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 programme. The Master's Classics and Ancient Civilizations consists of two tracks:
In the Classics degree programme, 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 programme 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's CMEMS, with the option to specialize in Classics and/or Ancient History.
| Programme 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) How did colonisation shape ancient states? What was the role of gods and their temples in identity formation? How unequal were ancient societies? What was the social significance of sport in the ancient world?.These are the types of questions that lie at the core of the Ancient History track of the MA Classics and Ancient Civilizations. The emphasis of the programme is on political, economic, and religious connectivities within the Mediterranean world, from the Classical Greek world to the fall of the western Roman Empire (roughly 500 BCE to 500 CE).This one-year programme offers you the opportunity to study the ancient world at an advanced level, working with a wide variety of historical evidence (e.g. literary texts, inscriptions, archaeological remains, papyri). During your studies you will also become acquainted with several different theoretical approaches and methodologies (e.g. deep mapping, network analysis).This Master's track is taught in English and can be studied full-time as well as part-time. For more information about the Ancient History department in Groningen, see our website. If you aspire a career in research, you may be interested in the two-year Research Master's. |
| Specific requirements | More information |
|---|---|
| previous education |
For the MA degree programme Classics, see: https://www.rug.nl/masters/classics/#!requirements for more information. For the MA degree programme Ancient History, see: https://www.rug.nl/masters/ancient-history/#!requirements for more information. |
| language test |
Additional requirements English: A VWO diploma or a subject certificate for VWO English (mark 6 or higher), minimum requirement of TOEFL iBT 90 (with a minimum of 21 on all items), or IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 6 on all items). Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency. |
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 15 August 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 15 August 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
| Specific requirements | More information |
|---|---|
| previous education |
For the MA degree programme Classics, see: https://www.rug.nl/masters/classics/#!requirements for more information. For the MA degree programme Ancient History, see: https://www.rug.nl/masters/ancient-history/#!requirements for more information. |
| language test |
Additional requirements English: A VWO diploma or a subject certificate for VWO English (mark 6 or higher), minimum requirement of TOEFL iBT 90 (with a minimum of 21 on all items), or IELTS 6.5 (with a minimum of 6 on all items). Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency. |
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 15 August 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 15 August 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 | |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2025 | 01 September 2025 |
| 01 May 2026 | 01 September 2026 |
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. See at the respective tracks for more information.
Research and teaching are closely integrated in this programme. As you study for the MA you will be in close contact with current staff research. For details of that research see our research website.
Are you interested in a research-oriented career? Have a look at our Research Master’s degree programme in Classical, Medieval and Early Modern Studies .
