Leiden University's master’s programme in Ancient History is your opportunity to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the history of the Greek and Roman periods, with a focus on the mentality and social and economic history of the period between 400 B.C. and 400 A.D.

Why study Ancient History at Leiden University?

The Ancient History programme will give you a thorough grounding in several key periods of ancient history. These include: the complex history of the Roman Republic; civic life in Italy, Asia Minor and Egypt; Graeco-Roman religion; Late Antiquity; and the rise of early Judaism. For many years now the programme has attracted students with bachelor’s degrees in history, the classics, archaeology and several other disciplines.

Learn from established scholars

During the Ancient History programme you will collaborate with outstanding scholars from the Ancient History department, as well as those active in other fields of history or the related fields of the classics, ancient philosophy, classical archaeology, religious studies and near-eastern cultures. Leiden University offers you the possibility to share in their knowledge acquired in leading research projects and programmes.

The study of ancient sources

The Ancient History MA programme has a particularly strong focus on primary sources, offering a wealth of information about ancient Greek and Roman societies. You can pursue interests in documentary texts (inscriptions and papyri) and archaeological material. You will not need extensive knowledge of Latin and Greek because you can work with translations. Furthermore, you can study the collection of the National Museum of Antiquities and work alongside papyrologists at the Leiden Papyrological Institute.

History Degree

Ancient History at Leiden University is an accredited degree programme of History. After successful completion of this programme, you will receive a legally accredited master’s degree in History and the title Master of Arts (MA).

Career prospects

Create a world of opportunities with a master's degree from Leiden University.

What our graduates do

Your master will qualify you for roles in almost every sector of the employment market. Many of our graduates work for public services, research institutes, business services, banking and financial services, communications, education, advisory work, policy development, management, co-ordination, editing and information services.

Examples of the diverse roles of our graduates include:

• Senior assistant at the European Union
• Consultant
• PhD candidate at Leiden University
• History teacher at a secondary school
• Project manager at a text agency
• Digital education officer at a museum
• Policy advisor at a local council
• Editor at a publishing house
• Web journalist at a multimedia publishing house

Your qualifications

The MA in History offers outstanding preparation for students seeking a profession that requires in-depth knowledge of history and strong academic skills, with a focus on analytical and writing skills.

Teaching qualification

If you are interested in a career in teaching, you may be eligible to follow a teacher-training master's at the ICLON Graduate School of Education once you have graduated from the master programme in History. You must speak fluent Dutch and there are other, additional entry requirements.