Applicants for the PhD Program in Classics may be admitted if they are graduates with either a grade of at least A- in at least two half-courses or distinction in an approved thesis of an MA Program in Classics or Classical Studies (with sufficient Greek and Latin), taken at McMaster University or of equivalent programs taken at other universities. Graduates of other programs may be admitted in exceptional cases. Applicants without sufficient preparation may be admitted with the requirement that they complete extra prerequisite courses.

Applicants may opt to be considered for the Dual PhD Degree (with the University of Rome, La Sapienza) stream as part of their application to the Department of Greek & Roman Studies at McMaster University. Both universities must approve of the application for admission. Applicants for the PhD Program in Classics may be admitted if they are graduates with either a grade of at least A- in at least two half courses and distinction in an approved thesis (or project) of an MA program in Classics or Classical Studies (with sufficient Greek and Latin), taken at McMaster University or of equivalent programs taken at other universities. The university through which the student makes their application will be considered the “home” institution; tuition and graduate support are determined by the home institution.

The general requirements for the PhD degree appear in the School of Graduate Studies Calendar. A grade of at least B- is required in all courses and in Special Areas examinations.

Requirements for the PhD degree are:

1. Six appropriate graduate half-courses, two of which must be Classics 701 and Classics 702. These are the minimum requirements; candidates may be requested by their supervisor to take additional courses;
2. One comprehensive examination in each of Greek and Latin translation; Archaeology students write one examination in the ancient language appropriate to their location of study;
3. A language examination to demonstrate reading knowledge of two of the following languages: German, French, Italian; exemption from these tests may be granted to candidates who have completed equivalent tests at this or other universities;
4. Two comprehensive examinations, covering material related to the student’s area of research; Archaeology students write three comprehensive examinations, including one on archaeological methodology or the submission of original research from one season of field experience, museum study or research travel;
5. A thesis proposal approved by the Department with an oral defense;
6. Any other requirement established by the Department on admission;
7. A satisfactory thesis on an approved topic;
8. An oral examination to defend the thesis.

In addition to the online application and two referee reports required by the School of Graduate Studies, applicants are asked to submit the following application documents:

• Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended**
• Statement of interest
• Writing sample of 5-10 pages
• A list of all Greek and Latin texts read so far 

**Unofficial transcripts can be accepted for the application review process. If an offer of admission is received and accepted, the applicant will then be required to submit official, printed copies of transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.

Year 1: September-April

• Course work;
• Modern language examinations;
• Thesis topic, supervisory committee, comprehensive subject areas, and Greek and Latin reading lists must be chosen by end of Term 2 (April), along with a schedule of exams, which must be completed by December of Year 2.

Year 1 – Year 2: May – January

• Preparation, writing and completion of comprehensive exams;
• Ancient language exams are given in July, September, November and January;
• Background reading for thesis proposal.

Year 2: January – June

• Thesis proposal written and defended orally by February;
• Research for thesis begins.

Year 3

• Research and writing of thesis;
• Research trips abroad as necessary to do on-site study and/or use European research libraries;
• Possible participation in exchange programs or fellowship opportunities in Germany or Greece; some students take a leave of absence to accommodate this, but continue working on their thesis while away.

Year 4

• Writing the thesis.

Students enrolled in the Dual Degree stream will spend time at both McMaster and La Sapienza. PhD Coursework and qualifying exams are completed at McMaster and are recognized at La Sapienza. Students should expect to spend at least two years in Rome. Students will have two co-supervisors, one from each institution. Upon successful completion, students will receive the PhD degree from both universities. 

Find out more about the Dual Degree stream with La Sapienza.

Visit McMaster Graduate Studies to learn more about tuition, supplementary fees and everything else you need to know about being paid as a Teaching or Research Assistant. Tuition fees are assessed on a term by term basis, depending on the number of courses a student takes or if they are paying by term.

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