Dr. Niels Gaul

Professor

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Biography

Niels Gaul is the G. Leventis Professor of Byzantine Studies and Head of the School of History, Classics, and Archaeology at the University of Edinburgh. His academic journey began with a Master's degree from Oxford followed by a PhD from Bonn. Before taking on the G. Leventis Chair in 2015, he taught Byzantine studies at the Central European University in Budapest. There, he held notable fellowships, including a Dilts-Lyell Research Fellowship at the Faculty of Classics, University of Oxford. His research focuses on Byzantine studies, particularly within the middle Byzantine periods, exploring classicising learning and manuscript culture through the lens of Greek palaeography. He is currently co-directing projects that connect Byzantine literature with global historical narratives, showcasing the cultural exchanges between Byzantium and other regions, notably with a focus on the Tang/Song periods of China. His contributions include editorial roles in prestigious Byzantine studies series and numerous supervised PhD students, reflecting his commitment to nurturing scholarship in this field. Gaul’s work has made significant strides in understanding the Byzantine world within broader cultural and historical contexts, as evidenced by his leadership in key research projects and grants.

Research Interests

Experience

G. Leventis Professor of Byzantine Studies

— Present

University of Edinburgh • Edinburgh, UK

Head of the School of History, Classics, and Archaeology, specializing in Byzantine studies.

Byzantine Studies Instructor

— Present

Central European University • Budapest, Hungary

Taught courses in Byzantine studies and supervised student research.

Dilts-Lyell Research Fellow

— Present

Lincoln College, University of Oxford • Oxford, UK

Conducted research in Greek palaeography and Byzantine textual tradition.

Courses

Byzantine Literary History Greek Palaeography & Manuscript Studies Transformation of the Roman World, c.300–800 Constantinople: History of a Medieval Megalopolis

Requirements for University of Edinburgh

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.25
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:7
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:100
Prerequisites
Undergraduate degree in business, management, or related subject
Application Checklist
  • Academic transcripts
  • Personal statement
  • One academic reference
  • CV/Resume
Specialization Notes

Department of Marketing