Ancient History: Empires, Societies and Cultures (MA)

A top-ranked programme

According to the QS World University Rankings 2025, Classics and Ancient History at Leiden University is rated 6th in the world.

Why study Ancient History:Empires, Societies and Cultures?

This programme offers a deep dive into the political, social, and cultural dynamics of the Graeco-Roman world between 400 BC and AD 400. You’ll study empire-building from the Hellenistic kingdoms to the Roman Empire, examining not only political structures but also how imperial rule affected local cultures, religions, and identities. A key feature of this track is its emphasis on documentary evidence—like inscriptions, papyri, coins, and archaeology—giving you access to the voices of ordinary people often absent from elite literary sources. You will learn how empires shaped and were shaped by diverse societies, resulting in both unification and cultural plurality.

Why study this MA at Leiden University?
Leiden is internationally recognized for its strengths in ancient history, with lecturers actively contributing cutting-edge research in areas such as religious history, socio-economic studies, and imperial governance. A defining strength of this track is its emphasis on documentary sources, offering students rare opportunities to analyze primary evidence firsthand. You’ll benefit from small seminars and access to exceptional material, library and archival collections. Leiden’s interdisciplinary approach and its integration with archaeology and classics also provide a rich intellectual environment. The university’s scholarly networks further enhance your academic development and open doors to international research collaborations.

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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.

What are your career prospects?

This Master's prepares you for a wide range of roles in almost every sector of the job market. Our graduates work at different types of organisations, such as research institutes, international organisations, the cultural and recreational sector, and academia. Jobs include researcher, history teacher, curator and PhD candidate.

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Is Ancient History the programme for you?

Do you want to know everything about ancient Greek and Roman societies? Do you want to deepen your knowledge by studying ancient collections? Then Ancient History at Leiden University is the right Master's programme for you. Find out if you are eligible for this Master's programme by checking the admission requirements.

Check the admission requirements

Liesbeth Claes

University Lecturer

“We are proud to have a strong tradition in the study of ancient primary sources, such as inscriptions, papyri, coinage and legal texts.”

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!