Research Master’s in Classics and Ancient Civilizations
A selective two-year programme combining disciplinary depth in Classics, Ancient Studies, Archaeology, or Ancient Near Eastern Studies with interdisciplinary research training.
Best for:Best for students with a strong background in Classics, Ancient Studies, Archaeology, or related humanities disciplines who seek rigorous research training and interdisciplinary exposure.
Overview
This selective two-year Research Master’s programme at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam trains students to excel in research-oriented roles within academia or professional fields. The curriculum blends in-depth disciplinary studies—covering the Classical World and the Near East—with interdisciplinary perspectives, fostering skills in research design, proposal writing, funding acquisition, and effective communication. Students can specialise in Classics, Ancient Studies, Archaeology, or Ancient Near Eastern Studies while also engaging with broader interdisciplinary contexts. The programme emphasises hands-on research training, including thesis work, to prepare graduates for advanced academic or professional careers.
What you'll do
- Conduct independent research in a specialised area of Classics, Ancient Studies, Archaeology, or Ancient Near Eastern Studies.
- Develop and write research proposals for academic and professional funding opportunities.
- Acquire and manage research funding to support academic projects.
- Communicate research findings effectively to both academic and non-academic audiences.
- Engage in interdisciplinary coursework to broaden academic perspectives beyond disciplinary boundaries.
- Complete a thesis project under the guidance of faculty supervisors, demonstrating research proficiency.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelor’s degree in Classics, Ancient Studies, Archaeology, or a related humanities discipline (or equivalent).
Degree offered: Master of Arts (Research)
Language: English; IELTS overall band 7.0, with minimum 6.5 in listening, reading, writing, and speaking OR TOEFL internet-based score of 100 (or equivalent).
Instruction: English
- Proven academic excellence and research potential in humanities disciplines.
- Strong written and oral communication skills in English.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary research settings.
- No specific nationality restrictions, but proficiency in English is mandatory.
- No age restrictions, but admission is competitive and selective.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
Admissions not verified
A catalogue listing does not mean applications are open or funding is guaranteed. Check the source for your intake.
- Intake
- Not confirmed by the source
- Duration
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- Teaching language
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- Taught / research mode
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- Study mode
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- Campus
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- Prerequisites
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- Tuition
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How to apply
Deadline: 2027-04-01
Applicants must submit their application through the official Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam portal. Required documents include a CV, a letter of motivation, academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and a research proposal outline. Additional materials may be requested depending on the programme’s requirements.
- CV
- Letter of motivation
- Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s degree)
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL scores)
- Research proposal outline
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