History and Classics [Graduate]

General Information

The Department of History and Classics has programs leading to the degrees of Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy.

The Department offers two course-based Classics MAs: one in Classical Languages (Greek, Latin, and classical studies), where some concentration is possible in classical literature or ancient history; the other in Classical Archaeology, which offers an opportunity to pursue archaeological fieldwork. The PhD in Classics is also offered in both Classical Languages and Classical Archaeology.

MA and PhD programs in History are offered in the following areas: Africa and the Middle East; British Empire; Modern Britain; Canada; China, Japan, and Korea; Medieval England; Early Modern England; Medieval Europe; Early Modern Western Europe; Modern Western Europe; Latin America; Russia and Eastern Europe; United States; Science, Medicine, and Technology; and Women. The MA may be either course-based or thesis-based.

The Department also offers a thesis-based MA in Ancient Societies and Cultures, with an emphasis on inter- and cross-disciplinary approaches.

The application deadline for September admission is normally early January. For the exact date and any additional information, contact the Graduate Chair, History and Classics.

Entrance Requirements

The Department’s minimum admission requirements are an undergraduate degree with an average of 3.5 in the last two years of undergraduate work (or graduate work) at the University of Alberta, or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution, and a TOEFL score of 95 (Internet-based) or 580 (paper-based) as applicable (see English Language Requirement ).

Academic Standing Requirements

The Department of History and Classics requires a higher minimum cumulative grade point average than that acceptable to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research (see Minimum Faculty Requirements  and Failure in or Failure to Complete a Course or Research Work ). All students pursuing graduate degrees in History and Classics must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 throughout the course of the program. A student whose cumulative grade point average falls below 3.0 may be required to withdraw.

Modern Language Requirements

All candidates for the MA and PhD must demonstrate competence in reading at least one modern language other than English. In all programs the language requirement may be met by passing a translation examination administered by the Department or by taking and passing ★6 in second-year or higher coursework, with at least a grade of B+. Exemptions from language examinations may be granted under certain specific conditions. Further details on language requirements are found in the Higher Degrees Brochure available from the Department.

Financial Assistance

The Department annually appoints a number of graduate research and teaching assistants. At the time of application, prospective graduate students should indicate whether they wish to be considered for an assistantship, but no appointment will be offered to any student until that student has been formally admitted to graduate studies. Graduate students are also eligible for various University fellowships and bursaries. For details see www.gradstudies.ualberta.ca

Graduate Program Requirements

• The Degree of MA in Classics
   
• The Degree of MA in History
   
• The Degree of MA in Ancient Societies and Cultures
   
• The Degree of PhD in Classics
   
• The Degree of PhD in History
   

Graduate Courses

Graduate courses can be found in Course Listings , under the following subject headings:

Classics (CLASS)
Greek (GREEK)
History (HIST)
Latin (LATIN)