Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Overview

The Master of Arts in Classics and Ancient Civilizations is a collaborative program offered by Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and the University of Amsterdam, facilitated through the Amsterdam Centre for Ancient Studies and Archaeology (ACASA). This interdisciplinary course provides a comprehensive exploration of the ancient world, featuring two primary pathways: Classics, which focuses on languages and literature, and Ancient Studies, which covers history, society, and religion.

• Degree: Master of Arts (MA)
• Joint delivery: University of Amsterdam & Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (ACASA)
• Focus areas: Classics (languages & literature) and Ancient Studies (history, society & religion)
• Credits: Typically 60 ECTS (1 year full-time)
• Language of instruction: English
• Application: Refer to the university's application portal for details
• Start dates: Generally September (please confirm for specific intakes)

What you'll study

The MA program emphasizes advanced coursework, research initiatives, and a culminating research project. You will engage in modules corresponding to your chosen focus area, honing your research skills through seminars and practical projects.

Indicative modules may include:

• Story vs History: Alexander the Great
• Religion and Society: Lived Religion in Greece and the Near East (7th–4th century BCE)
• The Ancient World & Modern Theory: Memory and Forgetting
• Ancient Judaism: Ethnicity, Politics, Religion
• Master Seminar Akkadian
• Research Project 1 (e.g., scholarly editing/translation or research-based interpretation)
• Research Project 2 (e.g., visualizing ancient narratives across time)

Research and assessment

• Seminars are designed to enhance advanced academic reading, discussion, and writing skills.
• Research projects encourage independent scholarly work, including source analysis and academic presentation.
• Assessment methods typically encompass written assignments and research-based deliverables, varying by module.

Entry requirements

There are no specific GRE, GMAT, or GPA score requirements for this program. However, prospective students should possess a strong academic background relevant to the field of study.

Career prospects

Graduates of the MA in Classics and Ancient Civilizations can pursue various career paths. Opportunities exist in academia, research institutions, cultural heritage organizations, museums, and educational settings. The skills developed throughout the program, such as critical analysis and interdisciplinary research, are highly valued in both academic and professional arenas.