University of Waterloo

Overview

The Master’s program in Classical Studies at the University of Waterloo offers an in-depth exploration of the languages, literature, and histories of ancient Greece and Rome. Through graduate-level coursework, students will develop advanced skills in classical scholarship and critical analysis, while also connecting their studies to broader cultural and historical questions.

What you'll study

The program comprises a combination of graduate seminars, language-focused study, and research components designed to enhance scholarly argumentation and writing skills. Students may also have opportunities for field or experiential learning, including department-approved study abroad options.

Typical components

• Graduate seminars in Classical Studies: Covering topics in Greek and Roman history, literature, and culture.
• Language-focused study: In Greek and/or Latin, tailored to individual backgrounds and program requirements.
• Research and writing development: Through assignments aimed at building academic writing skills.
• Field or experiential learning: Opportunities for study abroad or related learning experiences where available.

Course examples

• Topics in Roman History
• Topics in Ancient History
• Classical Studies Abroad (where offered)
• Topics in Greek Language
• Topics in Latin Language
• History (as applicable to the student’s study plan)

Note: The specific combination of courses and any thesis or capstone requirements will depend on the approved study plan, which should be confirmed with the department during admission and registration.

Entry requirements

• An Honours Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Classical Studies or a closely related discipline with comparable language training.
• A minimum overall average of 78% in the last two years of undergraduate studies.
• Applicants from other disciplines may be considered if they provide supporting evidence for admission; a qualifying year or preparatory coursework may be required.

English requirements

• TOEFL iBT: A total score of 100, with minimum scores of 26 in writing and 26 in speaking.
• IELTS (Academic): An overall score of 7.5, with minimum scores of 7.0 in both writing and speaking.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Master’s program in Classical Studies can pursue diverse career paths, including roles in education, research, archaeology, museum curation, and cultural heritage management. The analytical and critical thinking skills developed during the program are highly valued in various professional fields.