Ancient History (MA)
About the programme
The one-year History specialisation in Ancient History offers an attractive mix of theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
The study programme includes a literature seminar, a research seminar and workshop, an academic skills and thesis preparatory seminar, one or two electives and the final Master's thesis. For a more detailed programme and an overview of all the possible electives, please check the Online Study Guide.
Please bear in mind that this guide applies to the current academic year, which means that the curriculum for next year may differ slightly.
Latest knowledge
All courses are taught by academics who are active researchers. The curriculum is regularly updated to reflect contemporary academic debates and the very latest insights. Regular seminars are held presenting students with our researchers' latest findings. Your research thesis is often linked to one of the research projects of our faculty members, who play an active role in every individual's education, acting as mentors and community builders.
Where do our graduates work?
Because of the extensive curriculum and specialisations, the career opportunities after completing the History specialisation in Ancient History are broad. Our graduates have landed jobs in various sectors of the job market, such as research institutes, international organisations, the cultural and recreational sector, and academia. Examples of the diverse roles of our graduates include:
- Researcher at the Centre for People and Buildings
- PhD candidate at various universities
- Curator at Maritime Museum Rotterdam
- Political analyst at a ministry of defence
Programme structure
- Literature Seminar, 10 EC
- Research Seminar, 10 EC
- Research Workshop, 5 EC
- Academic Skills and Thesis Seminar, 5 EC
- Optional Courses, 10 EC
- Thesis and Exam, 20 EC
Learn from the latest research on Roman amulets by PhD Patricia Kret
Research on the Greek and Roman times often focuses on important leaders, writers or politicians. However, PhD student Patricia Kret is more interested in the normal people living in these times, an important line of research at the Ancient History section. Her research focuses on amulets which were often used, for example to cure diseases. Why did people believe so strongly in the power of these amulets? And what did they hoped the amulets would help protect them from? That's what Patricia is hoping to find out. Watch the video (in Dutch) to learn more about her research.
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Watch the video on the original website orDetailed programme
Admission and Application
Do you want to find out if you are eligible for this Master's Programme?
Jordi Guardiola Cánaves
Why did Jordi choose to study Ancient History in Leiden?
"One of the reasons for choosing the master’s programme in Ancient History at Leiden University was its long-standing tradition in the study of History."
A social history
"One of the reasons for choosing the master’s programme in Ancient History at Leiden University was its long-standing tradition in the study of History (the most used epigraphic system around the world is called Leiden Conventions). Moreover, I fell in love with the city as soon as I arrived. Nonetheless, what appealed to me most was the content of the courses, which focus on social history and the history of mentalities and religions, with a special interest in anthropological issues."
Methodologically effective
"I really liked how the courses were organised. They all revolved around the students’ exposition and discussion of the recommended texts, always with the guidance of the professors. I felt that this method enhanced our critical thinking and improved our presentation skills. I also valued the high level of autonomy and flexibility of the courses, which allowed me to combine the whole master’s programme with a part-time job in an international school."
Abilities to apply
"I intend to pursue a career in education. The master’s programme at Leiden University has made me realise how important it is for students to talk about History and to know that we can always reshape how we think about the past. Not only that, it has provided me with the confidence and independence to research and apply new techniques that may improve the quality of the learning process."
Liesbeth Claes
University Lecturer
"Ancient History in Leiden is focused on transformations of societies and empires in the Greco-Roman world, from Alexander the Great until the late Roman Empire. Our research programme has two major research lines: the history of mentality and religion of the Greco-Roman world and its social and economic history. All our courses are in one way or another linked to these research lines. Furthermore, we take pride in our strong emphasis on documentary sources, such as inscriptions, papyri, coinage and legal texts."