The Department prides itself on its vigorous research culture. There are current major research projects on pagan monotheism in the Roman Empire and on Galen and the world of knowledge in the 2nd century AD. Individual staff research projects range from the study of the ancient Black Sea to moral concepts in Latin literature, from Greek inscriptions to ancient ideas of character, including food, sex, politics and religion. There are strong clusters of postgraduate students studying aspects of ancient drama and the eastern regions of the Hellenistic world.

Four-Year PhD
The Department offers a Four-Year PhD programme. In the first year students follow and complete one of the advertised MA schemes described here. The PhD programme followed in years 2-4 includes training in advanced research methodologies provided by specialists in the Department, training for graduate tutors provided by the University, skills and career training provided by the Graduate School, and graduate tuition opportunities for all candidates.