superiores Especializadoswith grade 14 overall or Licenciado with grade 13 overall.

Bachelor degree: 70/100 or GPA 2.0 out of 4.0

Bachelor degree with an overall GPA of 2.8 overall.

Maitrise: 13/20

Diploma de Licenta, Diploma Inginer or Diploma de Arhitect with 7.0 out of 10 overall.

Bakalavr Bachelor degree or Specialist Diploma with 3.5 out of 5 or 70% overall.

Bachelor Honours Degree: 13/20

Bachelor degree when studied at University of South Pacific, Samoa: GPA 2.5

Licenciatura: 13/20

Bachelor degree with 65%, 3.25 out of 5.0 or 2.5 out of 4.0 overall.

Diplom Visokog Obrazovanja (second-level degree obtained on completion of a four to six-year course) with 7 out of 10 overall.

Bachelor Degree: Lower Second Class

Bachelors Degree (Honours): Lower Second Class

Bachelor degree (from a public university) with a Class II (lower) overall.

Bakalar or Magister / Inzinier with vel'mi dobre (very good) or Grade 2 overall.

Diplomirani / Diplomirani Inzenir from Visoko izobrazevanje, University Diploma or Visoko Obrazovanja (until 1999) with 7 out of 10 (8 for Visoko Obrazovanja) overall.

Bachelor degree when studied at University of South Pacific, Vanuatu: GPA 2.5

Bachelor (Honours), Bachelor or Professional Bachelor degree with 60% or Second Class Lower Division.

Bachelor (Haksa) degree with 3.0 out of 4.5, 2.9 out of 4.3 or 2.8 out of 4.0.

Bachelor Honours degree: 2.5/4.0 Division Two Lower

Licenciado, Titulo de Ingeniero or Titulo de Arquitecto with 6 out of 10.

Bachelor degree from The University of the West Indies: GPA 2.5 Second Class Honours, Lower Division

Bachelor degree from The University of the West Indies: GPA 2.5 Second Class Honours, Lower Division

Bachelor degree from The University of the West Indies: GPA 2.5 Second Class Honours, Lower Division

Bachelor Honours Degree: 60%

Bachelor degreee, Masters Degree, MO-B Akte Diploma: Met Genoegen (Good)

Bachelor degree: 70%

Bachelor degree from National University or Private University with 68% to 73% or GPA 2.8 to 3.0 depending on your institution.

Specialist Diploma: 3.5/5

Bachelor degree with a 2nd Class Honours (Lower) overall.

Bachelor degree GPA 2.4 to 2.6 depending on your institution.

Diplôme d'études supérieures, Diplôme d'études approfondies: 13/20

Bachelor or Masters degree from the University of the South Pacific: 70%/ B+

Bachelor degree (when accredited by the Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago (ACTT)): Lower Second Class Honours

12 out of 20 (Assez Bien)

Bachelor degree GPA 2.6 to 2.8 depending on your institution.

Ýokary bilim hakynda şahadatnama: 3.5/5

Bachelor degree (accredited by the Council of Community Colleges of Jamaica)

Bachelor degree: Class II Lower/ Honours Lower/ 3.0-3.9/ B

Bachelor degree (post 2007) or Specialist Diploma (after 1991) with a Grade 3, 9 out of 12 or 3.5 out of 5 overall.

Bachelor degree with 80%, a GPA of 2.8 out of 4, C+ or Good overall.

Bachelor degree with a GPA of 2.6 overall.

Bachelor Honours Degree: GPA 2.5 or Second Class Honours, Lower Division

Titulo de Licenciado/Titulo: GPA 7/12

Diplomi: 70%

Kandidatexamen with at least a Pass (godkand) overall.

Bachelor degree when studied at University of South Pacific, Vanuatu: GPA 2.5

Titulo de Licenciado/Titulo: 70% or 11 from high ranking institution

Bachelor degree or Bang tot nghiep dai hoc with 6.5 out of 10.

Masters Degree: 63%

Masters Degree: 55%

60%-64%, Second Class Honours, Lower Division

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall. No subscore lower than 6.0.
  • Pearson Test of English: 67 overall. No other subscore lower than 64.
  • Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE): ISE III.
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) grade C.
  • TOEFL iBT: 88 overall with Reading 22 Listening 20 Speaking 22 Writing 24.
  • Duolingo: 120 overall and no sub-score below 115.

The MA in Late Antique and Byzantine Studies at Royal Holloway enables students to develop strong presentation skills, along with analytical and research skills, which makes them highly employable and can lead to careers in education, journalism, international relations, politics, diplomacy, finance, and museum, libraries and cultural sectors. The majority of graduates, however continue research on a doctoral level in the field of Byzantine Literature and History, and Greek Palaeography at Royal Holloway and at other universities in Britain and abroad.

  • Recent graduates have entered many different areas, including careers as researchers and university lecturers, teachers in secondary education, diplomats, librarians, archivists, book conservators, and editors of history journals.

  • A number of our graduates hold teaching posts and research fellowships at Royal Holloway and the Universities of Cambridge, Jena, Patras, Peloponnese, Thrace, and Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and are employed by the Library of the Greek Parliament.

Our Careers team will work with you to enhance your employability and prepare you for the choices ahead. Their support doesn’t end when you graduate; you can access the service for up to two years after graduation.

Home (UK) students tuition fee per year*: £12,000

EU and international students tuition fee per year**: £27,000

Other essential costs***: You should be aware that the core language and many optional modules are taught at Bedford Square in London and other London Colleges (King's College London, UCL and Birkbeck), and therefore you will need to travel two or more times a week to the Capital to attend these classes.

How do I pay for it? Find out more about funding options, including loans, grants, scholarships and bursaries.

* and ** These tuition fees apply to students starting their course on a full-time basis in the academic year 2026/27. Students studying on the standard part-time course structure over two years are charged 50% of the full-time applicable fee for each study year.

Royal Holloway reserves the right to increase all postgraduate tuition fees annually. For further information, see fees and funding.

** These estimated costs relate to studying this particular degree at Royal Holloway during the 2026/27 academic year, and are included as a guide. Costs, such as accommodation, food, books and other learning materials and printing, have not been included.

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