Classics and Ancient Civilizations (research) (MA)

Why study Classics and Ancient Civilizations (Research) at Leiden University?

Classics and Ancient Civilizations at Leiden University has been ranked 10th in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024.

The research master's programme distinguishes itself from other similar master's programmes by consistently integrating Greek and Roman Antiquity, the world of the Hebrew Bible, ancient Judaism, emerging Christianity, Egypt (ancient, antique and late-antique) and the cuneiform cultures of Ancient Mesopotamia, within their broader context. The number of specialisations offered by the Classics and Ancient Civilizations (Research) programme is unparalleled.

You will be able to tailor your study programme to your personal interests by creating your own combination of courses within the specialisation of your choice from other research master’s programmes within the Faculties of Humanities. The programme makes creative use of a wide range of research methods, all of them well-represented at Leiden University. Traditional philology with its intimate knowledge of languages and texts, while still indispensable, is enriched by literary studies, cultural history, and the analysis of material culture.

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What are your career prospects?

As a graduate of a Classics and Ancient Civilizations (Research) programme at Leiden University you are qualified to work as a junior academic researcher in an academic environment or carry out further research work on a PhD programme. It is also possible to find employment within the fields of publishing or teaching, at policy-making departments of governmental bodies, within the education sector, or within cultural tourism.

Find out more about your career prospects

Is Classics and Ancient Civilizations (research) the programme for you?

Do you want to find out if you are eligible for this Master's Programme?

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In which sector do students find jobs?

• 57 Education
• 14 Research
• 10 Government and semi-government
• 5 Publishing
• 5 IT
• 5 Culture, sport and recreation
• 4 Other

The graph above is based on alumni data from the (Research) MA Classics and Ancient Civilizations 2016-2020.

Classics and Ancient Civilizations (Research) degree

Classics and Ancient Civilizations (Research) at Leiden University is an accredited degree programme. After successful completion of this programme, you will receive a research master’s degree in Classics and Ancient Civilizations and the title Master of Arts (MA).

Greek texts offer fascinating glimpse of multicultural Roman Empire

Casper de Jonge, Professor of Greek Language and Literature, believes that Greek texts from the Roman Empire are more interesting than was first thought. They offer a fascinating glimpse of the polyphonic and multicultural world of the Roman Empire. In his inaugural lecture on 7 October, De Jonge showed how a closer look at various Greek poems and texts reveals that contain critical questions about Roman relations with other peoples, and passages that give a voice to marginal groups in the Roman world. Read more