MA in Classics & Ancient Civilizations

What kinds of social media did the ancient Greeks and Romans use? What kinds of ideas circulated and how can we trace these through ancient literature?

Find answers to this and more in one of the tracks of this program.

The Master Classics and Ancient Civilizations consist of two tracks:

• Classics
• Ancient History

In the Classics degree program, you will learn to apply academic tools and theories in studying various themes from Antiquity and to critically assess written and material sources. You can opt for a language-oriented curriculum, or combine literary and historical subjects. In the Ancient History specialization, we take a historical approach to the period from Hellenism to Late Antiquity. In addition to literary sources, you will use inscriptions, papyri, and archaeological sources to cast a different light on the ancient world. Both tracks are concluded with a thesis, following which you will be awarded a Master of Arts degree in Classics and Ancient Civilizations. This Master's degree program is also available as a part-time variant.

Students wishing to pursue an academic career may also be interested in the two-year Research Master CMEMS, with the option to specialize in Classics and/or Ancient History.

Why study this program in Groningen?

• A broad approach to Antiquity
• Integration of classical languages and ancient cultural history
• Strong expertise in a wide range of subjects; see under "Research" in both tracks
• Relatively small and friendly community
• Internationally orientated research climate
• Excellent teaching: two staff members elected Lecturer of the Year
• A vibrant university city with many international students

Program options

Classical Studies (track)

The MA-track Classics offers education in a wide range of skills to the aspiring classicist: from in-depth analysis of all aspects of a Greek or Latin text to interdisciplinary and thematic studies of important facets of Classical Antiquity.

Ancient History (track)

What are the classical roots of modern politics? How did religious landscapes interact with political networks? What made the Roman Empire so successful? Why was sport so important to the Greeks?

These are some of the many questions that you can study in Groningen. In Groningen, we offer Ancient History as a one-year Master's track -in English- with a full-time and a part-time tangent. While we cover the whole of antiquity, from archaic Greece to the late Roman Empire, our focus lies on the political, cultural, and religious connectivities of the Mediterranean world. Ancient History in Groningen is interdisciplinary in character and interacts with religious studies, material culture studies, but also with other historical periods. In Groningen, you will become familiar with various theoretical approaches and methodologies, and digital humanities play a strong role in our teaching and research.

Our topics range from elite culture to daily life using a wide variety of data – besides literary sources, you will explore ways that inscriptions, papyri, and material culture cast a radically different light on the ancient world. Ancient History is a track within the Master's degree program in Classics and Ancient Civilizations. Within this track, we offer three specializations:* Ancient History and Culture* Ancient History and Religious Studies* Ancient History and Premodern history for more about Ancient History in Groningen, see our website.

Master's Honours Programme (honors program)

The Master's Honours Programme was developed especially for students who want to get more from their studies.

It is a program worth 15 ECTS that is followed in addition to the standard Master's program. It is a one-year interdisciplinary program that is designed to introduce students to various aspects of leadership.

Job prospects

As a graduate in Classics, you will possess a broad knowledge of Antiquity, a good level of language proficiency, and critical thinking skills. You will be eligible for positions in academic libraries and museums, in journalism, and in the corporate sector. Classics graduates also find work with publishers and cultural and governmental institutions. Or you could find work as a teacher, translator, or researcher.