The MA Classics and Ancient Civilizations at Leiden University covers the entire range of present-day research on the civilizations of Egypt, Mesopotamia, Anatolia, Syria and Palestine, Greece and the Roman Empire. In chronological terms, the program covers thousands of years, from the early origins of Egyptian and Sumerian societies down to the world of Greece and Rome, including its modern reception from the Renaissance to the twenty-first century.
Why study Classics and Ancient Civilizations at Leiden University
Classics and Ancient Civilizations at Leiden University has been ranked 6th in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025. The Master programme distinguishes itself from other similar programmes through its flexibility and wide range of electives, through the diversity of the research-related specialisms offered within the programme, and through the collaboration of Assyriology, Classics, Egyptology and Hebrew and Aramaic Studies within one programme.
The programme is well connected with excellent research institutes in Leiden, including:
the National Institute for the Near East (NINO),
the National Museum of Antiquities (RMO) and
the University Library. The library hosts the Papyrological Institute and a unique collection of ancient and medieval manuscripts.
Develop your research skills
An important goal of the programme is to develop your ability to conduct high-quality scientific research using a wide variety of research methods. Classics and Ancient Civilizations is a particularly exciting field in which to conduct research, with different research sources opening up the possibility of completely fresh interpretations of the past. Many students conduct field research in a country abroad, visiting excavation sites, or participate in one of our department’s own research projects including excavations at Saqqara and the Dakhla Oasis.
As a graduate of an MA in Classics and Ancient Civilizations 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.
Is Classics and Ancient Civilizations the programme for you?
Research-based learning is characteristic of the program: students are trained in critical thinking and they learn by doing research on a small or large scale; they are constantly exposed to the ongoing research of the teaching staff (also in small-scale settings or individual meetings with a professor), and they are encouraged to participate in scholarly workshops, conferences and lectures.Do you want to find out if you are eligible for this Master's Programme?
Leiden University provides ambitious students with the most recent and innovative areas of knowledge, and offers them the freedom to develop their own area of expertise.
World-class education
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. The programme is also ranked 10th in the world in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023.
A unique programme
The Leiden University programme distinguishes itself from other similar research MA’s by offering expertise in the world of ancient Mesopotamia and Anatolia, Egypt (ancient, antique and late-antique), Greco-Roman Antiquity, the Hebrew Bible, ancient Judaism and emerging Christianity. The programme is unique in the Netherlands for its subject matter, the historical periods covered and the multidisciplinary approach of its study. The programme introduces a wide variety of research methods, including discourse analysis, intertextuality, narratology, rhetorical analysis, cognitive studies, etc.
Access to the Humanities Hub labs
As a Humanities master’s student you will have access to the Humanities Hub which comprises labs with digital facilities for both students and researchers. The labs include an AI Lab, Media lab, film studio and podcast studio and give you the opportunity to develop your digital and media skills within the field of the humanities. Check the Humanities Hub page for a full list of all the labs and facilities.
Humanities Hub Leiden
Benefit from our extensive network
In the Classics and Ancient Civilizations programme you will learn from Leiden's top scholars, as well as experts from our extensive international network. You have the possibility of studying at institutions and universities abroad and within the Assyriology specialisation you will also be able to study courses at one of our partner universities – including Cambridge, Münster, and Heidelberg.
An excellent start to your career
Your qualification from Leiden University is respected by organisations worldwide. But that's not the only advantage of studying at Leiden. We challenge you to think and question more deeply, to challenge established wisdom and consider new perspectives, to apply what you learn to real-world situations. Our students learn how to become critical thinkers – a quality that will ensure they stand out in any future career.
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.
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The one-year (60 EC) master in Classics and Ancient Civilizations provides intensive and comprehensive training covering the entire range of present-day research on the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome and the Ancient Near East.
Specialisations
The MA Classics and Ancient Civilizations offers four specialisations:
The students of all specializations participate in the MA Ancient World Seminar. This seminar provides you with the academic skills that you will need for writing your papers and MA Thesis. It also prepares you for the job market, through meetings with alumni and career advisors. Finally, teams of students will set up a small-scale research project, in order to explore the intercultural connections between ancient civilizations.
Course overview
For a detailed programme, please see the Prospectus. Please note that this guide applies to the current academic year. This means that the programme for the coming year may differ.
Casper de Jonge
Professor of Greek Language and Literature
"At the Classics and Ancient Civilizations programme, we like to approach the ancient world from many different perspectives. We combine literature with linguistics, archaeology, history, religion and many other disciplines. The seminars are very closely connected with the ongoing research of professors and lecturers at Leiden University. Moreover, we have a very lively and vibrant research community, with many workshops, lectures and social events."
Extra-curricular
The Classics and Ancient Civilizations programme offers many extracurricular opportunities to enrich your study experience.
Pleyte study association
Pleyte is a study association of the BA in Ancient Near East Studies and the MA in Classics and Ancient Civilizations (specializations Assyriology, Egyptology and Hebrew and Aramaic Studies). Pleyte organizes both informative and social activities, such as monthly drinks with fellow students, film nights, lectures by teachers and students, ‘make your own cuneiform tablet’ workshops and much more. Pleyte is a great way to get to know your fellow students and teachers outside of the academic setting of classes or the library.
Sophia Aeterna study association
Sophia Aeterna is the study association of the BA in Classics and the (Research) MA in Classics and Ancient Civilizations (specialization Classics). We form the connection between the students, teachers and alumni. Sophia Aeterna organises different activities, both study-related and social. We organise lectures for more knowledge about our discipline. We also organise social activities, like drinks, movie nights, a barbecue at the end of the year and much more, to get to know your fellow students and teachers outside the library and the lectures. When you become a member, you will learn a lot of things and make many new friends!
Research activities
MA students from the Classics and Ancient Civilizations (and research) programme can participate in research activities of the Ancient Worlds Network Leiden, which brings together staff and graduate students in the Leiden University Institute for Area Studies (LIAS) and the Leiden University Centre for the Study of Religion (LUCSoR) working on the ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern world. Expertise covers a wide range of areas and disciplines, including the study of Ancient Arabia, Assyriology, Coptic Studies, Egyptology, Hebrew and Aramaic Studies, ancient Iranian Studies, Papyrology, linguistics, the study of religions, and the history of philosophy and science. For more information, please visit the Ancient Worlds Network.
Other extracurricular opportunities
International archaeological field school and excavation
As a Classics and Ancient Civilizations (Research) student you will be invited to take part in an international archaeological field school and excavation on the Lake of Galilee co-organised by Leiden University.
Dutch National Museum of Antiquities
Many of our students have done internships at the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities. The museum hosts exhibitions, conferences, and public events on the ancient world, including Mesopotamia and Egypt.
NINO lecture series
The Netherlands Institute of the Near East organises a lecture series and other events at a regular basis in which you can take part as well.
Ex Oriente Lux lectures and events Ex Oriente Lux is an association that promotes the Ancient Near East among a general public. It organises regular lectures and other events in Leiden and many other Dutch and Flemish cities.
Forum Antiquum lecture series Forum Antiquum is the lecture series of the Classics department. Lectures are organized every other week during the semester on Thursdays. Every semester, we invite a number of national and international speakers: both well-known experts and promising young researchers.
Leiden Leadership Programme
Are you interested in developing your leadership potential? The Leiden Leadership Programme (LLP) is an Honours Programme specifically developed for ambitious master's students at Leiden University and the Delft University of Technology who recognise the importance of leadership abilities. The LLP offers in-depth training sessions, assessments, seminars, and the creation of a Personal Leadership Roadmap – a five-year plan for reaching and developing your leadership potential.
Study at the Academy of Creative and Performing Arts
The Academy of the Creative and Performing Arts (ACPA) is a research institute and part of the Faculty of Humanities. The ACPA offers education such as electives, and talent programmes such as the Practicum Artium (PA), which gives you the opportunity to study photography, graphic design or drawing, and the Practicum Musicae at the Royal Conservatoire The Hague, where you can study classical music, singing, early music or jazz. Find out more about ACPA.
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Our graduates end up working in a diverse range of positions, examples include:
Policy officer for education
Curator of classical antiquity at a museum
Education officer at a museum
PhD candidate at a university
Research analyst at a consultancy firm
Teacher of classical languages at a secondary school
Teacher at an institute for special needs education
Policy officer at the provincial department of a political party
Chief desk editor at a publishing house
Tori Finlayson
Graduated in Egyptology (MA Classics and Ancient Civilizations)
"Immediately after graduating, I was hired by the University of Arizona as a research specialist with the Egyptian Expedition for a one year period. In this position, I have been working on the final publication for the Tausret temple site, while living in Luxor for several months overseeing the construction of our new research facility."
Next step
"I have also co-directed an undergraduate student tour in Egypt, taught a few outreach classes, and participated as a staff member on an archaeological excavation in Sudan along the third cataract. In the fall, I will be joining Johns Hopkins University as a funded PhD student in Egyptology. I look forward to this next step in my career, and I am thankful for the opportunities presented to me by the Egyptology Programme at Leiden University."
Experience in Egypt
"I chose the Leiden University Egyptology master’s programme because I was excited to find a programme that offers real experience in Egypt and that has a strong tradition in language. The Cairo semester is really the jewel of the Leiden Egyptology programme. It gives you the opportunity to conduct original research in Egypt, as well as to connect with professionals in the field, from around the world. Living in Egypt for two months and working with the Netherlands-Flemish Institute in Cairo, is an opportunity not given to many master’s students. The Cairo semester is an invaluable experience that has made my time at Leiden meaningful."
In which sector do students find jobs?
57 %Education
14 %Research
10 %Government and semi-government organisations
5 %Culture, sports and recreation
5 %Publishing
5 %IT
4 %Other
These graphs are based on alumni data from the MA Classics and Ancient Civilisations 2016-2020.
Career preparation
Find out how this programme prepares you for your future career and check our career preparation activities.
The development of in-depth knowledge in the field and the ability to think critically and analytically are key goals of this programme. The Classics and Ancient Civilizations programme introduces you to the concepts and academic approaches current in Classical and Ancient Near Eastern Studies, including disciplines such as: linguistics, history, religious studies or material culture studies. You will learn to use these concepts and approaches in researching and analysing source material. Your thesis gives you the opportunity to apply these methods in your own research.
We also provide opportunities for students to broaden their experience and professional skills in preparation to excel early in their chosen career. Many of our students choose to do an internship during their study. Internships are a great way to gain invaluable first-hand experience in your area of interest before you decide on making it a career. Our students have done internships at, among others:
the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities;
the Netherlands Institute of the Near East (NINO);
Our staff can help you identify both the career that is right for you, and the necessary steps to get you there. Our team at Humanities Career Service provide all Leiden University humanities students with professional advice and guidance on everything from internships and career planning to job applications. Humanities Career Service also organises regular workshops on topics such as effective interview skills and creating a successful CV.
The Leiden University Career Zone is an online career portal that helps you to prepare for the job market. Here you can find information, tools and tips to help you gain more personal insight, learn about the job market, develop your application skills, plan your academic and professional career, find job vacancies and discover what the Career Service can do for you.
Join the Mentor Network to contact alumni with experience on the labour market and ask them for advice. More than 1200 alumni are happy to help you!
Jelle on finding an internship via Leiden University's Mentor Network
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We invite motivated students from around the world to apply for the Master of Arts in Classics and Ancient Civilizations. Admission requirements may vary per specialisation, please visit the specialisation of your interest to find out more about the entry requirements.
Your time at Leiden is about more than just studying. Some of your best experiences will stem from being a part of our lively and diverse student community, as well as from life in the beautiful city of Leiden.
The study associations related to Classics and Ancient Civilisations are:
The Humanities Master’s Buddy Programme has been set up by the Faculty of Humanities to help all students who are new to the university to integrate quickly and easily into university life. You will be matched to a buddy who can help you out with your academic and practical questions. Additionally you will be able to attend fun monthly activities and make friends from all over the world.
Leiden has several student organisations that specifically cater for international students. These associations organise regular social events and activities that help create the strong sense of community that exists within our international student body. The main two organisations are:
Erasmus Student Network Leiden (ESN) ESN Leiden is an international student organisation which hosts a range of activities and programmes. They also have a buddy programme which provides new students with the right support to assimilate into Leiden and the university.
AEGEE Leiden AEGEE is a leading European student association with sister organisations in over 40 countries across Europe. AEGEE organises many activities in Leiden, from dinners and pool nights to boat trips and guest lectures.
In August and February each year, Leiden University hosts the English-language Orientation Week Leiden (OWL), which welcomes both international and Dutch students. The OWL is an excellent way to get to know Leiden University, the city, and other students.
Life in Leiden
Picturesque and the perfect size, Leiden is the ideal place to spend your university days. The Faculty of Humanities is located within the heart of the city, where dozens of cafes, shops and bars line its historic laneways and leafy canals. Small enough to run into familiar faces, but big enough to keep offering surprises – you will treasure your time at Leiden. And for adventures further afield, the major cities of The Hague and Amsterdam are a short train ride away, along with Schiphol Airport, which is just half an hour away by train.
Our study and student associations organise a huge variety of social, cultural, and study events to keep you busy all year round. You can also join the University Sports Centre, which offers scheduled group sports and fitness classes, amongst other activities.
Information activities
Get to know us through our online and in-person events for prospective students!
Two speakers at the open day
Are you thinking about joining this Master's programme, and want to determine if it will be the right fit for you? Below, you can browse the events that we have coming up, and sign up to experience Leiden University and the programme for yourself. Alternatively, take a look at the Master Talks videos to find out more about the programme or check out our virtual campus tours!
Upcoming events
Master's Open Days
During the Master's Open Days you’ll have the opportunity to learn all about Leiden University’s master's programmes. Attend presentations about your chosen programme(s) or practical matters such as admissions and housing. Get real insight into the content of your preferred master's, along with the career opportunities it will bring.
On the Master Talks: programme videos platform you can find videos for each master’s programme. This includes a video which gives a short introduction to the programme. You can also find the recording of the previous Master's Online Open Days and watch the programme presentation on the platform.
Get to know the campus
Check out our virtual campus tours, filmed in 360 degrees – by dragging the video, you can look around at the surroundings yourself. Below is the video recorded at the Humanities faculty, where most of your lectures will take place; you can also view other 360 campus tours of the various university faculties here.
360 Campus tour: the Humanities faculty
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Questions about the application procedure, tuition fees and scholarships
Student Affairs Front Office
Phone: +31 (0)71 527 80 11
Email: Contact form
Or visit their website
Visiting address
Leiden: Plexus Student Centre
Kaiserstraat 25, ground floor
2311 GN Leiden
Monday to Friday between 11.00 and 16.00, Tuesday between 11.00 and 17.30.
