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Assyriology (research) (MA)

The research master's in Assyriology, a specialisation of the Classics and Ancient Civilizations (Research) programme, at Leiden University provides you with a multidisciplinary study of the languages, literatures and cultures of the Ancient Near Eastern world.

Classics and Ancient Civilizations at Leiden University

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Why study Assyriology (research) at Leiden University?

The Assyriology (Research) programme gives you the opportunity to study with internationally acclaimed academics immersed in the latest research and engaged in actively expanding our knowledge of the field. Your teachers are not only experts in languages and cultures of the ancient Middle East, but also active researchers engaged in innovative projects that constantly build bridges between cutting-edge research and the courses in your programme. 

An internationally recognised programme

Leiden University’s Assyriology programme has gained international recognition with the success of projects like the Altbabylonische Briefe in Umschrift und Übersetzung series and continues to draw funding for large collaborative projects such as the Impact of Migration project, directed by Dr. Jan Gerrit Dercksen and the Persia and Babylonia project, directed by Prof. Caroline Waerzeggers.

Tailor the programme to your interests

You will be able to tailor your study programme to your personal interests by creating your own combination of courses from the Assyriology programme or from other research master’s programmes within the Faculties of Humanities and of Archaeology. We encourage all student to consider applying for a study time abroad. The Assyriology research master’s programme offers opportunities to follow research programmes at one of our partner universities – including SOAS, University College London, Münster, and Heidelberg. 

Learn more about the study programme

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 the career prospects

A centre of expertise on languages and cultures of the world

When it comes to languages and cultures, Leiden University is the university. The global expertise present places our university at the top. In Leiden and The Hague, we study languages and cultures from all regions of the world and from prehistory to the present day. In this way we create a broad view of the world; the key to mutual understanding.

Video: Our experts on Languages and Cultures explain

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Is Assyriology (research) the programme for you? 

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

Check the admission requirements