The MA by Research is ideal for those who would like to do an initial research degree, either as a stand-alone culmination to their studies or with a view to further, subsequent research, e.g. in form of a PhD. Students enrolled on the MA by Research in Classics study a topic of their own devising and complete an independent, original research thesis of 40,000 words on a Classical topic. At Swansea, there is extensive competence in supervising a wide variety of topics relating to Greek and Roman literature. Particular research strengths include Ancient Narrative Literature and the reception of earlier literature in Hellenistic and Imperial Fiction (under the umbrella of KYKNOS, the Swansea and TSD Lampeter Centre for Research on the Narrative Literatures of the Ancient World), Greek Tragedy, Ancient Philosophy, and Greek and Roman Political Thought. Students are encouraged to develop a methodological awareness and are introduced to key concepts and interpretative techniques that shape the study of the civilisations of Greece and Rome. This programme develops research skills needed for high-level work in any field of Classics or Classical Civilisation.