Assyriology (research) (MA)

Why Leiden University

A top-ranked programme

At Leiden University research and teaching are directly linked to each other and form an inspiring and intense study environment. Therefore, Leiden University's Faculty of Humanities consistently ranks in the top 30 Humanities faculties in the THE World University Rankings, and the Res(MA) Classics and Ancient Civilizations has been awarded the label Top Programme by the Dutch National Student Survey.

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.

Benefit from our extensive network

In the Assyriology (Research) programme you will study with Leiden's top scholars in the field, as well as benefit from experts in our extensive international network. You have the possibility of studying in Istanbul, as well as at the Netherlands Institute for the Near East (NINO). You also have the opportunity to study research programmes at other top universities outside the Netherlands during an exchange at one of our partner universities – including SOAS, University College London, Münster, and Heidelberg.

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.

Diversity and inclusion

We are convinced that our education can only flourish if everyone within the programme feels supported, respected and empowered to do their best work. We find it important to offer a learning environment that allows for different perspectives and points of view that students bring with them, depending on their ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, health, religion, age or socio-economic background. Every new generation sees the world from a new perspective – and our students are the newest generation. We look forward to hearing more about your perspective. Leiden University has been pursuing diversity policy since 2014, with the aim of creating a diverse and inclusive learning and working environment for all staff and students.