Classics and Ancient Civilizations (research) (MA)
Career prospects
Where do our graduates work?
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.
Examples of the diverse roles of our graduates include:
- PhD candidate at Dutch and international universities
- Project assistant at a Dutch city council
- Research assistant at a university
- Curator at a museum
- Policy officer at a ministry
- Communications officer
- Programme manager
- Teacher of classical languages at a secondary school
Andrew Deloucas
Marketing Coordinator
"Currently I am working as a Marketing Coordinator at Salas O'Brien, an architectural and engineering firm in Seattle, Washington. My job asks for me to compile working narratives for projects from a network of architect and engineer resumes, accounting information, and personal interviews for the purpose of submitting proposals to municipalities, private businesses, and non-profit organizations that are interested in upgrading, remodeling, or otherwise constructing new buildings or structures. They also allow me time to independently research and go to academic conferences!"
Successfully perform my duties
"The challenge of compiling material from differing contexts and from it producing data that speaks toward a particular end-goal is the strongest thread that ties together my studies and current work. In understanding an advanced level of data management and analysis of scope, context, and audience for objects that otherwise appear unbiased or created without particular interest, I have been able to quickly, accurately, and successfully perform my duties with ease."
Individualised attention
"Because Assyriology is a small department at Leiden University, it was common and expected to receive individual support and attention from teachers and researchers, both in class and in the NINO library (Netherlands Institute for the Near East). Everyone was caring and thoughtful in their wanting to help me carve out my own niche in the ancient world."
In which sector do students find jobs?
The graphs below are based on alumni data from the Research MA Classics and Ancient Civilizations 2020 through 2024.
- 43 % Research
- 29 % Government and semi-government organisation
- 14 % Arts and culture
- 14 % Education
Career preparation
Find out how this programme exactly prepares you for your future career and check our career preparation activities.
Launch your career with a master’s degree
Continuing your studies after your bachelor's degree pays off. Graduates with a master's degree are more likely to find higher-level positions: 77% start at a university of applied sciences (hbo) or university level, compared to 63% of graduates who only hold a bachelor's degree. This difference remains visible in the long term. After more than two years of work experience, 87% of master's alumni work at a university of applied sciences or university level, compared to 76% of bachelor's alumni.
An unique strength on the job market
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 (research) 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);
- LeidenGlobal;
- at Leiden University;
- or have taken part in the international excavation project on the Lake of Galilee.
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 the Humanities Career Service provides 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 Humanities Career Service offers you various (online) workshops, webinars and info sessions. Check our overview of career activities.
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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