PhD How to Apply

Entry Requirements

Research degrees: the standard requirements for entry into the doctoral programme are a 2.1 (with an overall average of 65% or above) or GPA of 3.5, or equivalent, preferably at Bachelor’s and Master’s level. A first degree in Classics or a related subject is also required. We welcome applications from overseas students and you can check our country information pages for details on how your qualification compares to the UK system, or contact Recruitment and Admissions for advice. For further information, please contact the Programme Co-ordinator.

For international students whose first language is not English: we require IELTS of 7.0 (with no component under 7.0) or equivalent (Band A)

Learn more about Durham's English language requirements

Application Process

The application process requires you to complete the online application form and upload supporting documents. (If you are unable to use the on-line form, please contact the Graduate School for advice.) We do recommend that you contact the Department of Classics and Ancient History if you are applying for a research degree before making your application, so that you can discuss your proposed project with a potential supervisor.  

Documents Required

For PGR programmes, please complete the standard University online application form and upload all supporting documentation, with the exception of the references, requested in the bullet points below:

• Two academic references - please ask your referees to upload their references directly to the portal. If you experience any problems with this, references can also be emailed directly to classics.pgadmin@durham.ac.uk.
• An academic CV - this should be no longer than 2 A4 pages and should contain information about your academic achievements to date and any related work experience you have.
• A 750-word outline of your intended research - concentrating on the research problem you will address, the research context in which it is located, and the methods, critical approaches, and sources you will use. You can upload this as part of the online application form.
• Academic transcripts and certificates - if available, a copy of the transcript and/or certificate from your undergraduate degree and/or postgraduate programmes, if the degree has already been attained. Please note that although we will accept unofficial transcripts for courses still being studied, these transcripts should be on University letter headed paper. If the transcripts and certificates are not in English, we require the original and a certified translation. 

College Preference

If you wish to study on a full-time programme you must become a member of one of our Colleges or Societies, as well as being accepted by a department. You can indicate preferences on your application but you will be sent further information from the Colleges Office, if you are made an offer.

Deadlines

The department will consider applications for places on postgraduate programmes throughout the academic year, and you can start your PhD either in October or January. The application deadline for overseas students is 8 weeks from the intended start date to allow sufficient time to process the application and Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) and 4 weeks for Home students.

There are some studentships and bursaries available to fund or to contribute to the costs of postgraduate study. If you wish to be considered for these, you must make sure that you apply by the relevant deadlines - usually in January or February (see Funding and Fees for more information). Please indicate on your application form which (if any) of these schemes you wish to be considered for.