can you get a phd in latin

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The Doctor of Philosophy in Greek and Latin

Requirements for the ph.d. degree in greek and latin.

This page presents the rules and requirements of the Ph.D. in Greek and Latin. The department does not offer an M.A. degree in Greek and Latin, except as a terminal degree (given to students leaving the program who have fulfilled the requirements of an M.A. degree). The following rules apply to students who begin the program with a B.A.; students who enter the program holding an M.A. may have some of the following requirements waived. The Graduate School Handbook should be consulted to ensure complete adherence to all current graduation policies and deadlines. The Ph.D. degree in Greek and Latin is awarded upon successful completion of a program of study in the Latin and Greek languages, literatures, and related subjects. The requirements of the program include courses, language examinations (ancient and modern), the candidacy examination, and the dissertation. Students’ progress is supervised by the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) until the appointment of an advisor for each student. The department faculty, upon recommendation of the Graduate Studies Committee, may propose terminating a student's enrollment if his or her progress is deemed unsatisfactory.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS  

• Credit hours: A minimum of 80 graduate credit hours beyond the B.A. degree is required to earn a Ph.D. degree. If an M.A. has already been earned by the student, then a minimum of 50 graduate credit hours beyond the M.A. is required. Moreover, the following specific requirements are discrete, that is, one cannot use, say, a seminar to satisfy a survey requirement (unless as specified below), or a seminar to fulfill an ancillary or history requirement. The required courses listed below do not total 80 credits, and students achieve the required minimum number of credits in a variety of ways (additional seminars, courses outside the classics department, independent studies, vel sim.)  
• Survey sequences in Latin and in Greek (6891 and 6892 for either language, for a total of 20 credits) : the student may opt out of one sequence if he or she has passed the language exam of that sequence at the Ph.D. level. In that case, the student will be required to take one graduate seminar in that same language (Greek or Latin) for each semester of the survey sequence.  
• Seminars (18 credits total) : three 7000-level graduate courses in Greek and three 7000-level graduate courses in Latin. A 7000-level course under the Classics heading may count for either a Greek or a Latin seminar based on the nature of the course and the focus of a student’s work. It is expected that from these or other similar courses each student will be able to submit three research papers to the Candidacy Examination Committee that may be discussed during the oral portion of the candidacy examination (see “Research Papers” below).  
• History (3 credits) : One course offered by the Department of History, whether in Greek, Roman, or relevant medieval, Byzantine, or Near Eastern history.  
• Ancillary field (3 credits) : One course in an ancillary discipline, which may be on but not limited to Greek or Latin paleography, linguistics, epigraphy, topography, literary theory, art and archaeology, ancient philosophy, ancient religion, and Near Eastern languages and cultures. The DGS will determine which courses fulfill the Ancillary Requirement.

LANGUAGE EXAMINATIONS  

• Once students pass the examination in a language at the Ph.D. level they do not have to take it again in that language. Students are expected to pass at the M.A. level normally by the end of their first year in the program and at the Ph.D. level at the end of their second year at most or at the start of the third year. For incoming students beginning the program, the examination results are used for diagnostic and advising purposes, though if they pass at any level those positive results are valid.  
• Modern language competence: Students must acquire reading proficiency in French and German before taking their candidacy examination. The advisor can require or advise a student to acquire reading proficiency in an additional language if deemed necessary for the field in which dissertation research is to be conducted. Unless students are native speakers of these languages, they will be required to pass one-hour translation examinations (with dictionary) set by the department. Students may prepare for these exams on their own or by taking OSU’s language courses (German 6101 and 6102, French 6571 and 6572). Students for whom English is not their native language may also use a modern dictionary in their native language, e.g., Russian-English.

THE CANDIDACY EXAM + DISSERTATION PROSPECTUS  

• Appointment and function of the advisor: The DGS initially serves as the advisor for all students in the program. As students begin to prepare for the candidacy examination, they select an advisor in consultation with the DGS. The advisor helps the student form a Candidacy Exam Committee, which he/she chairs, and, when the examination has been passed, facilitates the formation of a Dissertation Committee (of which the advisor may or may not become the Chair). The student can change advisors at any time.  
• Scope and function: The candidacy examination tests depth of knowledge in four specialized fields spanning different areas and disciplines (see below) that are pertinent to the student’s research interests (in preparation for dissertation work) and desired professional qualifications. It also tests the ability to interpret literature, to analyze problems, and to discuss interpretation and analysis in writing and orally. Students are expected to pass the candidacy examination no later than the end of their fourth year in the program. Students who do not pass the candidacy examination on the initial attempt must retake and pass it within one semester of the first attempt.  
• Timing:  The normal pattern for the candidacy exam and prospectus defense is to hold both within a single semester: written candidacy exams should be sat early in the semester, the oral exam toward the middle of the semester (and no more than four weeks after the last written exam), thus leaving time for the prospectus defense to be held within six weeks of the candidacy exam and before the end of the semester. Prospectus defenses must be held in term-time, between 8am and 4pm.  
• The Candidacy Examination Committee is created by the student and his or her advisor and with the approval of the DGS. The Candidacy Examination Committee consists of four faculty members, including the student’s advisor, who will serve as the chair of the Committee. The composition of the Candidacy Examination Committee may be changed only by the advisor in consultation with the student and the DGS.  
• Research papers:  Three papers that qualify as research papers shall be submitted to the Committee, whether they were written in seminars, other courses, or independent research. Each student should ask the professor for whom the paper was written (or the best qualified professor in our department, if written outside our courses) to evaluate whether it fulfills research criteria and confirm this via e-mail. The student will forward this confirmation to the DGS and the Academic Programs Coordinator to be entered into the student’s Record of Examinations. The papers may be discussed at the oral portion of the examination (see below).
• Copies of the exams should be deposited with the Academic Programs Coordinator. The examination in each of the four fields will last for three hours, and these segments of the examination may be taken in combination or separately, in accordance with the rules of the Graduate School Handbook. All portions of the Written Examination must be completed to the satisfaction of the Committee before the candidate may proceed to the oral portion of the examination. The chair of the Committee will discuss with the student the Committee's evaluation and advise the student regarding his or her option to continue with the oral portion of the examination. If the student fails the examination at this point and if the Committee grants the student permission to take the examination a second time, the student must retake the failed sections of the Written Examination; an oral portion must be included in the second attempt. All completed examinations become a permanent part of the student's file.  
• The oral portion of the candidacy examination is administered and evaluated by the Candidacy Examination Committee. To schedule the oral exam, the student must submit an Application for Candidacy  in GRADFORMS and have this approved by his or her program and advisor at least two weeks before the proposed date. Exams can begin no earlier than 7:30am and no later than 3:30pm. Exams are scheduled for two hours and can only be held at an authorized campus location, Monday through Friday, any day the university is open. Last day to complete the oral exam is the last weekday before the semester commencement. The examination itself will not exceed two hours and will be normally administered within one week of the completion of the written portion. The oral examination will explore the student's fields of expertise and interest as reflected in the four areas of examination, the research papers submitted to the Committee, and the written examination, but it will not necessarily be confined to the topics addressed there. The student will be orally informed as to whether he or she passed the Candidacy Examination immediately after the oral examination.  
• The dissertation prospectus: Each student admitted to Candidacy must submit a written dissertation prospectus to his or her Dissertation Committee within six weeks of completing the candidacy examination. The entire Dissertation Committee needs to provide feedback and approve the prospectus in order for the dissertation to proceed. The student will also arrange with the department's Lecture Committee to make an oral presentation of the prospectus before the department.

THE DISSERTATION  

Once a student has completed the candidacy examination and has been admitted to Candidacy (i.e., is ABD), he or she begins work on the dissertation. While working on this project, students continue to earn credit hours, typically three credits of dissertation research (Greek or Latin 8999) per semester. The dissertation is the culminating experience of the Ph.D. program, in which the student writes a substantial work of innovative scholarship. The dissertation is developed in close coordination with the student’s advising committee, and it usually becomes the foundation of a student’s professional academic profile.

• The Dissertation Committee: The Candidacy Examination Committee will be modified to serve as the Dissertation Committee, though changes can be made to its composition at this stage by the student and advisor in consultation with the DGS. According to University regulations, the chair of the Dissertation Committee must be a member of the Classics Department. The other two members may be from outside the department, but must be OSU faculty. A committee may have more than three members, and professors from outside OSU may be added (this requires special paperwork).  
• The dissertation: Rules governing the dissertation may be found in the Graduate School Handbook. In accordance with those rules, a student must submit the final copy of his or her dissertation within five years of being admitted to Candidacy. The student must submit an  Application to Graduate  in GRADFORMS  at start of the semester they are planning to graduate.   
• Final oral examination: Rules governing the final oral examination may be found in the Graduate School Handbook. The student must submit an  Application for Final Examination  in GRADFORMS  and have this approved by his or her program and advisor at least two weeks before the proposed date. Exams can begin no earlier than 7:30am and no later than 3:30pm. Exams are scheduled for two hours and can only be held at an authorized campus location, Monday through Friday, any day the university is open. The following departmental rules and procedures also apply: the final oral examination is held after the dissertation has been approved by all members of the Dissertation Committee. The examination deals intensively with the field of the candidate's dissertation. The dissertation defense will be open to all members of the department and, space permitting, to the general public. The date will be announced in advance and a copy of the submitted dissertation will be made available to faculty and students for previous consultation. Only members of the Dissertation Committee are allowed to be present at the discussion of the candidate's performance and to participate in the decision about the outcome of the examination. The student is considered to have completed the final oral examination successfully only when the decision of the final oral examination committee is unanimously affirmative.

Terminal M.A.

If a student leaves the program before obtaining the Ph.D., a terminal M.A. degree may be provided upon the fulfillment of the following requirements: completion of credit hours required by the College to grant an M.A. degree; completion of specific courses required by our program (consult with the DGS for these); passing at least one of the Greek and Latin examinations at the M.A. level. If the student has not passed the other language at the M.A. level, the student may submit a research paper on a topic that engages with texts in that language.

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Department of Greek and Latin

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• Greek and Latin (Ph.D.)

Ph.D. in Greek and Latin

Comprehensive examinations, ph.d. procedures and forms.

This program as a whole emphasizes the cultures that utilized the Greek and Latin languages from the classical (at the M.A. level) through the late antique and medieval (at the Ph.D. level) eras.  Our faculty and students are deeply interested in ancient texts and ideas, and also in the reception and transformation of those modes of thought and expression in later periods.

Scholarly context

This later emphasis at the doctoral level reflects the department's reputation as a center for the study of Christian Greek and Latin, and is exemplified by two series of published dissertations it has sponsored over the years, Patristic Studies and Studies in Medieval and Renaissance Latin Language and Literature , and by The Fathers of the Church , a well-known series of English translations published by The Catholic University of America Press and long associated with this department.

This unique heritage in the study of late antiquity and the medieval period, which is shared by other departments and programs at the university, has also been responsible for the development of a number of projects undertaken by the university press, notably Studies in Christian Antiquity , Medieval Latin: An Introduction and Bibliographical Guide (co-edited by Prof. Frank Mantello, a member of the department's faculty), and the Catalogus translationum et commentariorum , a series devoted to the medieval and Renaissance translations of ancient Greek authors and the Latin commentaries on ancient Greek and Latin authors up to the year 1600. The most recent initiative is The Library of Early Christianity , a new series of texts and facing-page translations, whose editorial director, Dr. John Petruccione, is also a faculty member in the department.

The Department of Greek and Latin also participates enthusiastically in the university's Center for Medieval and Byzantine Studies and Center for the Study of Early Christianity .

List of Degree Requirements

Language placement exams

• Taken upon entry into the program; used for placement purposes only

M.A. degree (30 cr / 10 courses total

• The M.A. program in Greek and Latin (30 cr) or an approved M.A. from another institution

Courses (24 cr / 8 courses total)

• CLAS 572, Mediterranean World of Late Antiquity (3 cr)
• 3 approved courses in Greek texts (9 cr total)
• 3 approved courses in Latin texts (9 cr total)
• 1 other approved course (3 cr total)

Examinations

• Modern language examination in French or German ( + any other relevant languages)
• Doctoral comprehensive examinations (3 parts)

Dissertation

• Dissertation proposal (presented at departmental colloquium)
• Doctoral dissertation

Following the modern language exam(s) required for the Ph.D., the doctoral comprehensive exams include a minor field (essay) and a two-part major field (translation and essay). Both of these are customized to the student's goals and interests.

A number of degree procedures for the Ph.D. in Greek and Latin are department-specific or require particular actions at the university level. We outline these for you here.

Graduate and Certificate Handbook

Our Graduate and Certificate Handbook gathers into one place most of the departmental information that our students will need throughout their careers at Catholic University.

Resources for

Ph.D. Program in Greek, Latin, and Classical Studies

From its earliest days, Bryn Mawr has had an international reputation in classical languages. It was among the first institutions to offer doctorates in classical philology to women in the United States. Today, the College is home to a lively community of graduate students, both women and men, who are interested in various aspects of the civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome; and its name is known to classicists worldwide through the Bryn Mawr Classical Review , the second-oldest electronic book-review journal, which is received by more than 10,000 subscribers around the globe.

Study at Bryn Mawr

Classes are small, affording close personal contact with faculty. The weekly Classics Colloquium provides an opportunity to mingle informally with faculty and hear talks by prominent scholars from all over the world. Classics graduate students have fully-wired carrels in the beautiful Rhys Carpenter library affording further opportunities for informal contact across the disciplines.

The department is part of the Graduate Group in Archaeology, Classics, and History of Art , which provides a forum for interdisciplinary collaboration and research and promotes a strong scholarly community among the graduate students in the three programs.

In addition to seminars at Bryn Mawr, students may take classes at the nearby University of Pennsylvania through a reciprocal agreement, and, by special arrangement, at Princeton University and other institutions in the area. The department also regularly brings in associated faculty from neighboring institutions to offer seminars in important fields of scholarly specialization outside those of the Bryn Mawr faculty.

The Classics graduate students annually organize the Agnes Michels Lecture, selecting a speaker to give a public lecture and hold a seminar for the students.

Study Abroad

In support of its commitment to studying literary and historical texts in their cultural as well as material contexts, the department offers two fellowships each year toward summer study in Italy or Greece, preferably at the American Academy in Rome or the American School of Classical Studies in Athens . These fellowships were established in honor of Professor Emerita Mabel Lang, whose own work forms a palmary example of this approach. The fellowships are normally reserved for students who will complete the M.A. degree in the academic year preceding the summer in which they plan to go abroad.

The department also offers the Berthe M. Marti Fellowship in affiliation with the American Academy in Rome to enable advanced graduate students to study and carry out research in Rome in the fields of early, classical, and medieval Latin, Latin paleography, Latin textual criticism, or some combination thereof. The Fellowship alternates between Bryn Mawr College and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Bryn Mawr's Classics collection, housed in the award-winning Rhys Carpenter library, is one of the best in the country and also offers access to a wide range of electronic resources such as

• L’Année Philologique
• Brill's New Pauly and Supplements
• Loeb Classical Library
• Thesaurus Linguae Latinae Online
• Thesaurus Linguae Graecae Online

Further resources are available in the Mariam Coffin Canaday Library , notably an exceptional collection of more than 1,200 incunables (printed books published before 1500), which are readily available to interested students.

As part of the Tri-College community, everyone has easy access to the collections of Haverford and Swarthmore Colleges; there is a combined electronic catalog, Tripod , and books ordered from the other collections arrive on the Bryn Mawr campus within hours.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is available through the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and the Graduate Group in Archaeology, Classics, and History of Art. Funding is provided in form of fellowships, teaching assistantships, and internships and is usually offered for up to six years, contingent upon satisfactory progress.Senior graduate students of exceptional promise may be given the opportunity to design and teach a course as part of a funding package.

Visit the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences admissions page to find out more information about how to apply, including important deadlines for those who wish to be considered for financial aid.

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Latin Ph.D. Reading List

You are here.

This list is intended to help you prepare for the Latin PhD preliminary examination. That exam is a test of your competence in Latin and your familiarity with the field of Latin literature, rather than a test on this list. Read as much as you can in preparation, in the knowledge that acquaintance with all of these texts constitutes preparation for a career in Classics.

MA students planning to continue to a PhD are strongly encouraged to take a PhD-level exam, even while registered in the MA program. An MA student who takes the PhD exam and passes it at the PhD level ( 85% or higher) will, as a result, be qualified for their MA (pending satisfactory fulfillment of the other MA requirements) and be considered to have passed the Latin PhD preliminary exam, if they continue into the PhD program at this institution. A pass mark of 95% or higher on the PhD-level exam results in a pass with distinction. An MA student who passes a PhD-level exam at the MA level ( 75% - 84% ) may earn their MA on that basis, pending satisfactory fulfillment of the other MA requirements, but would be required to re-take the Latin PhD preliminary exam if admitted to the PhD program.

The exam will consist of two sections: A. Translation; B. Passage analysis:

A. The translation section will consist of two out of three passages of poetry and two out of three passages of prose to be translated, all to be drawn from the reading list. Each poetry passage will be ca. 20-25 lines in length, and the prose passages of a length corresponding to that.

B. The analysis section will require exam-takers to discuss one out of two passages of prose and one out of two passages of poetry, all to be drawn from the reading list.

Instructions as they appear on the exam paper are given below.

Substitutions to the present list: students may propose substitutions of equivalent difficulty and length pertaining to up to two prose and two verse authors; these substitutions would need to be approved by the graduate director in consultation with the graduate committee.

Copies of all texts and commentaries recommended are available in Norlin and in the Classics library in Eaton Humanities ( HUMN 345 ); please alert the Chair of the Library Committee if you find any missing from either library. Those wishing to build their own Classics libraries (e.g. those planning to pursue a PhD) may wish to consider purchasing personal copies of the texts and commentaries recommended as an investment for the future.

As you read the texts, we recommend reading the introductions to the commentaries listed below, especially those in the Cambridge Greek and Latin Classics series. We also recommend supplementing your reading of the Latin text by background reading in one of the standard literary histories, e.g. G.B. Conte’s Latin Literature: A History, transl. J.B. Solodow, rev. D. Fowler and Glenn Most, Baltimore & Laton (John Hopkins) or the Cambridge History of Classical Literature, Vol. 2. You will find both of these in HUMN 350 . No Classics library books should leave their respective rooms! Further advice on secondary reading on individual authors is available from faculty.

Instructions as they appear on the exam:

Ia. Translation: Prose. Translate two of the following passages into accurate and idiomatic English. 

Ib. Translation: Poetry. Translate two of the following passages into accurate and idiomatic English. 

II.  Select one of the following two passages of poetry in (a) and one of the two passages of prose in (b), and write an analytical essay on each.  If you can, identify the author, work, and location of the passage within the work; the author’s date, historical milieu, and the context of the passage or work within the author's career; speakers and others referred to directly or indirectly; and places, events, or other important points of reference.  Comment on significant themes as well as formal features such as meter or rhythm, dialect, and genre; if possible identify the performance venue, occasion, or intended readership. Paraphrase is not necessary and should not be used for its own sake, but you may use it to support interpretation of the text.

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• What is a PhD?

Written by Mark Bennett

A PhD is a doctoral research degree and the highest level of academic qualification you can achieve. The degree normally takes between three and four years of full-time work towards a thesis offering an original contribution to your subject.

This page explains what a PhD is, what it involves and what you need to know if you’re considering applying for a PhD research project , or enrolling on a doctoral programme .

The meaning of a PhD

The PhD can take on something of a mythic status. Are they only for geniuses? Do you have to discover something incredible? Does the qualification make you an academic? And are higher research degrees just for people who want to be academics?

Even the full title, ‘Doctor of Philosophy’, has a somewhat mysterious ring to it. Do you become a doctor? Yes, but not that kind of doctor. Do you have to study Philosophy? No (not unless you want to) .

So, before going any further, let's explain what the term 'PhD' actually means and what defines a doctorate.

What does PhD stand for?

PhD stands for Doctor of Philosophy. This is one of the highest level academic degrees that can be awarded. PhD is an abbreviation of the Latin term (Ph)ilosophiae (D)octor. Traditionally the term ‘philosophy’ does not refer to the subject but its original Greek meaning which roughly translates to ‘lover of wisdom’.

What is a doctorate?

A doctorate is any qualification that awards a doctoral degree. In order to qualify for one you need to produce advanced work that makes a significant new contribution to knowledge in your field. Doing so earns you the title 'Doctor' – hence the name.

So, is a PhD different to a doctorate? No. A PhD is a type of doctorate .

The PhD is the most common type of doctorate and is awarded in almost all subjects at universities around the world. Other doctorates tend to be more specialised or for more practical and professional projects.

Essentially, all PhDs are doctorates, but not all doctorates are PhDs.

Do you need a Masters to get a PhD?

Not necessarily. It's common for students in Arts and the Humanities to complete an MA (Master of Arts) before starting a PhD in order to acquire research experience and techniques. Students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) don't always need an MS/MSc (Master of Science) to do a PhD as you'll gain training in lab techniques and other skills during your undergraduate degree.

Whether a Masters is a requirement for a PhD also varies by country. Australian PhDs may require a Masters as the equivalent of their own 'honours year' (where students work on research). US PhD programmes often include a Masters.

We have a whole guide dedicated to helping you decide whether a PhD without a Masters is the right route for you.

The origin of the PhD

Despite its name, the PhD isn't actually an Ancient Greek degree. Instead it's a much more recent development. The PhD as we know it was developed in nineteenth-century Germany, alongside the modern research university.

Higher education had traditionally focussed on mastery of an existing body of scholarship and the highest academic rank available was, appropriately enough, a Masters degree.

As the focus shifted more onto the production of new knowledge and ideas, the PhD degree was brought in to recognise those who demonstrated the necessary skills and expertise.

The PhD process – what's required to get a PhD?

The typical length of a PhD is three to four years full-time, or five to six years part-time.

Unlike most Masters courses (or all undergraduate programmes), a PhD is a pure research degree. But that doesn’t mean you’ll just spend years locked away in a library or laboratory. In fact, the modern PhD is a diverse and varied qualification with many different components.

Whereas the second or third year of a taught degree look quite a lot like the first (with more modules and coursework at a higher level) a PhD moves through a series of stages.

A typical PhD normally involves:

• Carrying out a literature review (a survey of current scholarship in your field).
• Conducting original research and collecting your results .
• Producing a thesis that presents your conclusions.
• Writing up your thesis and submitting it as a dissertation .
• Defending your thesis in an oral viva voce exam.

These stages vary a little between subjects and universities, but they tend to fall into the same sequence over the three years of a typical full-time PhD.

The first year of a PhD

The beginning of a PhD is all about finding your feet as a researcher and getting a solid grounding in the current scholarship that relates to your topic.

You’ll have initial meetings with your supervisor and discuss a plan of action based on your research proposal.

The first step in this will almost certainly be carrying out your literature review . With the guidance of your supervisor you’ll begin surveying and evaluating existing scholarship. This will help situate your research and ensure your work is original.

Your literature review will provide a logical jumping off point for the beginning of your own research and the gathering of results . This could involve designing and implementing experiments, or getting stuck into a pile of primary sources.

The year may end with an MPhil upgrade . This occurs when PhD students are initially registered for an MPhil degree and then ‘upgraded’ to PhD candidates upon making sufficient progress. You’ll submit material from your literature review, or a draft of your research findings and discuss these with members of your department in an upgrade exam . All being well, you’ll then continue with your research as a PhD student.

PhDs in other countries

The information on the page is based on the UK. Most countries follow a similar format, but there are some differences. In the USA , for example, PhD students complete reading assignments and examinations before beginning their research. You can find out more in our guides to PhD study around the world .

The second year of a PhD

Your second year will probably be when you do most of your core research. The process for this will vary depending on your field, but your main focus will be on gathering results from experiments, archival research, surveys or other means.

As your research develops, so will the thesis (or argument) you base upon it. You may even begin writing up chapters or other pieces that will eventually form part of your dissertation .

You’ll still be having regular meetings with your supervisor. They’ll check your progress, provide feedback on your ideas and probably read any drafts your produce.

The second year is also an important stage for your development as a scholar. You’ll be well versed in current research and have begun to collect some important data or develop insights of your own. But you won’t yet be faced with the demanding and time-intensive task of finalising your dissertation.

So, this part of your PhD is a perfect time to think about presenting your work at academic conferences , gaining teaching experience or perhaps even selecting some material for publication in an academic journal. You can read more about these kinds of activities below.

The third year of a PhD

The third year of a PhD is sometimes referred to as the writing up phase.

Traditionally, this is the final part of your doctorate, during which your main task will be pulling together your results and honing your thesis into a dissertation .

In reality, it’s not always as simple as that.

It’s not uncommon for final year PhD students to still be fine-tuning experiments, collecting results or chasing up a few extra sources. This is particularly likely if you spend part of your second year focussing on professional development.

In fact, some students actually take all or part of a fourth year to finalise their dissertation. Whether you are able to do this will depend on the terms of your enrolment – and perhaps your PhD funding .

Eventually though, you are going to be faced with writing up your thesis and submitting your dissertation.

Your supervisor will be very involved in this process. They’ll read through your final draft and let you know when they think your PhD is ready for submission.

All that’s left then is your final viva voce oral exam. This is a formal discussion and defence of your thesis involving at least one internal and external examiner. It’s normally the only assessment procedure for a PhD. Once you’ve passed, you’ve done it!

Looking for more information about the stages of a PhD?

How do you go about completing a literature review? What's it like to do PhD research? And what actually happens at an MPhil upgrade? You can find out more in our detailed guide to the PhD journey .

Doing a PhD – what's it actually like?

You can think of the ‘stages’ outlined above as the basic ‘roadmap’ for a PhD, but the actual ‘journey’ you’ll take as a research student involves a lot of other sights, a few optional destinations and at least one very important fellow passenger.

Carrying out research

Unsurprisingly, you’ll spend most of your time as a PhD researcher… researching your PhD. But this can involve a surprisingly wide range of activities.

The classic image of a student working away in the lab, or sitting with a pile of books in the library is true some of the time – particularly when you’re monitoring experiments or conducting your literature review.

Your PhD can take you much further afield though. You may find yourself visiting archives or facilities to examine their data or look at rare source materials. You could even have the opportunity to spend an extended period ‘in residence’ at a research centre or other institution beyond your university.

Research is also far from being a solitary activity. You’ll have regular discussions with your supervisor (see below) but you may also work with other students from time to time.

This is particularly likely if you’re part of a larger laboratory or workshop group studying the same broad area. But it’s also common to collaborate with students whose projects are more individual. You might work on shorter projects of joint interest, or be part of teams organising events and presentations.

Many universities also run regular internal presentation and discussion groups – a perfect way to get to know other PhD students in your department and offer feedback on each other’s work in progress.

Working with your supervisor

All PhD projects are completed with the guidance of at least one academic supervisor . They will be your main point of contact and support throughout the PhD.

Your supervisor will be an expert in your general area of research, but they won’t have researched on your exact topic before (if they had, your project wouldn’t be original enough for a PhD).

As such, it’s better to think of your supervisor as a mentor, rather than a teacher.

As a PhD student you’re now an independent and original scholar, pushing the boundaries of your field beyond what is currently known (and taught) about it. You’re doing all of this for the first time, of course. But your supervisor isn’t.

They’ll know what’s involved in managing an advanced research project over three years (or more). They’ll know how best to succeed, but they’ll also know what can go wrong and how to spot the warning signs before it does.

Perhaps most importantly, they’ll be someone with the time and expertise to listen to your ideas and help provide feedback and encouragement as you develop your thesis.

Exact supervision arrangements vary between universities and between projects:

• In Science and Technology projects it’s common for a supervisor to be the lead investigator on a wider research project, with responsibility for a laboratory or workshop that includes several PhD students and other researchers.
• In Arts and Humanities subjects, a supervisor’s research is more separate from their students’. They may supervise more than one PhD at a time, but each project is essentially separate.

It’s also becoming increasingly common for PhD students to have two (or more) supervisors. The first is usually responsible for guiding your academic research whilst the second is more concerned with the administration of your PhD – ensuring you complete any necessary training and stay on track with your project’s timetable.

However you’re supervised, you’ll have regular meetings to discuss work and check your progress. Your supervisor will also provide feedback on work during your PhD and will play an important role as you near completion: reading your final dissertation draft, helping you select an external examiner and (hopefully) taking you out for a celebratory drink afterwards!

Professional development, networking and communication

Traditionally, the PhD has been viewed as a training process, preparing students for careers in academic research.

As such, it often includes opportunities to pick up additional skills and experiences that are an important part of a scholarly CV. Academics don’t just do research after all. They also teach students, administrate departments – and supervise PhDs.

The modern PhD is also viewed as a more flexible qualification. Not all doctoral graduates end up working in higher education. Many follow alternative careers that are either related to their subject of specialism or draw upon the advanced research skills their PhD has developed.

PhD programmes have begun to reflect this. Many now emphasise transferrable skills or include specific training units designed to help students communicate and apply their research beyond the university.

What all of this means is that very few PhD experiences are just about researching and writing up a thesis.

The likelihood is that you’ll also do some (or all) of the following during your PhD:

The work is usually paid and is increasingly accompanied by formal training and evaluation.

Conference presentation

As a PhD student you’ll be at the cutting edge of your field, doing original research and producing new results. This means that your work will be interest to other scholars and that your results could be worth presenting at academic conferences .

Doing this is very worthwhile, whatever your career plans. You’ll develop transferrable skills in public speaking and presenting, gain feedback on your results and begin to be recognised as an expert in your area.

Conferences are also great places to network with other students and academics.

Publication

As well as presenting your research, you may also have the opportunity to publish work in academic journals, books, or other media. This can be a challenging process.

Your work will be judged according to the same high standards as any other scholar’s and will normally go through extensive peer review processes. But it’s also highly rewarding. Seeing your work ‘in print’ is an incredible validation of your PhD research and a definite boost to your academic CV.

Public engagement and communication

Academic work may be associated with the myth of the ‘ivory tower’ – an insular community of experts focussing on obscure topics of little interest outside the university. But this is far from the case. More and more emphasis is being placed on the ‘impact’ of research and its wider benefits to the public – with funding decisions being made accordingly.

Thankfully, there are plenty of opportunities to try your hand at public engagement as a PhD student. Universities are often involved in local events and initiatives to communicate the benefits of their research, ranging from workshops in local schools to public lectures and presentations.

Some PhD programmes include structured training in order to help students with activities such as the above. Your supervisor may also be able to help by identifying suitable conferences and public engagement opportunities, or by involving you in appropriate university events and public engagement initiatives.

These experiences will be an important part of your development as a researchers - and will enhance the value of your PhD regardless of your career plans.

What is a PhD for – and who should study one?

So, you know what a PhD actually is, what’s involved in completing one and what you might get up to whilst you do. That just leaves one final question: should you do a PhD?

Unfortunately, it’s not a question we can answer for you.

A PhD is difficult and uniquely challenging. It requires at least three years of hard work and dedication after you’ve already completed an undergraduate degree (and probably a Masters degree too).

You’ll need to support yourself during those years and, whilst you will be building up an impressive set of skills, you won’t be directly progressing in a career.

But a PhD is also immensely rewarding. It’s your chance to make a genuine contribution to the sum of human knowledge and produce work that other researchers can (and will) build on in future. However obscure your topic feels, there’s really no such thing as a useless PhD.

A PhD is also something to be incredibly proud of. A proportionately tiny number of people go on to do academic work at this level. Whatever you end up doing after your doctorate you’ll have an impressive qualification – and a title to match. What’s more, non-academic careers and professions are increasingly recognising the unique skills and experience a PhD brings.

Other PhDs - do degree titles matter?

The PhD is the oldest and most common form of higher research degree, but a few alternatives are available. Some, such as the DPhil are essentially identical to a PhD. Others, such as the Professional Doctorate or DBA are slightly different. You can find out more in our guide to types of PhD .

Is a PhD for me?

There’s more advice on the value of a PhD – and good reasons for studying one – elsewhere in this section. But the following are some quick tips if you’re just beginning to consider a PhD.

Speak to your lecturers / tutors

The best people to ask about PhD study are people who’ve earned one. Ask staff at your current or previous university about their experience of doctoral research – what they enjoyed, what they didn’t and what their tips might be.

If you’re considering a PhD for an academic career, ask about that too. Are job prospects good in your field? And what’s it really like to work at a university?

Speak to current PhD students

Want to know what it’s like studying a PhD right now? Or what it’s like doing research at a particular university? Ask someone who knows.

Current PhD students were just like you a year or two ago and most will be happy to answer questions.

If you can’t get in touch with any students ‘face to face’, pop over to the Postgraduate Forum – you’ll find plenty of students there who are happy to chat about postgraduate research.

Take a look at advertised projects and programmes

This may seem like a strange suggestion. After all, you’re only going to study one PhD, so what’s the point of reading about lots of others?

Well, looking at the details of different PhD projects is a great way to get a general sense of what PhD research is like. You’ll see what different PhDs tend to have in common and what kinds of unique opportunity might be available to you.

And, with thousands of PhDs in our database , you’re already in a great place to start.

Read our other advice articles

Finally, you can also check out some of the other advice on the FindAPhD website. We’ve looked at some good (and bad) reasons for studying a PhD as well as the value of a doctorate to different career paths.

More generally, you can read our in-depth look at a typical PhD journey , or find out more about specific aspects of doctoral study such as working with a supervisor or writing your dissertation .

We add new articles all the time – the best way to stay up to date is by signing up for our free PhD opportunity newsletter .

Ready to find your PhD?

Head on over to our PhD search listings to learn what opportunities are on offer within your discipline.

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What happens during a typical PhD, and when? We've summarised the main milestones of a doctoral research journey.

The PhD thesis is the most important part of a doctoral degree. This page will introduce you to what you need to know about the PhD dissertation.

This page will give you an idea of what to expect from your routine as a PhD student, explaining how your daily life will look at you progress through a doctoral degree.

Our guide tells you everything about the application process for studying a PhD in the USA.

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Greek, Latin, Ancient Middle East MPhil/PhD

London, Bloomsbury

UCL Greek & Latin has been ranked consistently among the top UK departments in the field over the last decade. Our flexible and interdisciplinary PhD programme prepares students for leading positions in the field, and we host international conferences several times a year.

UK tuition fees (2024/25)

Overseas tuition fees (2024/25), programme starts, applications accepted.

• Entry requirements

A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline from a UK university, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website .

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

The MPhil/PhD programme in Greek, Latin and the Ancient Middle East offers students the possibility to study in the heart of London in a large and exciting research community. Students will work with world-leading academics, developing skills to prepare them for careers both within and outside of academia.

Who this course is for

This programme is suitable for those with curiosity about the ancient world and its relevance to the modern world, those with creativity and versatility in research and the ability to work independently.

What this course will give you

UCL has one of the largest bodies of expertise on the ancient world in the United Kingdom; students have access to staff from UCL Greek & Latin, UCL History and the UCL Institute of Archaeology, as well as to staff with related interests in UCL Anthropology, the UCL English Department, the UCL Film Studies programme and UCL Hebrew & Jewish Studies. Major research libraries and institutes are a few minutes' walk away, including the Institute of Classical Studies, the Warburg Institute, the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, the Institute of Historical Research, Senate House Library, the British Library and the British Museum. UCL is part of the London Arts and Humanities Partnership, an AHRC-funded doctoral training partnership. This provides training for all PhD students in the consortium, whether funded by the AHRC or not: this includes intensive German and French language classes, for example, and facilitates collaboration at doctoral level with King's College London, the School of Advanced Study (University of London), and other major research institutions in London. For Ancient Middle Eastern Studies, the London Centre for the Ancient Near East is organised by staff at UCL and offers a rich programme of seminars and lectures. We have close connections with the British Museum, which houses an important cuneiform collection.

The foundation of your career

A PhD from UCL is recognised as a world-class qualification in research on the ancient Greco-Roman and Middle-Eastern worlds and their place in intellectual history. We have international staff who are well placed to advise and support students as they enter the academic job market, and we have a good track record in helping our graduates start their careers in research and academia.

Employability

UCL is a major research university, and most of our graduates seek a career in research and university teaching. We help students to apply for postdoctoral research fellowships, and in the academic job market. Recent graduates have won British Academy, Leverhulme and Wellcome Trust postdoctoral fellowships, and many have gone on to careers in leading UK and international universities (Athens, Bristol, Cambridge, Cyprus, Edinburgh, Exeter, London, Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle, Nottingham, Oxford, Swansea and St Andrews).

Each year we host several major international conferences to enable our students to hear and meet leading scholars from across the world.

Teaching and learning

Supportive academic staff provide detailed guidance in research skills in order to develop students’ confidence in their capabilities. We encourage cross-disciplinary enquiry at all stages of PhD research, so that students are exposed to a wide range of research methods, and we work with students on presentation, writing, and publication.

The UCL Doctoral School offers a rich and varied programme of optional courses designed for research students. The Department collaborates with the Institute of Classical Studies, the London Arts and Humanities Partnership, and other departments within UCL to provide training opportunities tailored more specifically to the Arts and Humanities in general, and the study of the ancient world in particular. We encourage students to acquire skills in Digital Humanities, and provide help and advice on how to go about this.

Graduate students initially register for the MPhil degree, but upgrade to full PhD student status at the start of the second year, if progress is satisfactory. In addition to the upgrade review at the start of the second year, progress is also reviewed in June and January each year by the PGR tutor. Students who are making good progress will usually be offered opportunities to gain teaching experience from the second year onwards.

Full-time students can expect to meet their supervisors every two weeks during the academic year, and part-time students every four weeks. This is flexible, and will be agreed in advance (at some points in a student's research it may be necessary to meet more or less often).

PhD students should treat their research programme as a full-time job; part-time students should expect to dedicate around 15 hours a week to their research. 

Research areas and structure

Research environment.

The future of the discipline depends on training the next generation of scholars in research methods and critical skills, so that you are equipped to become leaders in your field. Maintaining the pool of excellence is a challenge that requires long-term vision and commitment. Our PhD programme is a critical part of this vision. We advise you on formulating research projects that are cogent, innovative, and well-defined, we provide you with relevant and (if necessary) interdisciplinary supervision, and we support you in acquiring training that will facilitate your research. Your work will be presented at a Departmental seminar for all staff and research students: this takes place in a friendly and informal atmosphere and is designed to foster presentation skills. We host international conferences several times a year, and we will encourage you to play a leading role in the design and administration of these conferences. We also hold a large number of colloquia and workshops throughout the academic year. We encourage all research students to take part in conferences and seminars in London and elsewhere. The Institute of Classical Studies hosts a wide range of seminars and workshops in classical and near eastern literature and history, and is a short distance from the Department. In Ancient Middle Eastern Studies we collaborate closely with the History Department, home of the AHRC-funded Nahrein Network. A rich programme of seminars and lectures is offered by the London Centre for the Ancient Near East.

You will receive initial advice from your supervisors about the viability and originality of your topic. You will subsequently modify, revise and refine the research topic, gradually identifying the contents and direction of each chapter, as well as the overall thrust and argument of the thesis.

In the first year, you will work with your supervisors to establish the research project which will be the basis for your dissertation. You will take courses in the Skills Development Programme in the UCL Doctoral School. These may include reading in foreign languages (particularly French and German), bibliographic skills, using databases, writing and presentation skills, and many more.  You will also attend seminars and workshops in the Department and other research centres in London (the most important of these are the Institute of Classical Studies and the London Centre for the Ancient Near East).

All new research students entering UCL are required by the Doctoral School to maintain an online Research Log. You are required to fill in the Research Log at regular intervals: your supervisor and the Graduate Tutor have access to the Log and will check that this is done. The Log provides a flexible framework for recording details related to your research programme, including supervisory meetings and activities concerning the development of academic and key skills. The Log is designed to help you to assess your progress, plan the next stage of your research and to chart evidence of the development of specific and generic research skills.

In the second year, you will work with your supervisors in preparation for the upgrade procedure and be encouraged to teach for the Department, under supervision, in order to acquire teaching skills useful for an academic career. You will continue to take courses in the Skills Development Programme and attend seminars in the Department and at the Institute of Classical Studies. You will also be encouraged to attend national and international conferences in your field of study and may help in the organisation of conferences in the department

Upgrade Procedure:

The upgrade to PhD normally occurs around thirteen months after registration for full-time students (in the third year for part-time students). For the upgrade, you will be asked to provide written evidence of your research progress, consisting of a draft chapter, a draft outline of the proposed dissertation and a bibliography. You will then be invited to discuss your research with a panel of members of staff.

The department has a range of exchange links across Europe through the Socrates/ Erasmus scheme, and an exchange scheme with Yale University. These are available to postgraduate research students and we will encourage you to consider these opportunities and will help in arranging them.

In your third year you will work with your supervisors on the final stage of your thesis. You would be encouraged to attend seminars and conferences in your field in London and elsewhere: these are an important part of research training. In and after the second year you may wish to offer a seminar paper at one of these events. UCL offers funding to PhD students to attend conferences, and for other necessary research purposes. You should submit your thesis by the end of your third year if you are registered full time.

Working hours and patterns for students enrolled part-time in the PhD programme are flexible, and not usually specified. You should expect to dedicate around 15 hours a week to work on your PhD (at certain stages you may need to put aside more time for intensive study or writing).

Upgrade procedure:

Supervisors and students agree a pathway to upgrade, which usually takes place 20-24 months after the start of the programme.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk . Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team .

Fees and funding

Fees for this course.

Additional costs

Students may need to visit archives or undertake fieldwork as part of their research. Attending conferences and workshops is also an important part of a research career.

The Department has a dedicated fund to help subsidise the costs of necessary research visits, field work, and conferences; we also help students to apply for funding from educational charities which have funds for this purpose.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs .

Funding your studies

UCL is part of the London Arts and Humanities Partnership (LAHP), a consortium of leading research universities and cultural institutions in London. Every year a number of studentships will be available to applicants in Classics and Ancient Middle Eastern Studies: please check the LAHP or Greek & Latin website for details

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website .

Quirk PhD Scholarship

Deadline: 26 January 2024 Value: Fees and maintenance (3yrs) Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need Eligibility: UK

Deadlines and start dates are usually dictated by funding arrangements so check with the department or academic unit to see if you need to consider these in your application preparation. In most cases you should identify and contact potential supervisors before making your application. For more information see our How to apply page.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2024-2025

Got questions get in touch.

Greek and Latin

[email protected]

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What Kind of Job Can I Get With a Latin American Studies Degree?

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People who obtain degrees in Latin American studies are often passionately interested in the people, languages and folkways of Latin American countries. However, once you finish your education, you may have to look harder for a job than someone with a degree in a concrete skill like accounting. Fortunately, in a world that is becoming increasingly globalized, there are many opportunities in various sectors of the workforce for people who are well-versed in Latin American culture. Latin American studies jobs are diverse and this degree can provide an edge over the competition in many cases, especially if you also are fluent in Spanish.

Latin American Studies Jobs: Academia

People who have a passion for Latin American studies often enjoy passing what they've learned along to others. For this reason, many people who have advanced degrees go on to become professors of Latin American studies at a college or university. Latin American history jobs are also a possibility. In August 2022, the Latin American Studies Association website listed more than 90 open academic positions. Professorships specializing in public policy and those with a focus on women's studies are among the possibilities.

Latin American Studies Jobs: International

People may study Latin America because they love one or more of the countries in this part of the world. International agencies and multinational companies often look for people with a degree in this area because they have an understanding of the language and culture that many others do not. A graduate may find employment as an international financial adviser or overseas representative. According to Miami Univeristy , graduates can also volunteer for the Peace Corps, which will provide initial practical experience that can help a person find future employment.

Latin American Studies: Public Service

Many opportunities are available in the United States as well. One area that people with a degree in Latin American studies should consider is public service. Since those in civil service officer positions, law enforcement, family support agencies and schools often serve people from Latin America and seek their best interests, they value employees who are knowledgeable about the culture.

Latin American Studies: Other Possibilities

Other job possibilities for graduates of Latin American Studies programs include those dealing with translation, counseling and travel. If you have an entrepreneurial bent, a degree in this area can help you establish an import/export business or develop and maintain contacts with manufacturers and other business people in these regions of the world. People interested in military service will likely find that this educational background provides them with some of the skills they need for foreign service in Latin American countries.

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• Miami University: What Can I Do with a Major in Latin American, Latino/a, and Caribbean Studies?

Elise Wile has been a writer since 2003. Holding a master's degree in curriculum and Instruction, she has written training materials for three school districts. Her expertise includes mentoring, serving at-risk students and corporate training.

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Department of Romance Languages & Literatures

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Spanish and Latin American

The Ph.D. Program in Spanish and Latin American Literatures draws on the talents of a diverse faculty whose research interests span Spain and the Americas, from Medieval and colonial multiculturalism to postmodern currents. Our specialties include Renaissance humanism, the transatlantic Baroque, nineteenth-century nation building, and contemporary negotiations between culture and politics, including gender studies and Latino studies. Language is the core of literary analysis, and our faculty teaches texts in the original, primarily in Spanish and Portuguese, but often including other languages (Arabic, Catalan, French, Galician, Hebrew, Mapuche, Quechua, etc.). At the doctoral level, our classes are small seminars and discussion groups, some with specialized foci and others with a panoramic approach.

The graduate student at RLL can expect a vibrant intellectual life, which promotes originality and rigor in students, encouraging them to explore new close and contextual readings in our own field, and also interdisciplinary paths across the university. Some students develop clusters of courses in other sections of the Department, which allows them to pursue comparative studies in Romance languages, while other students develop links to allied disciplines, such as philosophy, film studies, government, women's studies, African and African American Studies.

The collaboration among faculty members and our graduate students in a range of intellectual projects had grown steadily and encourages our future colleagues to gain experience in the administration of conferences, the design of courses, and the edition and translation of books and manuscripts. Currently, our faculty sponsors conferences and lecture series on Hispanic Cultures, Gay and Lesbian Studies, Cultural Agents, at the Center for the Humanities, as well as research seminar sessions in the Houghton Rare Books Library, and events at the Real Colegio Complutense and the David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies (DRCLAS). A new initiative on Cultural Agents, housed at the Center for Government and International Studies, promotes the social contributions to be made through humanist scholarship.

Our current distinguished program in Hispanic Literatures continues an illustrious history which dates from the nineteenth century, when figures such as George Ticknor and Henry Longfellow fostered the study and dissemination of the literatures of Spain in the U.S. During the twentieth century, the program grew to include stellar Latin American figures such as Jorge Luis Borges, Octavio Paz, Carlos Fuentes, Mario Vargas Llosa and other writers who have taught in our Department, together with renowned scholars including Raimundo Lida, Juan Marichal, Dámaso Alonso, Jorge Guillén, Claudio Guillén, Stephen Gilman. Yet today, our greatest source of pride are the young colleagues who have graduated from our program and who enrich the intellectual lives of many prominent universities, including Harvard.

Diana Sorensen  

To see our program requirements, see the  GSAS Policies .

Graduate Contacts

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Doctoral Program in Latin American and Latino Studies

The Doctoral Program in LALS accepts applications from prospective students each fall. The department also supports a Graduate Designated Emphasis , open to any current graduate student at UCSC.

The application becomes available yearly on October 1 with a due date in early December (check the application for the current deadline date). We have a page dedicated to some Frequently Asked Questions about the application ; please check it out!

More information for Prospective LALS Graduate Students

Candidates for admission must possess a B.A. or B.S. degree from an accredited institution or equivalent before enrolling. We expect most students to have majored or minored in a social science or humanities discipline, or an interdisciplinary field such as Latin American Studies, Chicano/Latino Studies, American Studies, or Ethnic Studies. Applicants must submit an official transcript, a statement of intellectual and professional goals, including an explanation of how the UCSC program would contribute to those goals, a substantial writing sample (approximately 10-15 pages), and three letters of recommendation. Candidates should have at least a 3.5 grade point average. International applicants must provide evidence of sufficient English language ability, as required by the Graduate Division.

Students are only admitted to the doctoral program.

The program requires significant reading, writing, and speaking abilities in both English and Spanish, unless the student plans to work in Brazil or with Brazilian migrants, in which case they must demonstrate proficiency in English and Portuguese. By the completion of the Qualifying Examination, students are required to demonstrate their proficiency in a language other than English. Proficiency is defined here as the ability to carry out field research, translate and fully comprehend texts in the original language. The capacity to communicate effectively in an academic setting in the second language is highly desirable. Some students’ research projects may require command of a third language, such as an indigenous language. These students will have to demonstrate proficiency in a third language by completing language instruction at another institution or by an examination with a LALS principal faculty member.

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PhD Overview

The PhD in Latin American Studies provides an opportunity for in-depth interdisciplinary study to a select number of students whose career goals may not be sufficiently accommodated by a single academic department. The PhD has value for leadership careers in museums and libraries, international diplomacy and development work, policy studies, publishing, and to direct some academic programs and research centers. It is often a mid-career choice. For applicants planning a university career in teaching and research in Latin American Studies, a PhD in a single discipline is most often preferred. Applicants should have a clear idea of their career trajectory and the relevance of the degree to that career in order to apply for this program. For more information on the program and the admissions process, please contact the Director of Latin American Studies, Kathryn McKnight at  [email protected] . 

Concentrations

PhD students craft their degree program by focusing on two areas of concentration. Listed below are the concentrations from which students may choose. For more thorough information, see the  LAS Student Handbook .

Anthropology

Art History

Built Environment

Communication

Geography and Environmental Studies

Political Science

Public Health

Spanish Linguistics

Spanish American Literature

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Mr. Trump’s promise to Silicon Valley investors was a sharp departure from immigration curbs he enacted during his presidency. His campaign walked it back soon after.

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By Chris Cameron

• June 20, 2024

Donald J. Trump said he would push for a program that would automatically give green cards to all foreign college students in America after they graduate, a reversal from restrictions he enacted as president on immigration by high-skilled workers and students to the United States.

But hours after Mr. Trump’s remarks aired, his campaign’s press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, walked back the former president’s comments, saying in a statement that there would be an “aggressive vetting process” that would “exclude all communists, radical Islamists, Hamas supporters, America haters and public charges ” and that the policy would apply only to the “most skilled graduates who can make significant contributions to America.”

Appearing with the host David Sacks, a Silicon Valley investor who backs the former president’s 2024 campaign , on a podcast that aired Thursday afternoon, Mr. Trump had repeated his frequent criticism of high levels of immigration as an “invasion of our country.” But he was then pressed by Jason Calacanis, another investor who hosts the podcast, to “promise us you will give us more ability to import the best and brightest around the world to America.”

“I do promise, but I happen to agree,” Mr. Trump said, adding “what I will do is — you graduate from a college, I think you should get automatically, as part of your diploma, a green card to be able to stay in this country, and that includes junior colleges.”

It would have been a sweeping change that would have opened a vast path to American citizenship for foreigners. The State Department estimated that the United States hosted roughly one million international students in the academic year that ended in 2022 — a majority of whom came from China and India. The United States granted lawful permanent residence to roughly one million people during the year that ended in September 2022, so such a policy change would significantly increase the number of green cards issued.

Mr. Trump suggested on the podcast that he had wanted to enact such a policy while in office but “then we had to solve the Covid problem.” The Trump administration invoked the pandemic to enact many of the immigration restrictions that officials had wanted to put in place earlier in Mr. Trump’s term .

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How to Get a PhD in Psychology (10 Steps)

A PhD in Psychology is the ultimate degree—a symbol of your commitment to the discipline and a representation of your knowledge and skills. Held by top-tier researchers, instructors in higher education, and clinical practitioners alike, a clinical psychology PhD may help you and the people and organizations you might one day serve. 1

While the benefits of a PhD in Psychology may be clear to you, how to go about earning this doctorate degree might feel confusing—until now.

Here’s how to get a PhD in Psychology, what to expect in a doctoral degree program, and what you might gain from obtaining one.

Start Your Journey

Step 1: Understand the PhD Path

A PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, in Psychology is one of two of the highest degrees in the field of psychology. (The other is a PsyD , or Doctor of Psychology, a doctorate degree created in the 1970s to prepare students specifically for the rigors of working in clinical settings.) 2 A clinical psychology PhD may enable you to work in a variety of environments and a range of roles.

As such, earning this degree is an involved, immersive, and often exciting process that’s composed of: 3

• Statistics and methods
• Assessments 
• Clinical treatments

Coursework in a PhD program now frequently integrates discussions on psychology and technology , examining how digital advancements are transforming therapeutic methods and research techniques.

• Research – Research makes up the majority of the work you’ll do as a PhD student. Typically under the guidance of your mentor/dissertation advisor, you’ll delve into a topic of your choosing within the field. Examples of clinical psychology research topics include examining the effects of social media on teen suicide rates or the influence of childhood trauma on adult substance use disorder. Along the way, you’ll refine specific research skills: collecting and analyzing data, working with subjects/participating, and demonstrating your results.
• Clinical practicum and internships – Earning a PhD in Psychology also entails hands-on training in clinical practicums and/or internships. Generally speaking, you’ll perform an unpaid practicum for two years, followed by a one-year paid, clinical internship. 5 Precisely how you will fulfill this will depend on the program you choose, the opportunities within your community, and your concentration. A few examples include observing a clinical psychologist at a private practice, working with students at a university center, or conducting intakes at a substance abuse facility.
• Dissertation – Your dissertation is among the most important elements of your PhD program and the key to completing your degree. It serves several purposes: it illustrates your fluency in conducting research, demonstrates the knowledge you’ve gained in your PhD program, and adds an original contribution to existing psychology literature. 6

Step 2: Research Potential Programs

Finding the right PhD in Psychology program is paramount to your success. Researching potential programs is also one of the more thrilling aspects of pursuing a doctorate, but it needs to be approached strategically and mindfully. To that end, search for programs that, like the doctoral programs in psychology at Alliant International University, have received accreditation by the American Psychological Association (APA). 7

Accreditation essentially serves as a seal of approval and demonstrates to future employers, the general public, and licensing boards that you have the scientific knowledge required to work in the world of psychology.

Additionally, you may want to zero in on programs that:

• Feature faculty members who are at the top of their field and whose research interests reflect your own 8
• Offer the area of specialization you want to focus on, whether it’s clinical health psychology, multicultural community-clinical psychology, or family/child and couple psychology
• Promote work-life balance through online instruction, or a hybrid of online and in-person instruction and training
• Have a high attrition rate

Further, if you do opt for a program that demands in-person attendance and training, be sure that it’s geographically feasible for you. The cost of living in the area should also be factored into your decision. Lastly, if you’re an undergrad or just finishing up your master’s, consider asking the professors you trust and admire for program recommendations. 9

Step 3: Prepare Your Application

Application and admission requirements vary by institution. That said, most programs ask for: 10

• A completed application (along with the application fee)
• Official transcripts from your bachelor’s and/or master’s program with required credits
• CV or resume
• Letters of recommendation

Depending on the program you’ve selected, you may also need to submit GRE scores. Importantly, nearly all programs require a personal statement—a topic we’ll look at in more depth below. While a PhD equips you for high-level research and academic positions, you might wonder if you can be a clinical psychologist with a master's . Although possible, a PhD significantly broadens your professional scope.

Step 4: Gain Relevant Experience

Not only will obtaining relevant experience help strengthen your application package but it will also help you gain invaluable insights into the industry. It might also assist you in choosing a specialization, such as working one-on-one with trauma survivors or dedicating your professional life to neuropsychology research.

Fortunately, there are dozens of ways to get the type of experience that will help your application stand out from the competition: 11

• Research assistantships
• Volunteering at a mental health clinic
• Shadowing a clinical psychologist or substance abuse counselor
• Working for a crisis hotline

Keep in mind that some PhD in Psychology programs require a minimum amount of relevant experience before you can apply. In fact, the Association for Psychological Science (APS) asserts that doctoral applicants usually accrue two to three years of research experience before applying to graduate school. 12 All of this emphasizes the importance of conducting thorough research on your schools of interest.

Step 5: Submit Strong Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation are a crucial component of your doctoral application. In fact, some state that your letters of recommendation are more important to the decision process than grades. 13

Usually, they’re written by former professors and/or former employers or psychology professionals you’ve interned for or shadowed.

Be sure to request letters of recommendation from those with whom you have a visible track record. In addition, request letters well ahead of your application deadline, even as much as a year in advance of when you think you’ll start applying for your doctoral program.

Talk to Our Advisors

Step 6: Craft a Compelling Personal Statement

Almost every doctorate in psychology program requires a personal statement. As one of the most critical elements of your application (some indicate that it’s more important than your GRE scores and GPA), it should describe, in detail, your: 14

• Interest in the particular program you’re applying to and why
• Academic and research objectives
• Research and field experience and how they align with the particular program
• Intended area of specialization

Experts consulted by the APA also advise against using three things in your personal statement: humor, hyperbole, and “hard luck,” such as describing the obstacles you’ve overcome.

Step 7: Ace the Interview

Happen to receive an interview offer? Congratulations—your application clearly stood out!

The interview process may start with what’s known as a pre-interview, or a brief conversation to evaluate your fit with the program and department. 15 This may be followed by an on-campus interview that asks basic questions, such as the impact you hope your PhD project has and why you believe you’re the right candidate, as well as more precise questions prompted by your specific experience. 16

One of the best ways to make a solid, lasting impression is to create a bulleted list of your research interests. Practicing answers to the questions you anticipate ahead of time can also help ensure a smoother dialogue. And remember: you’ll be interviewing for the program, too.

Step 8: Consider Funding Options

The financial assistance you may receive will likely be an enormous determining factor in the program you choose. As discussed, funding may arrive in the form of:

• Grants 
• Scholarships
• Tuition remission
• Employer tuition reimbursement

Alliant International University, for example, has several forms of funding options available to doctoral candidates—those listed above, as well as fellowship assistantships .

Step 9: Plan Your Coursework and Dissertation

Once you’re accepted into a program, you should select your area of specialization, plot out your coursework, and choose your dissertation topic.

The APA notes that doctoral candidates should ideally land on a dissertation topic within the first year or two of their program. 17 Why? Because it will give your program enhanced focus and a guiding theme.

To jumpstart your thinking:

• Consult with instructors who are active in cutting-edge psychology research 
• Assess your topic’s viability and manageability (and if it will serve as an original contribution to existing research)
• Pinpoint the problems and questions you foresee and how you will approach them

Above all, be sure to choose a topic that will sustain your interest and excitement throughout the duration of your program. Earning a PhD in Psychology is a time-intensive commitment. Four to six years is about how long it takes to get a psychology PhD, but it varies by person based on how they balance their personal schedules with coursework, research, and clinical training.

Step 10: Engage in Professional Development Opportunities

One of the biggest benefits of obtaining a PhD in Psychology? The connections you may be able to make, such as through your internship and clinical practicum, as well as psychology conferences and seminars.

Yet, some of the strongest relationships you build might be right inside your program. And this brings us to our final piece of advice: consider choosing a program that features a warm and supportive faculty and a diverse collection of students who will motivate you throughout your academic journey—and beyond.

Your Path Begins Here

At Alliant International University, our PhD in Clinical Psychology program features a faculty that will challenge you in the best possible way alongside a nurturing, engaging learning environment.

Enrich your knowledge and prepare to make a lasting difference in the field of psychology. Apply today and start your journey.

Sources: 

• “What Can You Do with a Doctorate in Psychology?” Psychology.org | Psychology’s Comprehensive Online Resource, March 18, 2024. https://www.psychology.org/resources/jobs-with-a-doctorate-in-psycholog… ;
• Cherry, Kendra. “PsyD vs. Phd in Psychology: Which Is Right for You?” Verywell Mind, October 27, 2023. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-psyd-2795135.  
• “Psychology Doctorate Phd Defined: Explore Academic, Internship and Research Requirements for a Psychology Phd.” Psychologist, March 24, 2021. https://www.psychologist-license.com/types-of-psychologists/psychologist-doctorate-phd/.  
• “Daily Activities of a Clinical Psychology Phd Student.” Simply Mental Health, November 13, 2022. https://simplymentalhealth.ca/2022/11/13/daily-activities-of-a-clinical-psychology-phd-student/.  
• “Internships and Practicums.” Psychology.org | Psychology’s Comprehensive Online Resource, April 10, 2024. https://www.psychology.org/resources/internships-and-practicums/.  
• Herbert, Robyn S, Spencer C Evans, Jessy Guler, and Michael C Roberts. “Predictors of Dissertation Publication in Clinical and Counseling Psychology.” Training and education in professional psychology, November 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9635593 .
•  “APA-Accredited Programs.” American Psychological Association. Accessed April 21, 2024. https://accreditation.apa.org/accredited-programs#.  
• “Choosing a Graduate Program.” Association for Psychological Science - APS. Accessed April 21, 2024. https://www.psychologicalscience.org/members/apssc/undergraduate_update/summer-2011/choosing-a-graduate-program.  
• “Clinch Your Graduate School Acceptance.” American Psychological Association. Accessed April 21, 2024. https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2007/11/cover-acceptance.  
• “Best Doctorate in Psychology Degree Programs of 2024.” Intelligent, April 3, 2024. https://www.intelligent.com/best-doctorate-in-psychology-programs/.  
• 14 ways to get clinical psychology work experience | indeed.com UK. Accessed April 18, 2024. https://uk.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/clinical-psychology-work-experience.  
• “Rockin’ Recommendations.” American Psychological Association. Accessed April 21, 2024. https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/features/2009/recommendation.  
• “Preparing Your Personal Statement for Graduate School Applications.” American Psychological Association. Accessed April 21, 2024. https://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/psn/2016/09/graduate-school-applications.  
• To ace your interview for doctoral psychology admission. Accessed April 22, 2024. https://mitch.web.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/4922/2021/12/PsiChiI… ;
• Top 10 common Phd interview questions and answers. Accessed April 21, 2024. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/common-phd-interview-questions.  
• “Starting the Dissertation.” American Psychological Association. Accessed April 21, 2024. https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2005/01/starting.&nbsp ;

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Is it a good idea to do PhDs in Latin America?

I see a lot of South American and Mexican students coming to even relatively poorer parts of Europe (e.g., ex-Communist countries) to do PhDs, but the opposite is not true.

Is it a good idea to do PhDs in Latin American countries?

• south-america

• Compare the relative size of the economies and GDP. –  Jon Custer Commented May 2, 2023 at 21:34
• 1 In my opinion, Latin American academia is not as good as its European counterpart. I'm not writing an answer because I think your question lacks more context and is a bit opinion based, but consider that a lot of Latin America countries gained independence from European countries just a few hundred years ago (for example, Mexico became "independent" in 1824, not so long ago!). While European scientists were making scientific breakthroughs, the majority of the Latino population could not even read. –  Amelian Commented May 2, 2023 at 22:02
• 4 It seems to me like this question is asking for some basic world history education; I don't know that it's the best fit for Academia.SE. –  Bryan Krause ♦ Commented May 2, 2023 at 22:03
• 2 @Amelian - note that the US became independent a scant 41 years before Mexico. –  Jon Custer Commented May 2, 2023 at 22:06
• 1 @Amelian no offense, but consider some countries (for example Brazil) gained independence but the ruling class was still european (i.e. belonging to the same that were revolting in Europe against kingdoms). There have been more recent occurences in the 20th century in South America that destroyed the "humus" of public fundings behind every decent research&universities (yes, even in the for-profit corporate America research would not be so great without the funding cornesrstones of DoE and DoD , departments of Energy/Defense). –  EarlGrey Commented May 3, 2023 at 14:08

This of course will depend.

One of my fellow Jesuits got his Ph.D. in (Latin-American) history in Mexico at the UNAM and that was a great place for him. Also, at commencement, he got to wear the coolest academic garb of all of us.

I spend five years teaching in Latin America. The biggest research problem is isolation. Going to a conference just costs almost 1000 dollars more, people are not likely to visit, and you might not have anyone to talk to at the professor level. In some countries, there is a very strong academic tradition that sometimes holds on to facets of academic life that nobody else is anymore. For example, Brazilians rejected my conference paper because it did not have the Sections in a certain order. This being said, there has been much more exchange and many universities have many departments that are thoroughly modernized. You still sometimes have to deal with unjustified academic minority complexes.

Also, your Ph.D. co-students might be different. In the Southern Cone (Ar-Ur-Ch) at least, students work full-time in a company, the Ph.D. in Computer Science is not valued in industry outside a few research labs, and the main reason to get a Ph.D. is to be promoted at the teaching job they already got. This makes it hard on a department / advisor to obtain a high level of academic accomplishment.

The political maturity of Latin American countries also matters. Chile is in general progressive and modern, Uruguay is pre-occupied with not being Argentina, and Argentina is still suffering from Peronism and wild economic turns.

For a Latin-American, it might be good to get a Ph.D. from outside the country to break the isolation. But you can get a very good education in Latin America and you can do outstanding research there. Unfortunately, if you do the latter, you are being recruited for more attractive positions in the US and Europe.

This is my personal take on it. Others can and will disagree or have very different experiences. Latin America is a great continent of great variety and size.

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How to Apply to the PhD in Latin American Studies

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_sam8674.jpg

Applications for the PhD are made via the University's  Postgraduate Admissions Office  (PAO). 

It is essential that applicants ascertain the availability of supervision  before  applying. You should list the supervisor you would like to work with on your application form, and check the suitability of your research project with him/her in advance of application, although you should not expect extensive correspondence.

See our  academic staff  page for information about Cambridge Latin Americanists associated with the Centre. You may also find other relevant Latin American specialists housed in other departments and colleges of the university, so do consult the websites of other related departments and faculties. Supervisors from other departments may be happy for you to apply to be registered as a PhD student in CLAS, or may prefer you to apply via their own Department - you should check this before applying.

You can find details below of what the GAO requires from applicants for the PhD in Latin American Studies. If you do choose to make an application, you should consult  the more detailed information  on the GAO's website.

• a detailed research/thesis proposal of 500-1000 words (see our guidelines on  writing a PhD research proposal )
• a sample of a recent piece of written work (around 2000 words) on a subject that is as close as possible to the field you will be working in for the PhD
• a transcript supporting academic progress to date
• two academic references (to be submitted by your referees no more than 2 weeks after the submission of your application form)
• evidence of competence in English (if English is not your first language or you have not already taken a degree taught in English)
• a personal reference (if you are an international student applying for an award from Gates Cambridge)

For application deadlines, please consult the  Postg raduate Admissions Office . However, if you are applying for  funding , please note that many  application deadlines  are much earlier.

US applicants for Gates awards who are not already studying at Cambridge must apply by mid-October for entry in October of the following year. Those intending to apply to other sources of funds (e.g. AHRC, ESRC, Cambridge Trust) are encouraged to seek accurate and up-to-date information on application deadlines from the GAO at the earliest opportunity. 

What happens once you have submitted your application?

When your application is complete and all the references have been supplied, it is passed to the Centre of Latin American Studies. We will assess your application on the basis of your academic record, your references, and the research potential demonstrated by the sample of written work and your thesis proposal. We endeavour to process applications as quickly as possible and will contact you as soon as we can with a result. Those seeking funding from the AHRC, ESRC or Gates may need to attend a short interview, either in person or over the phone/Skype. This is also the case for mature applicants.

If you have any admissions enquiries that cannot be answered by the information on this or the  PAO's website  (and/or  their FAQ pages ), please contact the CLAS Administrator,  Chriselia de Vries .

Postgraduate Open day

Click  here  for full details and to sign up. 

Related Links

Consortium for the Global South

Cambridge Global Challenges

Centre of Latin American Studies 2nd floor Alison Richard Building 7 West Road Cambridge, CB3 9DP, UK

E-mail: [email protected] ​

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