The PhD is a three to four-year research degree, examined by a thesis of up to 80,000 words. Candidates work independently and closely with their Supervisor, a senior member of the Classics Faculty, and also have an academic advisor. Classes are provided in specialist research skills (e.g., epigraphy, palaeography, numismatics, Linear B and German). When appropriate, students are encouraged to work away from Cambridge, perhaps to undertake fieldwork or study manuscripts in libraries abroad.
Doctoral students spend most of their time working independently, researching their own specialist topic, but there is a wide variety of postgraduate seminars offered in the various subject areas (Greek and Latin Literature, Philosophy, History, Art and Archaeology, Philology and Linguistics, and Interdisciplinary Approaches to the Ancient World). Students will be encouraged to participate actively in one or more each term. If a student needs to acquire any further specialist skills, they will be entitled to attend any lectures they wish from the University's extensive undergraduate lecturing programme in Classics or any other discipline. The Faculty currently offers specialist research training (see above) and classes in a range of ancient and modern languages.
Open Days
The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options:
Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study.
Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information.
For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.
The Faculty will host its annual Postgraduate Open Day on Saturday 22 November 2025. A sample programme for the day can be found on the Faculty's Postgraduate Study page.