Admission Requirements
Specific admission requirements are as follows:
- An Honours Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Classical Studies (or closely related discipline with similar language training) with an overall average of 78% (B+) in the last two years of undergraduate study
- Three letters of reference, normally from academic sources
- A statement of language acquisition. A one-paragraph description of the student's language training, including both ancient and modern languages relevant to the program. Those trained in ancient authors should give a sample list of authors and texts read
- A statement of research interests. A maximum 500 word description of the applicant's motivations in applying to the program, scholarly interests and future aspirations. Applicants are encouraged to look at the research specialities of the faculty and identify two potential supervisors with whom they would like to work. Applicants may also highlight any relevant employment or volunteer experience (e.g., teaching, archaeological digs, museum/library)
- Writing Sample
- Resume
- Proof of competency in English, if applicable. A score of 600 is required in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). See the English Language Proficiency page for other acceptable tests of English
- Official transcript from all other post-secondary institutions
An Honours Bachelor’s degree from a program other than Classical Studies (or closely related discipline with similar language training) may be acceptable if evidence justifying admission is offered; however, a program of appropriate preparatory studies (a qualifying year) may be required of such applicants.
Degree Requirements
The objectives of the program will be achieved through a combination of coursework and a research project culminating in a major research paper or a thesis.
- The Research Paper option requires completion of 6 term courses (0.50 unit weight) (including CLAS 600) plus a Master's Research Paper
- The Thesis option requires completion of 4 term courses (0.50 unit weight) (including CLAS 600) plus a Master's Thesis
Course Requirements
- CLAS 600 - Research Methods in Classical Studies
- 3 electives or 5 electives dependant on Master's Thesis or Master Research Paper
Language Requirements
Every student enrolled in the Master of Arts in Classical Studies program will write three (3) language exams. Just prior to the commencement of the term (early September), all students will write both an ancient Greek and Latin exam. Each exam will be three (3) hours in length and sample exams may be found below. These exams are for diagnostic purposes only. We often get students entering the program with varying levels of language training and so these diagnostic exams will allow the department to determine whether a student may enter a graduate level Greek or Latin class immediately or whether they must round off their language skills with a senior undergraduate language course. Should a student then achieve a grade of 70% or higher in the undergraduate course, they may then pursue that language at the graduate level.
In addition, each student must pass one (1) modern language exam. This language must be one other than English, usually French, Italian, German, or Spanish, but other modern languages may be acceptable subject to approval of the student’s supervisor and the language being appropriate to the student’s research interests. These exams are two (2) hours in duration and dictionaries and grammatical aids are allowed. The department of Classical Studies administers these exams (usually in September, December and March/April) but they are set and graded by the relevant language department at the university.
Master's Research Paper
Thesis Requirement