Research Master’s in Classics & Ancient Civilizations
Explore the civilisations of Greece, Rome, Egypt, and the Ancient Near East through interdisciplinary research methods.
Best for:Best for students passionate about ancient civilisations who seek a flexible, research-intensive master’s programme blending philology, cultural history, and material culture studies.
Overview
This Research Master’s programme at Leiden University offers a multidisciplinary approach to the study of ancient civilisations, integrating Greek and Roman Antiquity, Hebrew Bible traditions, emerging Christianity, Egyptian history, and Mesopotamian cuneiform cultures. Students can tailor their studies by combining courses from various research master’s programmes within the Humanities Faculty, using a wide range of research methods—from philology and literary studies to cultural history and material culture analysis. The programme emphasises flexibility, allowing applicants to design a personalised curriculum aligned with their academic interests. It is ideal for those seeking a rigorous, research-focused education in classical and ancient studies with a broad interdisciplinary perspective.
What you'll do
- Conduct independent research on a specialised topic within the broad field of ancient civilisations, guided by faculty advisors.
- Develop a personalised curriculum by selecting courses from multiple research master’s programmes within the Humanities Faculty.
- Engage with a variety of research methods, including philology, literary studies, cultural history, and material culture analysis.
- Participate in interdisciplinary seminars and workshops to explore connections between ancient civilisations and broader historical contexts.
- Present research findings in academic conferences, seminars, or publications under faculty supervision.
- Collaborate with peers and faculty to contribute to ongoing research projects in the field.
Requirements
Degree required: Bachelor’s degree in Classics, Ancient Civilizations, History, Archaeology, or a related field from a recognised university
Degree offered: Master of Arts (Research)
Language: English; Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (minimum score 180), Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (minimum score 180), IELTS overall band 6.5, or TOEFL internet-based score of 90
Instruction: English
- Advanced proficiency in at least one ancient language (e.g., Greek, Latin, Hebrew, Akkadian, Coptic, or Egyptian hieroglyphs)
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills for interpreting ancient texts and material culture
- Familiarity with research methodologies in classical and ancient studies
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research-intensive environment
- No specific nationality restrictions; open to international applicants
- No age restrictions
- No prior experience caps beyond academic qualifications
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
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How to apply
Deadline: 2027-04-01
Applicants must submit their application through Leiden University’s official online portal. Required documents include a CV, a letter of motivation, academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and a research proposal outlining the intended focus of study. Additional documents may be requested depending on the applicant’s background.
- CV
- Letter of motivation
- Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s degree)
- Proof of English proficiency (Cambridge Certificate, IELTS, or TOEFL)
- Research proposal (describing intended focus of study)
- Reference letters (typically 2)
Contact
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