Ancient History (research) (MA)
In the research master Ancient History at Leiden University you will study the history of the Greek and Roman period, focused on the mentality and social and economic history in the period 400 B.C.- 400 A.D.
Part of
Please note: From 1 September 2026 all History Research Master specialisations will be discontinued. However, you can still study Ancient History in the new History Research Master. Instead of applying for the specialisation, you will just need to apply for the History Research Master programme.
If you want to enrol in February 2026, you still need to apply for the Ancient History Research specialisation. Check the application deadlines to make sure you apply in time.
A top-ranking programme
According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, History at Leiden University is rated 1st in the Netherlands and 18th in the world.
Why study Ancient History (research) at Leiden University?
The two-year research master's programme focuses on a wide array of subjects including Roman political culture, social history, and cultural interactions , Graeco-Roman religion, and the rise of early Judaism. You will become adept in the study of documentary texts, in particular those of Greek inscriptions. During the programme you will also learn how to apply methodologies from various other disciplines to bring new perspectives to the topics you study and analyse and critique the latest academic theories in the field of Ancient History.
Learn more about the study programme
Learn from established scholars
During the Ancient History programme you will collaborate with outstanding scholars from the Unification of the Mediterranean World 400 BC - 400 AD (UMW), as well as those active in other fields of history or the related fields of the classics, ancient philosophy, classical archaeology, religious studies and near-eastern cultures. Leiden University offers you the possibility to share in their knowledge acquired in leading research projects and programmes.
Join an international, academic community
As an Ancient History research master's student you will be part of a lively, ambitious, and international community that includes students from a variety of disciplines such as history, classics and archaeology. Your lecturers have typically been the recipients of various prizes and research grants.
Is this programme for you?
If you are interested in dedicating more time to in-depth research, or are thinking of a future in academic or non-academic research, you should consider choosing the Research MA over the MA. A love for reading and discussing intensively with your fellow students, as well as conducting your own research, is essential. If, moreover, you are ambitious and not averse to hard intellectual work, you have what it takes to complete this programme successfully.
Admission and Application
Do you want to find out if you are eligible for this Master's programme?
Chat with a student
Do you have a question about student life in Leiden, studying at Leiden University, or do you want more information about the History master's programme? Chat with a current student for answers to your questions!