Classics (research) (MA)
The Classics Research Master, a specialization of the Classics and Ancient Civilizations programme at Leiden University, gives you the opportunity to study the Greek and Roman world with a focus on Greek and Latin language and literature.
Classics and Ancient Civilizations at Leiden University
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Watch the video on the original website orStart in February 2024
You can apply now to start the programme in February. The deadline is 15 October for students who need a visa or residence permit, and 15 November for students who do not.
Why study Classics (research) at Leiden University?
Classics at Leiden University ranks among the best programs in the world. The seminars are taught by enthusiastic teachers, who invite you to be involved in innovative research on Greek and Latin literature, ancient history and philosophy. Leiden University, with a Classics tradition that goes back to 1575, has a great library and excellent research facilities. The programme is taught by academic staff internationally renowned for their research. Research in Classics at Leiden University is at the leading edge of the field. External lecturers are regularly invited to teach on specialized topics. And, every semester, a number of national and international speakers - both well-known experts and promising young researchers – are invited to speak in the lecture series Forum Antiquum. You will also benefit from the collaboration of classicists from different Universities in the National Research School in Classics (OIKOS).
Learn more about the study programme
Admission and Application
You will develop your skills and knowledge across the full range of traditional Classics topics, including Greek and Latin Literature, Linguistics, Rhetoric, Aesthetics, Ancient Philosophy, Ancient History, and Renaissance Latin; but the programme also introduces you to more innovative approaches to classical texts, including Cognitive Theory and Digital Classics. Do you want to find out if you are eligible for this Master's 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
It is also possible to study Classics within the one-year Master’s programme Classics and Ancient Civilisations.
Greek texts offer fascinating glimpse of multicultural Roman Empire
Casper de Jonge, Professor of Greek Language and Literature, believes that Greek texts from the Roman Empire are more interesting than was first thought. They offer a fascinating glimpse of the polyphonic and multicultural world of the Roman Empire. In his inaugural lecture on 7 October, De Jonge showed how a closer look at various Greek poems and texts reveals that they contain critical questions about Roman relations with other peoples, and passages that give a voice to marginal groups in the Roman world. Read more
In which sector do students find jobs?
- 57 Education
- 14 Research
- 10 Government and semi-government organisations
- 5 Publishing and the book industry
- 5 IT
- 5 Culture, sports and recreation
- 4 Other
The graph above is based on alumni data from the MA Classics and Ancient Civilisations 2016-2020
Classics (Research) degree
Classics (Research) at Leiden University is an accredited degree programme. After successful completion of this programme, you will receive a research master’s degree in Classics and Ancient Civilizations and the title Master of Arts (MA).