MA Admissions

The M.A. program in Classics at Western offers specializations in a range of fields: Classics (Greek and Latin Philology and Literature), Ancient History, and Archaeology. Normally the degree is taken over two years (five terms). An individual student's program will be personally designed to accommodate that student's undergraduate background and goals. Applications to our graduate programs are accepted on an ongoing basis, due every year by January 15th. If you are considering an MA or PhD in Classics, please contact the Graduate Chair Dr. Kyle Gervais, or the Graduate Coordinator Dr. Jonathan Vickers.

Admissions Policies and Standards

Students applying to the M.A. program should have completed an honours level degree in Classics or Classical Studies, having obtained at least a high B average and completed at least three years of either Greek or Latin and two years of the other language at the undergraduate level.

Students with a strong academic record but without the specified language levels may be admitted, but will take remedial training in Greek and/or Latin as part of their graduate degree.

The minimum standard for admission is a 70% (B) average for the most recent two years of undergraduate study, or the most recent 10 full courses taken.

Every student from overseas whose first language is not English must take ONE of: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) examination and obtain a score of at least 550; IELTS (International English Language Testing Service of the British Council) and receive a score of at least 6 OR MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery) of the University of Michigan and receive a score of 85 overall with a minimum of 80 on each of parts 1, 2 and 3.

The application dossiers are reviewed by the Graduate Committee in the Department and each reviewer presents a short list of preferred candidates. Applicants recommended for admission are then contacted by the Graduate Chair or a designated faculty member.

Residency Requirements

The School of Graduate and Post Doctoral Studies does not have residency requirements but students in the MA program are normally expected to remain on campus for a minimum of two years. The Department recognizes that students conducting field research in Archaeology or related subjects are required to spend a period of time away from campus. In the event that a student obtains approval to study or conduct research elsewhere during this period, the residency requirement may be adjusted.

The graduate application will provide Western with the following:

  • Biographical information
  • Contact information
  • Statement of academic intent (if applicable)
  • Academic background
  • Professional background (if applicable)
  • Referee information (references collected electronically upon receipt of application)
  • Proficiency in English Scores (if applicable) (applicant must have testing service send score electronically to Western
  • The Test of English as a Foreign Language www.toefl.org (TOEFL). Western's TOEFL ID is 0984.
  • The International English Language Testing Service www.ielts.org (IELTS) of the British Council.
  • Test Scores (GRE) (if applicable, input your program's minimum score requirement). Western's GRE ID is 0984.
  • An electronic copy of transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended.

A Complete Application Consists of the Following:

  1. A completed Application through School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
  2. An electronic copy of transcripts for all previous undergraduate studies
  3. Two letters of recommendation from referees familiar with the applicant's recent academic work
  4. Official proof of proficiency in English (TOEFL), for all students whose first language is not English
  5. A sample of written work in English, such as a recent undergraduate term paper or thesis chapter
  6. A list of academic awards, achievements, honours or other distinctions you have received
  7. A list of Greek and Latin authors read, and specify whether they are in the original language or in translation
  8. This completed form listing the Greek and Latin courses taken.
  9. Statement of research interests (approximately 300 words)
  10. Discuss any other information you feel would be important to the Graduate Admission Committee in evaluating your application.
  11. Describe any professional employment experience you have that you feel is relevant to the field of studies you plan to pursue.

If you have any questions about the graduate application process please contact the Graduate Coordinator Jonathan Vickers.

Application Deadline: January 15th (date of first consideration)

(Any application received after January 15th is contingent on space availability and funding)