Postgraduate Programme in Greek Literature: “Studies in Classical, Byzantine and Modern Greek Literature”

The Postgraduate Programme “Studies in Classical, Byzantine and Modern Greek Literature” at the Department of Philology of the University of Patras offers advanced academic training in the study of Greek literature from antiquity to the present. Bringing together the three specializations of Classical, Byzantine, and Modern Greek Philology, the programme combines rigorous postgraduate education with active research, providing students with an intellectually stimulating environment in which to develop specialized knowledge, critical thinking, and advanced research skills.

Research-Led Teaching

The programme reflects the Department’s longstanding commitment to excellence in both teaching and research. Its educational philosophy is founded on the close relationship between these two activities, integrating research-led teaching with active student participation, close academic supervision, and individualized mentoring. Through seminar-based instruction, students engage critically with primary sources, contemporary scholarship, and current methodological approaches while progressively developing the confidence and expertise required for independent scholarly work.

Teaching is delivered by internationally recognized scholars whose research actively informs the curriculum. Rather than presenting knowledge as static, courses introduce students to current debates, emerging methodologies, and the evolving questions that shape contemporary philological research. In this way, the programme creates a dynamic learning environment in which teaching and research continuously enrich one another.

A Student-Centred Learning Environment

Teaching is organized primarily through small seminars that encourage discussion, collaborative learning, and sustained interaction between students and faculty. Particular emphasis is placed on critical reading, textual analysis, academic writing, oral presentation, and the development of sound research methodology. Continuous feedback and close supervision support students throughout their studies, allowing them to refine their research interests while developing the intellectual independence expected of postgraduate scholars.

Three Complementary Specializations

The programme offers advanced study in Classical, Byzantine, and Modern Greek Philology, providing students with a comprehensive perspective on Greek, Roman and Byzantine literary culture across more than three millennia.

The curriculum combines disciplinary depth with methodological breadth. Students explore a wide range of subjects, including Greek and Latin literature, ancient philosophy, historiography, papyrology, epigraphy, Byzantine palaeography, codicology, textual criticism, rhetoric, literary theory, comparative literature, translation studies, editorial scholarship, poetics, and cultural memory. While each specialization offers advanced training within its own field, the programme also encourages dialogue across chronological periods and literary traditions, fostering an integrated understanding of Greek literature and its historical development.

Research and Academic Training

Research constitutes an integral component of the educational experience from the very beginning of the programme. Throughout the first three semesters, students participate in specialized seminars that familiarize them with current scholarly debates, advanced research methodologies, and the critical use of primary and secondary sources. The programme culminates in the preparation of an original postgraduate dissertation under the supervision of a faculty member, enabling students to undertake independent research within their chosen area of specialization and to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during their studies.

An International Academic Environment

The programme benefits from the Department of Philology’s active participation in national and international research networks. Faculty members are engaged in collaborative research projects, scholarly publications, editorial activities, conferences, and partnerships with universities and research centres in Greece and abroad. At the same time, postgraduate students have opportunities to participate in conferences, workshops, guest lectures, summer schools, and Erasmus+ mobility, becoming part of a wider international academic community and benefiting from a rich environment of scholarly exchange.

Preparing for Academic and Professional Careers

The programme equips graduates with advanced subject knowledge together with highly developed analytical, research, and communication skills. It provides an excellent foundation for doctoral studies while also preparing graduates for careers in education, research, publishing, libraries, archives, museums, cultural institutions, public administration, media, and other professional fields requiring advanced philological expertise. Many graduates continue their studies at leading universities in Greece and abroad or pursue successful careers in academia, education,or the wider cultural sector.

By combining high-quality teaching, research-led learning, individualized supervision, and an internationally oriented academic environment, the Postgraduate Programme “Studies in Classical, Byzantine and Modern Greek Literature” offers students an excellent opportunity to pursue advanced philological study within one of Greece’s most active and research-oriented Departments of Philology. It seeks not only to cultivate academic excellence, but also to foster intellectual curiosity, critical inquiry, and a lifelong engagement with the study of Greek literature and culture.

Postgraduate Programme in Greek Literature: “Studies in Classical, Byzantine and Modern Greek Literature”

The Postgraduate Programme “Studies in Classical, Byzantine and Modern Greek Literature” at the Department of Philology of the University of Patras offers advanced academic training in the study of Greek literature from antiquity to the present. Bringing together the three specializations of Classical, Byzantine, and Modern Greek Philology, the programme combines rigorous postgraduate education with active research, providing students with an intellectually stimulating environment in which to develop specialized knowledge, critical thinking, and advanced research skills.

Research-Led Teaching

The programme reflects the Department’s longstanding commitment to excellence in both teaching and research. Its educational philosophy is founded on the close relationship between these two activities, integrating research-led teaching with active student participation, close academic supervision, and individualized mentoring. Through seminar-based instruction, students engage critically with primary sources, contemporary scholarship, and current methodological approaches while progressively developing the confidence and expertise required for independent scholarly work.

Teaching is delivered by internationally recognized scholars whose research actively informs the curriculum. Rather than presenting knowledge as static, courses introduce students to current debates, emerging methodologies, and the evolving questions that shape contemporary philological research. In this way, the programme creates a dynamic learning environment in which teaching and research continuously enrich one another.

A Student-Centred Learning Environment

Teaching is organized primarily through small seminars that encourage discussion, collaborative learning, and sustained interaction between students and faculty. Particular emphasis is placed on critical reading, textual analysis, academic writing, oral presentation, and the development of sound research methodology. Continuous feedback and close supervision support students throughout their studies, allowing them to refine their research interests while developing the intellectual independence expected of postgraduate scholars.

Three Complementary Specializations

The programme offers advanced study in Classical, Byzantine, and Modern Greek Philology, providing students with a comprehensive perspective on Greek, Roman and Byzantine literary culture across more than three millennia.

The curriculum combines disciplinary depth with methodological breadth. Students explore a wide range of subjects, including Greek and Latin literature, ancient philosophy, historiography, papyrology, epigraphy, Byzantine palaeography, codicology, textual criticism, rhetoric, literary theory, comparative literature, translation studies, editorial scholarship, poetics, and cultural memory. While each specialization offers advanced training within its own field, the programme also encourages dialogue across chronological periods and literary traditions, fostering an integrated understanding of Greek literature and its historical development.

Research and Academic Training

Research constitutes an integral component of the educational experience from the very beginning of the programme. Throughout the first three semesters, students participate in specialized seminars that familiarize them with current scholarly debates, advanced research methodologies, and the critical use of primary and secondary sources. The programme culminates in the preparation of an original postgraduate dissertation under the supervision of a faculty member, enabling students to undertake independent research within their chosen area of specialization and to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during their studies.

An International Academic Environment

The programme benefits from the Department of Philology’s active participation in national and international research networks. Faculty members are engaged in collaborative research projects, scholarly publications, editorial activities, conferences, and partnerships with universities and research centres in Greece and abroad. At the same time, postgraduate students have opportunities to participate in conferences, workshops, guest lectures, summer schools, and Erasmus+ mobility, becoming part of a wider international academic community and benefiting from a rich environment of scholarly exchange.

Preparing for Academic and Professional Careers

The programme equips graduates with advanced subject knowledge together with highly developed analytical, research, and communication skills. It provides an excellent foundation for doctoral studies while also preparing graduates for careers in education, research, publishing, libraries, archives, museums, cultural institutions, public administration, media, and other professional fields requiring advanced philological expertise. Many graduates continue their studies at leading universities in Greece and abroad or pursue successful careers in academia, education,or the wider cultural sector.

By combining high-quality teaching, research-led learning, individualized supervision, and an internationally oriented academic environment, the Postgraduate Programme “Studies in Classical, Byzantine and Modern Greek Literature” offers students an excellent opportunity to pursue advanced philological study within one of Greece’s most active and research-oriented Departments of Philology. It seeks not only to cultivate academic excellence, but also to foster intellectual curiosity, critical inquiry, and a lifelong engagement with the study of Greek literature and culture.

Call for Applications

The Department of Philology of the University of Patras invites applications for admission to the Postgraduate Programme Studies in Classical, Byzantine and Modern Greek Literature.

Up to 40 postgraduate students will be admitted in the following specializations:

1. Classical Studies (up to 15 students)
2. Byzantine Philology (up to 10 students)
3. Modern Greek Philology (up to 15 students)

The programme is open to graduates of Departments of Philology and related Departments in the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Historical Studies at Greek Higher Education Institutions (AEI) and equivalent recognized institutions abroad. Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum overall grade of “Very Good.” Final-year students of the above Departments may also submit an application, provided that they submit a Certificate of Completion of Studies, indicating an overall degree grade of at least “Very Good”, no later than the date of the Department Assembly meeting at which the list of successful candidates is ratified. A copy of their degree or diploma shall be submitted in due course. In all cases, selected candidates must submit all required supporting documents by the end of the first semester. Final-year students of foreign institutions which have not yet been included in the National Register of Recognised Foreign Institutions of DOATAP may also submit an application. In this case, applicants shall submit a solemn declaration stating that they hold the relevant academic qualification. In all cases, selected candidates must submit documentary evidence that they have taken the necessary steps for their qualification and the corresponding institution to be included in DOATAP’s National Register of Recognised Foreign Institutions by the time they complete their studies in the Postgraduate Programme “Studies in Classical, Byzantine and Modern Greek Literature”.

The minimum duration of the programme is four (4) academic semesters.

Applications and all supporting documents must be submitted electronically through the University’s online application platform: https://matrix.upatras.gr/sap/bc/webdynpro/sap/zups_pg_adm#. Application period: 13 July–25 September 2026. The selection process will take place during the week of 5–9 October 2026.

Applicants must submit:

1. Application form indicating one of the three available specializations.
2. A one-page statement of purpose explaining and justifying the applicant’s interest in the selected specialization.
3. A detailed curriculum vitae (CV), including academic qualifications, teaching and/or professional experience, and research activities.
4. At least two letters of recommendation. Applicants who graduated from the Department of Philology of the University of Patras should indicate the names of faculty members who have agreed to provide a reference if requested.
5. Bachelor’s degree certificate (with DOATAP ratification where required) indicating the overall degree grade, or a Certificate of Completion of Studies.
6. Official academic transcript.
7. Undergraduate dissertation (where applicable) and copies of any publications.
8. Certificates demonstrating proficiency in foreign languages at B2 level or higher. Applicants who do not hold such certificates may be required to demonstrate their language proficiency through a written and/or oral examination.
9. Copy of a valid national identity card or passport.

Applicants are also required to send electronic copies of all supporting documents submitted through the online application system to the Department Secretariat at: philsec@upatras.gr.

Admission is based on an overall assessment of the following: overall Bachelor’s degree grade; grades in undergraduate courses relevant to the selected specialization; performance in the undergraduate dissertation (where applicable); relevant research and/or professional experience; and performance in written and/or oral entrance examinations.

Further information is available on the Department of Philology website: https://philology.upatras.gr/postgraduate/. Prospective applicants may also contact: Secretariat of the Department of Philology, University of Patras, University Campus, 26504 Rio, Patras, Greece; Tel.: +30 2610 969757 / 760; Email: philsec@upatras.gr.

Postgraduate Programme Presentation
Entrance Examination Syllabus
Alphabetical Student Guide
Regulations Governing the Academic Advisor Scheme
Campus Facilities