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.

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Classics and Ancient Civilizations (research) (MA)

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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.

Learn more about the study programme

Learn from internationally acclaimed scholars

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).

Admission and Application

Do you want to find out if you are eligible for this Master's programme?

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Develop your skills and knowledge

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.

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 wall poem in Leiden

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There are hundreds of writing systems in the world. Some of these are commonly known, like our Latin alphabet, the Arabic script, Egyptian hieroglyphics and Chinese characters. But what do you know about the Greek alphabet? Check out Dr. Tijmen Pronk's introduction to the writing system of a poem in Greek. The poem is part of the famous Leiden Wall Poems.

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).