M.A. in Classics and Ancient Civilizations (Joint Degree UvA-VU): Classics

Explore ancient languages, cultures and histories

During the programme, you’ll gain a thorough knowledge of the Greek and Latin languages or of themes in the field of Ancient History and Ancient Studies, such as Religion, Gender and Urban History. You’ll receive excellent training in classical linguistics, intertextuality and narratology, and post-classical Greek and Latin. And you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of the social, cultural and religious history of Ancient Greece, Rome and the Near East.

Teaching takes place in small group classes with plenty of direct personal contact between you and your tutors. Plus, you’re able to follow and develop your own personal interests by tapping into the wide range of expertise held by the professors at the UvA and VU Amsterdam.

The start date of this programme is September 1st.

In the first semester, you’ll take two compulsory interdisciplinary courses. If you decide to specialise in Classics, you’ll follow an additional course on the methodology of textual analysis and another course on Greek and Latin linguistics. If you choose to specialise in Ancient Studies, you’ll delve into the specifics of urban life in the ancient world, and the religious developments of Late Antiquity. Assyriologists take two courses on Ancient Near Eastern language and culture (Akkadian). In the final period of the semester, you’ll work on a term paper, which can be related to either the interdisciplinary classes or a topic of your own choice.
In the second semester, you’ll take two more courses in the field of your specialisation. And finally, you’ll write your Master’s thesis on your own area of research.

Students who show exceptional potential during the regular Master’s programme are encouraged to continue their studies in one of our Research Master’s programmes. If you decide to switch programmes and are admitted before the start of the second semester, you’ll be able to transfer all credits earned in the first semester to your Research Master’s degree. If you decide to join later, the Examinations Board will determine which courses qualify for the Research Master’s programme.

Within ACASA, there are two Research Master’s programmes that are suitable for continuing your studies: Classics and Ancient Civilizations: Research; and Heritage, Memory and Archaeology.