Leiden University's master’s programme in Ancient History is your opportunity to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the history of the Greek and Roman periods, with a focus on the mentality and social and economic history of the period between 400 B.C. and 400 A.D.
Studying Ancient History at Leiden University will give you a thorough grounding in several key periods of ancient history, which include, among others, civic life in Italy, Graeco-Roman religion, and the rise of early Judaism. The programme is taught by outstanding scholars of the field as well as those active in other areas, such as ancient philosophy, classical archaeology and religious studies.
The strong focus on primary sources is a distinguishing feature of the Ancient History programme, offering students a wealth of information about ancient Greek and Roman societies. You can pursue interests in documentary texts (inscriptions and papyri) and archaeological material. You will not need extensive knowledge of Latin and Greek because you can work with translations. Furthermore, you can study the collection of the National Museum of Antiquities and work alongside papyrologists at the Leiden Papyrological Institute.
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.
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.
Ancient History at Leiden University is an accredited degree programme of History. After successful completion of this programme, you will receive a legally accredited master’s degree in History and the title Master of Arts (MA).
In which sector do students find jobs?
22 Government and sem-government
14 Education
12 Research
8 Information management
6 IT
5 Culture, sports and recreation
5 Financial institutions
5 Communication and marketing
4 Business services
3 Welfare and health
16 Other
The graph above is based on alumni data from the MA History 2016-2020
Leiden University offers ambitious students a world-class environment in which to reach their full potential.
Access the Leiden Papyrological Institute
As one of the few institutes worldwide the Leiden Papyrological Institutestudies Greek, Latin, Demotic and Abnormal-Hieratic papyri. You will be able to benefit from access to these inscriptions and work alongside the institute’s experienced papyrologists.
Centuries-old experience in the study of Numismatics
Leiden University has been a centre for the study of numismatics for almost 200 years. Since the first numismatics course was given in the 1820’s by prof. Caspar Reuvens, Leiden University has become a pioneer in the field. As such it has pursued interdisciplinary approaches from early on, developed several numismatic classifications, and enlarged its numismatic collection through time. Leiden University offers you the opportunity to become part of, and add to this rich tradition.
Centre for epigraphical study
Leiden University prides itself as being one main centres for the study of epigraphy in Europe. Besides being the birthplace of the ‘Leiden Conventions’—the most commonly used epigraphical system in the world—Leiden University is one of the partner institutes which edits theSupplementum Epigraphicum Graecumas well, after having revived it in the 1970’s. Together with Leiden’s experienced scholars you will hone your epigraphical skills and partake at the forefront of current debates.
Profit from well-established ties with the National Museum of Antiquities (RMO)
In the context of this collaboration staff members of RMO and Leiden’s Ancient History faculty organise symposia and youth-related university activities in the Museum. Leiden University students have the option of doing an internship at the RMO, while the master’s course on numismatics presents workshops on the RMO’s coin collection.
An ideal location for the study of history
Leiden University offers you one of the best locations from which to explore and study the world, as well as start your career. Our historical location close to The Hague brings you within easy reach of the country's seat of government, politics, and international organisations, as well as the unique resources of the Dutch National Library and the National Archives, with its extensive collections.
An individual approach to learning
Leiden University's History department has a committed teaching staff who are both outstanding researchers and dedicated teachers consistently ranked highly by their own students. Small classes and intensive one-on-one mentoring give all our students the extra stimulation and support to go the extra step in their performance and their ideas for their future.
Specialist chairs
Leiden's History department has chairs in:
Ancient History
Medieval History
Dutch History
Early Modern History
Contemporary History
Europe after 1945
American History
African History
Colonial and Global History
Maritime History
History of Global Economic Networks
Social History
Migration History
Comparative Urban History
Adjacent departments in the Faculty of Humanities have chairs in International Studies, Latin American History, Brazilian Studies, African, Turkish, Indonesian, Indian, Korean, Chinese and Japanese History.
Diversity and inclusion
We are convinced that our education can only flourish if everyone within the programme feels supported, respected and empowered to do their best work. We find it important to offer a learning environment that allows for different perspectives and points of view that students bring with them, depending on their ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, health, religion, age or socio-economic background. Every new generation sees the world from a new perspective – and our students are the newest generation. We look forward to hearing more about your perspective. Leiden University has been pursuing diversity policy since 2014, with the aim of creating a diverse and inclusive learning and working environment for all staff and students.
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The one-year History specialisation in Ancient History offers an attractive mix of theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
The study programme includes a literature seminar, a research seminar and workshop, an academic skills and thesis preparatory seminar, one or two electives and the final Master's thesis. For a more detailed programme and an overview of all the possible electives, please check the Online Study Guide.
Please bear in mind that this guide applies to the current academic year, which means that the curriculum for next year may differ slightly.
Latest knowledge
All courses are taught by academics who are active researchers. The curriculum is regularly updated to reflect contemporary academic debates and the very latest insights. Regular seminars are held presenting students with our researchers' latest findings. Your research thesis is often linked to one of the research projects of our faculty members, who play an active role in every individual's education, acting as mentors and community builders.
Where do our graduates work?
Because of the extensive curriculum and specialisations, the career opportunities after completing the History specialisation in Ancient History are broad. Our graduates have landed jobs in various sectors of the job market, such as research institutes, international organisations, the cultural and recreational sector, and academia. Examples of the diverse roles of our graduates include:
Researcher at the Centre for People and Buildings
PhD candidate at various universities
Curator at Maritime Museum Rotterdam
Political analyst at a ministry of defence
Programme structure
Literature Seminar, 10 EC
Research Seminar, 10 EC
Research Workshop, 5 EC
Academic Skills and Thesis Seminar, 5 EC
Optional Courses, 10 EC
Thesis and Exam, 20 EC
Learn from the latest research on Roman amulets by PhD Patricia Kret
Research on the Greek and Roman times often focuses on important leaders, writers or politicians. However, PhD student Patricia Kret is more interested in the normal people living in these times, an important line of research at the Ancient History section. Her research focuses on amulets which were often used, for example to cure diseases. Why did people believe so strongly in the power of these amulets? And what did they hoped the amulets would help protect them from? That's what Patricia is hoping to find out. Watch the video (in Dutch) to learn more about her research.
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Why did Jordi choose to study Ancient History in Leiden?
"One of the reasons for choosing the master’s programme in Ancient History at Leiden University was its long-standing tradition in the study of History."
A social history
"One of the reasons for choosing the master’s programme in Ancient History at Leiden University was its long-standing tradition in the study of History (the most used epigraphic system around the world is called Leiden Conventions). Moreover, I fell in love with the city as soon as I arrived. Nonetheless, what appealed to me most was the content of the courses, which focus on social history and the history of mentalities and religions, with a special interest in anthropological issues."
Methodologically effective
"I really liked how the courses were organised. They all revolved around the students’ exposition and discussion of the recommended texts, always with the guidance of the professors. I felt that this method enhanced our critical thinking and improved our presentation skills. I also valued the high level of autonomy and flexibility of the courses, which allowed me to combine the whole master’s programme with a part-time job in an international school."
Abilities to apply
"I intend to pursue a career in education. The master’s programme at Leiden University has made me realise how important it is for students to talk about History and to know that we can always reshape how we think about the past. Not only that, it has provided me with the confidence and independence to research and apply new techniques that may improve the quality of the learning process."
Liesbeth Claes
University Lecturer
"Ancient History in Leiden is focused on transformations of societies and empires in the Greco-Roman world, from Alexander the Great until the late Roman Empire. Our research programme has two major research lines: the history of mentality and religion of the Greco-Roman world and its social and economic history. All our courses are in one way or another linked to these research lines. Furthermore, we take pride in our strong emphasis on documentary sources, such as inscriptions, papyri, coinage and legal texts."
Extra-curricular
Get the most out of your studies at Leiden University by taking part in our extracurricular activities.
Social and academic programme events
We want you to be part of the academic community that is formed by our staff. As a student you will be invited to take part in our social and academic gatherings. Among those are gatherings where members of staff present new research.
Studying abroad
Studying abroad is an option during your master in History. If you wish to take optional courses and/or write your thesis abroad, Leiden University offers a wide range of options for spending part of your studies abroad. The International Office of the Faculty of Humanities will be able to help you make the right decision for your time studying abroad.
Attend Ancient History seminars
The Ancient History Department organizes extra-curricular seminars to discuss ongoing topics of research. These seminars offer the opportunities to gain new insights, get updates from research projects and network.
Leiden Leadership Programme
Are you interested in developing your leadership potential? The Leiden Leadership Programme (LLP) is an Honours Programme specifically developed for ambitious master's students at Leiden University and the Delft University of Technology who recognise the importance of leadership abilities. The LLP offers in-depth training sessions, assessments, seminars, and the creation of a Personal Leadership Roadmap – a five-year plan for reaching and developing your leadership potential.
Study at the Academy of Creative and Performing Arts
The Academy of the Creative and Performing Arts (ACPA) is a research institute and part of the Faculty of Humanities. The ACPA offers education such as electives, and talent programmes such as the Practicum Artium (PA), which gives you the opportunity to study photography, graphic design or drawing, and the Practicum Musicae at the Royal Conservatoire The Hague, where you can study classical music, singing, early music or jazz. Find out more about ACPA.
Meet our staff
Dr. K. Beerden
Kim Beerden is an university lecturer at the Institute for History. Her research interest lie in the ancient mentalities, with a focus on the religions in the Graeco-Roman world. View her full profile here.
Dr. L.M.G.F.E. Claes
Liesbeth Claes is a university lecturer at the Institute for History. She teaches Imperial Legitimacy and the workshop: Roman Numismatics. Her research interest mostly lie in Imperial Rome, with a specialism in ancient numismatics. View her full profile here.
Dr. M. Flohr
Miko Flohr is University Lecturer at the Institute for History. His research interests lies with the impact of empire formation on everyday praxis in culture, society and economy, particularly in the Roman world. In his work he studies the archaeological remains of urban architecture, as well as epigraphy. View his full profile here.
Prof.dr. L. de Ligt
Luuk de Ligt teaches Cultural interactions and identities in the Graeco-Roman world and Administration, socciety, culture and religion in Roman Egypt. His research interests lie in the social and economic history, demography, Roman republic, legal sources, and epigraphy. View his full profile here.
Dr. R. Matuszewski
Rafał Matuszewski is university lecturer at the Institute for History. His research focuses primarily on social, cultural and religious history of the ancient (esp. Greek) Mediterranean. In his research, he seeks to integrate textual, material, and epigraphic evidence in an attempt to illuminate the lived experiences of people in the past. View his full profile here.
Dr. L.E. Tacoma
Rens Tacoma is a university lecturer at the Institute for History. He teaches the Research Workhop: Greek and Latin Epigraphy. His research interests lie at the social and economic history of the ancient world. View his full profile here.
Prof.dr. J.K. Zangenberg
Jurgen Zangenberg is Professor for Ancient Judaism and Early Christianity. His research focuses on the place of ancient Jewish communities in the Greco-Roman context, their self-definition as cultural and ethnic minority, their literature and material culture, and on how early Christianity originated from its Jewish and Greco-Roman matrix and slowly developed its peculiar way of life and thought. View his full profile here.
Your master will qualify you for roles in almost every sector of the employment market. Many of our graduates work for government and semi-government organisations, education, research institutes, information services, IT, cultural institutes, financial institutions, communications, marketing, business services and welfare services.
Examples of the diverse roles of our graduates include:
Senior assistant at the European Union
Consultant in information management
PhD candidate at various universities
History teacher at a secondary school
Public educational work at a Dutch museum
Project manager at a text agency
Heritage researcher of Indonesia for a Dutch museum
Archive clerk at a Dutch archive
Communication and organisation officer for a Dutch political party
Digital education officer at a museum
Policy advisor at a Dutch Ministry
Research assistent at a Spanish university
Editor at a publishing house
Web journalist at a multimedia publishing house
Your qualifications
The MA in History offers outstanding preparation for students seeking a profession that requires in-depth knowledge of history and strong academic skills, with a focus on analytical and writing skills.
Teaching qualification
If you are interested in a career in teaching, you may be eligible to follow a teacher-training master's at the ICLON Graduate School of Education once you have graduated from the master programme in History. You must speak fluent Dutch and there are other, additional entry requirements.
Diede Beckers
Graduated in Ancient History
“Historical research skills come in handy for all kinds of jobs. In fact, historians are quite sought after in the business world. As an information management trainee, I will be looking at how organisations organise and archive their information and how those processes could be more efficient.”
Valuable skills
“Although I’m currently doing a traineeship to learn about all the specific systems, the foundations are actually already there. After all, during your History degree you learn to search, select, prioritise and organise large quantities of diverse sources and process them into something new. In a way, that’s what I’ll be doing, but as an advisor on information processes at government institutions."
A lot of experience
“I chose the Master's program in Ancient History in Leiden because it best suited my interests. I had confidence in the teaching of Leiden University because I did my Bachelor there and wanted to stay at the same university. I combined the MA in Ancient History with a part-time job as an examination officer at the NTI university of applied sciences. After I graduated last year, I was able to move to a new position within the company, where I gained a lot of experience. This helped me in finding my new job as an information management trainee.”
Gabriël de Klerk
Graduated in Ancient History
"I have decided to follow the Master's programme Ancient History because I have always been extremely interested in the fascinating world of Ancient Rome. Since I was a little child, The Romans were all I could talk about, and this Master's programme enabled me to continue to combine my passion with my studies at Leiden. Furthermore, I had a great relationship with the different lecturers who I met during my Bachelor's History. Moreover, the small-scale lectures and classes allowed me to deepen my knowledge of the ancient world on a more personal and intensive level."
Research what interests you
"I will be starting as a PhD-student at the University of Mainz in July, where I will write my dissertation on the gender constructions within the funerary context through a study of funerary inscriptions. While this might sound as a very dry or sombre subject, I am really excited to study how gender- and social status-related issues determine the organisation and reception of the deceased in the Roman world!"
Essentials for the academic world
"The Master's programme offered me the opportunity to intensively work with professors and lecturers on subjects that I found really interesting. In multiple instances, I was allowed to formulate my own research. Because of this, I have already done extensive studies on ancient epigraphy. Furthermore, students at Leiden University require a high level of independent thinking and researching, which is a feature that might be considered essential for working within the academic world."
In which sector do students find jobs?
The graphs below are based on alumni data from the MA in History 2016-2020.
22 %Government and semi-government organisations
14 %Education
12 %Research
8 %Information management
6 %IT
5 %Culture, sports and recreation
5 %Financial institutions
5 %Communication and marketing
4 %Business services
3 %Welfare and health
16 %Other
Career preparation
Find out how this programme prepares you for your future career and check our career preparation activities.
The Master's programme in Ancient History at Leiden University equips you with a range of transferable skills and knowledge that will help you stand out in your future career. Your specialised knowledge is complemented by a broad and contextual understanding as well as critical-thinking skills that can be applied to complex conceptual problems. Other skills you may encounter in the various History courses are:
Analysis
Problem-solving skills
Research
Collaboration
Creative thinking
Relevant professional experience
During your studies you have ample opportunity to gain experience studying, working, or conducting research at an organisation or institution. This experience is highly valued within international organisations. In class, we encourage every student to participate in discussions with fellow students and lecturers to develop their confidence articulating ideas. Regular events throughout the year, including an Employment Café, present opportunities to network with alumni and explore internship and job opportunities.
You have the opportunity to do an internship at an organisation in the Netherlands or abroad. Internships are a great way to gain first-hand experience in your area of interest and deepen your expertise. Organisations that our students have interned at include:
Huygens Institute for the History of the Netherlands
KITLV (Royal Netherlands Institute of Southeast Asian and Caribbean Studies)
Netherlands Institute of International Relations Clingendael
Netherlands Institute for Military History
Please note that you will need to find your own internship and have to follow an internship procedure for approval. Pursuing an internship may have consequences for the date of your graduation.
Patricia Kret
graduate Ancient History
‘I did an internship at the State art collection in the Dutch Cultural Heritage Agency. It was a very valuable experience to do an internship during my Research Master Ancient History that was not related to the ancient world. I gained knowledge about the different ways historians can put their research skills to practice and the possibilities for working with historical objects. I learned to work with, for me, new (art)historical sources. This stimulated my creative thinking, also in the field of ancient history.’
Key Tengeler
graduate Ancient History
‘I want to bring the wonderful world of Greeks and Romans I discovered in my study to a broader audience. At the University, I acquired the necessary research and writing skills for this job, but an internship could provide me with opportunities for publication. I looked for an internship in popular scientific journalism and found my way into the organisation behind 'Historisch Nieuwsblad' and 'Maarten!'. Now that I have finished my study, the first three projects I work on as a historical journalist all come from the people I met while I was doing my internship there.’
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 Humanities Career Service provide 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 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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Interested in studying Ancient History at Leiden University? Find out what our alumni said about this master's programme.
Dennis van Leeuwen
Graduated in Ancient History
"I chose Leiden University for the exceptional freedom of choice and excellent reputation of the programme. After my Bachelor’s in History, I followed my interest and curiosity and enrolled in the Master’s in Ancient History.
During my studies, I was active as a student ambassador of History, and I still reap the benefits every day. Skills I acquired then, such as public speaking, event organisation and team management came in handy at my first job – as a museum education officer at the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden (National Museum of Antiquities)."
Translating old sources into relatable information
"I was also able to make immediate use of the subject-specific skills I acquired during the programme: historians are constantly translating old sources into easy-to-understand information and this is ideal for giving guided tours and teaching lessons.
"Through my work as a student ambassador and museum education officer, I have built up an extensive network of contacts that subsequently helped me find my current job."
Pleasure in my work
"I recently started working as a study coordinator for the MA & Research MA in History at my alma mater, where I mainly supervise students during their studies here. In this role, I answer all kinds of questions about study problems, courses, progress and options. The contact with history students, the variety, the challenging environment and pleasant, familiar working environment help me enjoy my work even more!
Admission and Application
Find out how to apply for the MA Ancient History at Leiden University by following our step-by step guide.
This specialisation is part of the MA in History. If you would like to apply to this programme please first select the MA History (CROHO code: 66034) in Studielink and then select the specialisation Ancient History.
This guide clearly explains the steps you need to take to apply, and the subsequent admission process.
To be eligible for the MA Ancient History at Leiden University, you must meet the following admission requirements.
Diploma requirements
The following diploma requirements apply for this programme:
Students with a Bachelor in History or Ancient Near Eastern Studies (track The Ancient Near Eastern World) from Leiden University are directly eligible for admission. Students can apply in Studielink. There is no need to submit an application for admission using the online application portal.
If you can demonstrate a level of knowledge, understanding and skills equal to that of holders of a degree specified above, you may be eligible.
All applicants must meet the following requirements:
a bachelor’s degree from a research university, equivalent to the level of a Dutch academic Bachelor’s degree, or demonstrate to meet the requirements for such a degree, and
have completed historical courses on relevant topics for the chosen specialisation and of sufficient level, to an equivalent of approximately 45 EC;
be able to conduct independent empirical research;
be able to read academic literature and reflect critically on it;
have knowledge of general history and be able to present their findings (based on a critical reading of the literature or based on empirical research) in a systematic and analytical manner;
be able to write a thesis with proper references to the literature.
You are required to submit a writing sample, such as a BA Thesis, capstone project or final paper, that shows your knowledge, understanding and skills.
Applicants who have completed the following degrees including the coursework specified below are considered to have fulfilled the admission requirements:
a bachelor’s degree from a Dutch research university in Languages and Cultures of South and Southeast Asia, including the combined programme in History worth 60 credits;
a bachelor’s degree from a Dutch research university in International Studies, including
BA Thesis on a historical subject,
the following optional courses which are part of the bachelor’s programme History:
BA-Werkcollege (BA History, second year) or Elective on historical subject (BA International Studies, second year) (10 EC)
Completed a BA-Seminar (BA History, third year) in the BA History (either as an extra pre-master-course or as an extra Elective in the BA International Studies) (10 EC)
a bachelor’s degree from a Dutch research university in Liberal Arts and Sciences: Global Challenges, with a major in Human Diversity: track Global and Contemporary History or a major in World Politics: track Global History
The Board of Admissions will assess whether your degree and background are sufficiently related to the level and content of a bachelor’s degree in History or Ancient Near Eastern Studies from Leiden University on the basis of the requirements specified above.
If you have a bachelor’s degree that does not meet the requirements specified above, you may be eligible for a pre-master programme tailored to your individual background (taught in Dutch). After submitting your application in Studielink, the Board of Admissions will decide whether you can be directly admitted to the master’s programme or whether you will first need to complete a pre-master’s programme. It is not possible to apply for a pre-master’s programme directly. Once you have completed the imposed pre-master programme, you will be admitted to the Master’s programme. Read more here.
Language requirements
The following requirements apply:
IELTS Academic modules only, on paper or on computer: 6.5 overall, with at least 6.0 for each separate component score.
We do not accept IELTS General Training or IELTS Indicator.
TOEFL internet based: 90 overall, with at least 20 for each separate component.
We are not able to accept The TOEFL IBT Home Edition™, except in the following situations only:
You took the test before 1 Sept 2022 (and it is not more than 2 years old), or you are unable to take an in-person test on location because test centres are inaccessible or closed due to unsafe conditions in a country.
We do not accept the following types of test: TOEFL My Best™ scores (multiple test scores combined), TOEFL Essentials™ or institutional tests such as ITP.
Cambridge English Exam C2 Proficiency, or C1 Advanced (180), with a minimum score of 169 for each separate component.
Note that English test results may not be more than two years old.
You do not have to submit an English proficiency test if you have completed your education in the USA, UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, Canada (except French-taught programmes in Canada) Singapore, South-Africa or Malta; or if you have obtained an English-taught International Baccalaureate™; or if you have completed a Dutch VWO diploma or an English-taught bachelor at a Dutch research university.
For detailed information, including exemption criteria and methods of submission, refer to English language proficiency.
Applicants who need a visa or residence permit or need to extend their residence permit must apply for admission before 1 April.
All other applicants must apply for admission before 15 May.
Starting in February
Applicants who need a visa or residence permit or need to extend their residence permit must apply for admission before 15 October.
All other applicants must apply for admission before 15 November.
Please note: You must submit your application via Studielink and Leiden University’s application system (uSis), before the deadlines mentioned above.
Other deadlines
Leiden University reserves a limited number of rooms each year for international students. However, as the number of housing requests always greatly exceeds the number of rooms available, we strongly recommend that you also look into other housing options at the same time. Read more about how and when to arrange housing. If you want to request accommodation via Leiden University, submit both your application for admission and your housing request well before the deadlines! Accommodation is offered on a first-come first-served basis and is not guaranteed. You don’t have to await admission before requesting housing.
If you want to apply for a scholarship, grant or loan, please bear in mind that different deadlines apply, and these deadlines can often be earlier. Deadlines vary per scholarship. Visit the scholarship website for more details.
When you apply for admission, you’ll be asked to submit several documents.
Note: If you have a Dutch diploma that grants direct admission, you will generally not be asked to submit additional documents.
Required application documents
You’ll need to submit the following documents:
Please upload a copy of the page(s) in your passport containing your personal details and photograph. If you are from the EU/EEA, you can submit a copy of your identity card instead. Please upload copies of both sides.
If you are a non-EU/EEA national already living in the Netherlands, upload copies of both sides of your Dutch residence permit.
Your CV (curriculum vitae) must be written in English and should contain your basic personal data, as well as a clear overview of your educational and professional history to date.
You can apply for admission before receiving the results of your English language test. However, a sufficient result will then be a condition of your eventual admission. Of course, if you already have your English language test results, you can upload them directly.
Digital copies of diplomas and transcripts are initially required. Once you have been admitted, we will inform you how to submit certified copies.
The documents must be in the original language. If they are not in English, Dutch, German or French, they must be accompanied by official translations into one of these languages.
If you have not yet completed your current programme, state your expected graduation date and submit copies of all transcripts obtained to date plus a list of subjects still to be completed.
Additional requirements specific to Ancient History
You are required to upload additional information: 1) about your acquired knowledge, understanding and skills in the field of the Master’s programme you are applying for and 2) about your acquired general academic skills. You can upload this format Questionnaire Master Application.
You can check the programme specific requirements regarding knowledge, understanding and skills on the Admission Requirements page.
The format includes the list of general academic skills which the candidate must possess in order to be admitted to the Master’s programme at the Faculty of Humanities.
You are required to upload a writing sample: a substantial individual research paper, such as a BA Thesis, capstone project or final paper, demonstrating your ability to formulate problems and the skill to select the correct methodological approach as well as primary sources to analyse these problems.
The application procedure is broken down into three parts:
Part 1. Application in Studielink
All students applying for a degree programme at Leiden University must start the application process in Studielink, the national online registration system for students wishing to follow a degree programme at a Dutch university. Studielink is open for applications from 1 October in the year preceding the academic year in which you wish to start.
1. Go toStudielink and enter your details according to the instructions provided. For this step you will need:
a copy of your valid passport or European ID card, or
Be aware! If you wish to apply for a specialisation of a master's programme: first select the master’s programme in Studielink, then select the specialisation for which you wish to apply in Step 4 (Institutional Questions) in Studielink.
2. Within two days you will receive:
an email with information on the next steps you'll need to take;
your university ULCN student account details (unless, of course, you already have a ULCN account)
the link to Leiden University’s online application portal (uSis)
After receiving your ULCN student account details, log into Leiden University’s online application portal (uSis), using the link provided. Here you can view the status of your application, which will be one of two possibilities.
1. You can be directly admitted
If your (Dutch) diploma grants you direct admission, Leiden University's online application portal (uSis) will let you know. The portal provides an overview of what you have to do to complete your application, for example arranging housing, scholarships, applying for a visa/residence permit and insurances. Please follow the instructions carefully and proceed to step 3 Student registration.
2. You cannot be directly admitted: additional action is required
If you do not have a (Dutch) diploma that grants you direct admission, we will require additional documents to allow us to decide about your application. The online application portal (uSis) will tell you this and explain how to do so. See also Part 2: Admission to Leiden University.
Part 2. Admission to Leiden University
If you cannot be directly admitted, you must apply for admission via Leiden University’s online application portal (uSis). Please follow all steps below.
In our online application portal (uSis) you can finalise your application by uploading the necessary documents and answering a few questions. This portal provides an overview of what you need to do to complete your admission application. Please follow the instructions carefully and make sure to include all the items that are asked for. We strongly recommend that you complete your application well in advance of the application deadline.
All applicants with an international degree must pay a non-refundable €100 application fee, which entitles you to apply for up to three programmes/specialisations in the same academic year. We cannot start processing your application until we receive this application fee, so please pay it as soon as possible. The online application system explains how you can pay it.
Can I be exempted from paying the application fee? You do not have to pay the application fee if:
You are following, or have completed, a bachelor’s degree at a Dutch university (of applied sciences).
You have previously registered as an exchange, bachelor’s, master’s or pre-master’s student at Leiden University.
You have previously been admitted to the same degree programme at Leiden University, but you decided to postpone your studies. This does not apply if you are applying for a different study programme or specialisation.
You have refugee status in the Netherlands (with a residence permit for asylum).
Exemptions cannot be granted for any other reasons.
After you have submitted your application, the online application portal (uSis) will, if applicable, ask you if you want to apply for student housing, a visa/residence permit or a scholarship. Be sure to make a careful note of the relevant deadlines for these options.
After receiving your application fee payment (if applicable), the Admissions Office will check whether all the necessary documents have been uploaded and they will inform you by email whether any further items are required. The Board of Admissions of the faculty will then:
decide whether you meet the admission requirements for the programme;
strive to issue a decision on your completed application within four to six weeks of the University receiving it.
Once a decision has been reached you will be informed by email. You can view your admission status in the online application portal (uSis).
There are three possible outcomes:
You are admitted
You have met all conditions for admission.
You are conditionally admitted
You will be admitted, provided that you meet certain conditions. These conditions will be specified in the online application portal (uSis).
You are not admitted
The reason(s) for non-admission will be clearly stated in the online application portal (uSis). If you are informed that you have been (conditionally) admitted, you will have to take a number of additional steps.
If you are (conditionally) admitted, the Admissions Office will ask you to confirm whether you will join the study programme. You can do so in the online application portal (uSis).
1. Go to ‘Application study programme’ in the online application portal (uSis).
2. Open the ‘Confirm’ screen. Here you will see three options:
Yes, I want to study at Leiden University.
No, I no longer wish to study at Leiden University and hereby withdraw my application.
Maybe later; I do not wish to start this semester/academic year. I would like to receive further instructions by email.
The sooner the better
Confirm attendance as soon as possible, to avoid missing other important deadlines and information about your study programme.
Changing your mind
You can still change your mind if necessary, either in uSis or by contacting the Admissions Office master team.
Deadline final decision
Do you need a student visa or residence permit? You can only request one after confirming attendance. So make sure to confirm attendance before the visa/residence permit deadline.
If you don’t need a visa or residence permit, the latest deadline for confirming attendance is before the start date of your study programme.
Part 3. Student registration
If you’ve been (conditionally) admitted, follow these steps to register as a student at Leiden University:
Check in the online application portal (uSis) whether you need to submit any documents to meet the conditions of your admission. Instructions on how to do so will be provided in uSis.
Arrange the payment of your tuition fee before the official start date of your programme. You will receive instructions and information on the available payment methods by email.
If you are an international student, go to the Prepare your stay page of our website for information about the practical matters you should take care of before and upon arrival. These include, for example, arranging housing, scholarships, applying for a visa/residence permit and insurances.
The pre-master's is a bridging programme for students who have applied for the MA History, but who, according to the Board of Admissions, still have deficiencies in their educational background. Once you have completed the pre-master’s programme, you will be admitted to the relevant specialization of the Master’s programme.
Diploma requirements
students with an academic bachelor’s degree from a research university, equivalent to the level of a Dutch WO bachelor’s degree, who do not meet the admission requirements as specified for the master’s programme.
Students with a Bachelor’s degree from a university of applied sciences in History, equivalent to the level of a Dutch HBO bachelor’s degree (lower secondary education certificate, tweedegraads).
Applicants with a Dutch university of applied sciences bachelor’s degree (HBO) or those with a comparable degree, can expect, if considered eligible, to be assigned the full 60 EC pre-master programme.
English language requirements
The English language requirements for a pre-master's programme are identical to the language requirements for the master's programme for which admission has been requested. These requirements must be met before the start of the pre-master.
Application procedure pre-master programme
In order to apply for the pre-master programme, you must first apply for the master’s programme.
After submitting your application for the master programme in Studielink, the Board of Admissions will decide whether you can be directly admitted to the master’s programme, whether you will first need to complete a pre-master’s programme, or if you’re not eligible for either programme because the deficiencies are too extensive.
Students who have been offered a pre-master programme, will find the procedure for the registration into the pre-master programme stated on their admission statement.
Start date
This pre-master offers 2 intakes: September and February.
More information
For more information on the content of the pre-master programme, see the Prospectus. Search for “History pre-master”. The programme prospectus of the pre-master has a yearly update for the upcoming academic year in June.
The tuition fee for this programme is €2,314 for the academic year 2023-2024 (statutory fee) and €2,530 for the academic year 2024-2025 (statutory fee).
This tuition fee applies if this is your first master’s programme and you are a national of one of the following countries:
Austria
Latvia
Belgium
Liechtenstein
Bulgaria
Lithuania
Croatia
Luxembourg
Cyprus
Malta
Czech Republic
Norway
Denmark
Poland
Estonia
Portugal
Finland
Romania
France
Slovakia
Germany
Slovenia
Greece
Spain
Hungary
Suriname
Iceland
Sweden
Ireland
Switzerland
Italy
The fee applies for both full-time and part-time study.
The tuition fee for this programme is €19,300 for the academic year 2023-2024 (institutional tuition fee) and €20,900 for the academic year 2024-2025 (institutional tuition fee).
If you are not a national of an EEA country, Suriname or Switzerland, generally speaking you will have to pay an institutional tuition fee. This fee applies for both full-time and part-time study.
However, if, on the basis of your Dutch residence permit, you are eligible for student finance from the Dutch education agency (DUO) you are entitled to pay the statutory tuition fee. Information on qualifying residence permits can be found at the DUO website.
Only applicable to EU/EEA, Swiss and Surinamese nationals.
The tuition fee for this programme is €15,400 for the academic year 2023-2024 (institutional tuition fee) and €16,300 for the academic year 2024-2025 (institutional tuition fee).
If you are following a second Dutch master’s programme you will generally have to pay an institutional tuition fee that is higher than the statutory tuition fee. Some exceptions apply.
Are you unsure which tuition fee applies to you? Consult our Tuition Fee Calculator.
Tuition fee if the pre-master's or conversion programme has less than 60 study credits (EC)
2023-2024
2024-2025
€39,- per EC
€42,- per EC
If the pre-master's or conversion programme has 60 study credits or more, you pay the statutory tuition fee of that college year.
Scholarships, grants and loans
Leiden University offers a wide range of scholarships for students from specific regions of the world, or for specific programmes. Leiden University also offers the Leiden University Excellence Scholarship (LExS), a programme specifically designed for non-EU/EEA students enrolling in a master’s programme. Find out more about scholarships, grants, loans and deadlines
If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss national and under 30, you may be eligible for a loan from the Dutch government to cover your tuition fees.
You’ve been accepted! Leiden University looks forward to welcoming you as a new student. Your next step is to prepare for your studies. Below you can find some tips to help you get a head start as you embark on your studies at Leiden University.
For international students
If you are an international student, a wealth of information can be found on the ‘Prepare your stay’ page of our website. This includes information about visas, housing, financial matters, what to arrange upon arrival, and much more.
For Dutch students
The ‘student website’ page on Leiden University’s student website contains information about practical aspects, introduction weeks and student associations. It’s also a handy source of study-related information and advice.
For detailed information about courses, schedules and reading materials, check out the Prospectus.
Sign up for the introduction week in Leiden (OWL) or The Hague (HOP)! It’s the best way to get acquainted with student life and the student cities of Leiden and The Hague.
Your student card is your proof of registration as a student of Leiden University. You can find your digital student card in the Leiden University app three days after your student registration is finalised. Read more about your student card here.
As soon as you receive notification that your student registration has been finalised you should apply for a Leiden University ID card, or LU-Card. It also serves as your library card, print & copy card and access pass. Read more about applying for an LU-card here.
Student life
Your time at Leiden is about more than just studying. Some of your best experiences will stem from being a part of our lively and diverse student community, as well as from life in the beautiful city of Leiden.
Welcome and orientation programme
In August and February each year, Leiden University hosts the English-language Orientation Week Leiden (OWL), which welcomes both international and Dutch students. The OWL is an excellent way to get to know Leiden University, the city, and other students.
Life in Leiden
Picturesque and the perfect size, Leiden is the ideal place to spend your university days. The Faculty of Humanities is located within the heart of the city, where dozens of cafes, shops and bars line its historic laneways and leafy canals. Small enough to run into familiar faces, but big enough to keep offering surprises – you will treasure your time at Leiden. And for adventures further afield, the major cities of The Hague and Amsterdam are a short train ride away, along with Schiphol Airport, which is just half an hour away by train.
Our study and student associations organise a huge variety of social, cultural, and study events to keep you busy all year round. You can also join the University Sports Centre, which offers scheduled group sports and fitness classes, amongst other activities.
The study association related to History is HSVL. You may contact the study association via info@dehsvl.nl.
International Student Associations
Leiden has several student organisations that specifically cater for international students. These associations organise regular social events and activities that help create the strong sense of community that exists within our international student body. The main two organisations are:
Erasmus Student Network Leiden (ESN) ESN Leiden is an international student organisation which hosts a range of activities and programmes. They also have a buddy programme which provides new students with the right support to assimilate into Leiden and the university.
AEGEE Leiden AEGEE is a leading European student association with sister organisations in over 40 countries across Europe. AEGEE organises many activities in Leiden, from dinners and pool nights to boat trips and guest lectures.
The Humanities Master’s Buddy Programme has been set up by the Faculty of Humanities to help all students who are new to the university to integrate quickly and easily into university life. You will be matched to a buddy who can help you out with your academic and practical questions. Additionally you will be able to attend fun monthly activities and make friends from all over the world.
Get to know us through our online and in-person events for prospective students!
Two speakers at the open day
Are you thinking about joining this Master's programme, and want to determine if it will be the right fit for you? Below, you can browse the events that we have coming up, and sign up to experience Leiden University and the programme for yourself. Alternatively, take a look at the Master Talks videos to find out more about the programme or check out our virtual campus tours!
Upcoming events
Master's Open Days
The next Master's Open Day will take place on 16 February 2024. You can also still watch the recordings of all the presentations from the last Online Open Days. The videos can be found on the Master Talks page.
Master Talks: Programme videos
On the Master Talks: programme videos platform you can find videos for each master’s programme. This includes a video which gives a short introduction to the programme. You can also find the recording of the Master's Online Open Days of 5-6 October and watch the programme presentation on the platform.
Get to know the campus
Check out our virtual campus tours, filmed in 360 degrees – by dragging the video, you can look around at the surroundings yourself. Below is the video recorded at the Humanities faculty, where most of your lectures will take place; you can also view other 360 campus tours of the various university faculties here.
360 Campus tour: the Humanities faculty
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Student ambassador
Do you have a question about studying at leiden University or student life in Leiden? Do you want more information about the History master's programme? Chat with Merle for answers to your questions!
Questions about the application procedure, tuition fees and scholarships
Student Affairs Front Office
Phone: +31 (0)71 527 80 11
Email: Contact form
Or visit their website
Visiting address
Leiden: Plexus Student Centre
Kaiserstraat 25, ground floor
2311 GN Leiden
Monday to Friday between 11.00 and 16.00, Tuesday between 11.00 and 17.30.
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!
