MA in Classics & Ancient Civilizations: Classics
University of Groningen
Key Information
Campus location
Groningen, Netherlands
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
1 year
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
EUR 2,314 / per year **
Application deadline
01 May 2024*
Earliest start date
Sep 2024
* EU/EEA and non-EU/EEA students: May 1 - Dutch students: August 15
** EU/EEA students: €2,314 | non-EU/EEA students: €16,000
Introduction
This track 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.
There are three different programs for those interested in Classics; the courses presented on this page are common to all three programs:
- the one-year general MA-track, covered on this page
- the two-year Research Master CMEMS, with the option to specialize in Classics, for students wishing to pursue an academic career
- the two-year Educational Master, for students wishing to become a teacher in Classics; this MA combines the program covered here with the one-year Teacher Education program. This Dutch program is only open to students with sufficient Dutch language skills (NT2, program II).
In the one-year Master’s track, students acquire the knowledge and skills required of a professional classicist. The program in Groningen is known for its integration of classical languages and ancient cultural history. Students learn how to apply modern scholarly theories to ancient literary and material sources; they also hone their skills in the fields of philology, textual criticism, and intertextuality by writing an academic commentary on a classical text. This master’s track offers flexibility in choosing between a more linguistic or a more cultural-historical approach; it is also possible to study epigraphy at another faculty within the Masterlanguage program or to include a work placement in the program.
Our alumni are skilled writers and have eye for detail but also for the bigger picture, which makes them sought-after employees in many fields, including (but not limited to) education, publishing, the cultural sector, journalism, and the government.
This Master’s track is also offered on a part-time basis.
NB The language of instruction is English; Dutch students (excepting those following the Research Master) are allowed, however, to write their papers and thesis in Dutch, since many will pursue a career in the Netherlands.
Why study this program in Groningen?
- A broad approach to Antiquity
- Integration of classical languages and ancient cultural history
- Strong expertise in Hellenistic literature, Greek linguistics, Greek religion, Latin poetry of the early Empire, commentaries, literature in its spatial and socio-cultural context
- 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
Curriculum
Year 1
To discover the full breadth of education in Classics, all students in this track follow a commentary course, an interdisciplinary course, and a thematic course, and write a thesis on a subject related to Greek or Latin literature. In addition, they can choose from several other courses to create their own personalized program.
Commentary course: students are trained in the critical use of commentaries on Greek and Latin texts and learn how to write such a commentary themselves. In 2020-21, the subject is Aristophanes and Plautus. In both 2018-19 and 2019-20, the subject was: Didactic poetry.
Interdisciplinary course: students study a subject on the interface between classical languages and ancient history/archaeology. In 2020-21, the subject is Landscape and Memory. In 2019-20, the subject was: Text, Language, and Religion in the Ancient World, with attention to digital humanities.
Thematic courses: in two thematic courses (one for each language), students study a specific theme in classical texts. In 2020-21, the subjects are Tragic Women (Greek) and Late Antique Latin Poetry (Latin).
In addition, students can partake in the Research Seminar of the Ancient History-track, do a work placement to get acquainted with a job sector, follow a course at the Royal Dutch Institute in Rome, follow a course within the Masterlanguage program (2019-20 & 2020-21: Greek or Latin epigraphy) or choose one of the 11 interdisciplinary seminars offered by the Faculty (an example complementary to this Classics-track is From Writer to Reader: Editions).
Courses
- Interdisciplinary course: Landscape and Memory (5 EC)
- Thematic course (Greek); title to be announced (5 EC)
- Commentary course: Aristophanes and Plautus (10 EC)
- Greek Epigraphy (Masterlanguage) (5 EC, optional)
- Late Antique Latin Poetry (5 EC)
- Interdisciplinary research seminar (Faculty courses) (10 EC, optional)
- Master's Thesis (20 EC)
- Master's work placement (10 EC, optional)
- Power and Cult in the Hellenistic World (Research Seminar Ancient History) (10 EC, optional)
In addition to the range of course units provided by this track itself, students can also follow Masterlanguage courses. Master language is a national program that offers courses for students of European languages, but also of Greek and Latin. The courses are jointly organized by lecturers from Radboud University, the University of Groningen, Leiden University, Utrecht University, the University of Amsterdam, and VU University Amsterdam. More information about the courses, entry requirements and registration can be found in the Master's language. You may follow Masterlanguage courses in consultation with the Board of Examiners of your Master's degree program.
Program options
- Master Honours College (honors program)
- Master's placement (track)
Study abroad
- Study abroad is optional
Contact for more information on studying abroad: study advisor Drs. R.P. van der Borg
Admissions
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
As a graduate, there are many career options open to you. If you wish to apply your knowledge of the ancient world and its research, you may work in an academic library or in museums.
Following this one-year also does not exclude the option of becoming a teacher of Classics in secondary school; you can obtain a qualification by following the one-year postmaster LHVO at the college of education (NB this postmaster requires a minimum level of proficiency in Dutch: NT2 program II).
The skillset of a classicist is highly valued elsewhere, too. Typically, our graduates have a keen sense of language, good writing skills, a critical and analytical mind; having been trained to overview an ancient society in its many aspects, you will be able to reflect on culture and society. You can therefore also work in journalism, the cultural sector, publishing, or the civil service. Other examples can be found on the website of the study association of Classics in Groningen, Boreas (in Dutch).
Job examples
- Publisher
- A staff member in a museum or (academic) library
- Journalist
- Communications consultant
- Government employee