Master of Arts in History of Ancient Religions
Explore the religions, texts, and historical connections of the ancient world through philological-historical research.
Best for:Best for students with a Bachelor’s in history, theology, religious studies, or a related humanities field, seeking to specialize in ancient religions and their historical evolution.
Overview
This Master of Arts programme at Universität Zürich offers an in-depth study of ancient religions, focusing on philological and historical methodologies. Students will delve into three specialized areas: Ancient Middle East and Old Testament, Ancient Judaism, and Ancient Christianity. The curriculum builds on foundational knowledge from undergraduate studies, emphasizing critical analysis of religious texts, historical contexts, and cross-cultural connections. Ideal for those passionate about ancient history, theology, and comparative religious studies, this programme provides rigorous training in research and academic discourse. Graduates will gain expertise in interpreting ancient religious traditions and their broader historical significance.
What you'll do
- Conduct in-depth research on ancient religious texts and their historical contexts using philological and historical methodologies.
- Analyze and interpret religious traditions from the Ancient Middle East, Judaism, and Christianity.
- Develop critical thinking and analytical skills to evaluate historical sources and scholarly debates.
- Engage in specialized seminars and workshops focused on the chosen area of specialization.
- Participate in academic discussions and contribute to the scholarly discourse on ancient religions.
- Develop and present original research projects, culminating in a Master’s thesis.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelor of Arts in History, Theology, Religious Studies, or a related humanities field
Degree offered: Master of Arts (RVO19) or related degree
Language: German (for instruction and assessment); English proficiency may be required for international students
Instruction: German
- Strong proficiency in reading and interpreting ancient texts in their original languages or translations
- Familiarity with historical and philological research methods
- Ability to conduct independent academic research and write scholarly papers
- Critical analysis and synthesis of historical and religious sources
- Applicants must hold a recognized Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
- No specific nationality or residency restrictions mentioned
- No age restrictions mentioned
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
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How to apply
Applicants must submit their application through the official university portal. Required documents typically include a completed application form, a detailed curriculum vitae, a letter of motivation, academic transcripts, proof of language proficiency, and a research proposal. Additional documents may be requested depending on the specialization chosen.
- Completed application form
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Letter of Motivation
- Academic Transcripts (Bachelor’s degree)
- Proof of German Language Proficiency
- Research Proposal (for some specializations)
- Reference Letters (if required)
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