The master's programme in Classics and Ancient Civilizations: Hebrew and Aramaic Studies is a one-year programme, which gradually leads to the development of specific research skills. This specialisation uniquely offers a thorough education in Hebrew and Aramaic in various language phases, which may be studied from a linguistic, socio-religious or historical context. Other Northwest Semitic languages, often preserved in epigraphic texts, are also offered. 

Programme details

The Master programme comprises of 60 EC, divided over two semesters. During the first semester students take three course of 10 EC each and start the Classics and Ancient Civilizations MA-Seminar. In the second semester student write their Master's thesis (15 EC) while taking the second part of the MA-Seminar. In addition, they follow one other research seminar (10 EC).
Students can choose from at least the following courses (the topics of courses on offer can vary every academic year):

• Historical Grammar of Hebrew and Aramaic
• Cultural History of Aramaic
• Reading Source Texts
• Advanced Biblical Hebrew Grammar

The Prospectus contains overviews and course details for all programmes in the Faculty of Humanities (and other faculties). The information in the Prospectus is updated annually, in June. Please consult the Hebrew and Aramaic Studies section of the Prospectus for more information.

Study Plan

At the start of their studies, students are required to hand in the form Study Plan MA Classics and Ancient Civilizations to the Co-ordinator of Studies in order to check if the study plan meets the requirements of the Master programme.
Should the study plan contain other courses than listed on the Prospectus, the Co-ordinator of Studies will send the form to the Board of Examiners for approval.

Guide to Academic Skills Classics and Ancient Civilizations

This guide aims to describe the academic skills that you need to master when following the (Res)MA programme in Classics and Ancient Civilizations. As an MA student, you will need to employ general academic skills: you should be able to conduct research and present the results of that research in papers and theses, or in oral presentations. And you should be able to engage in critical discussions of research with your peers and teachers. Accordingly, the general academic skills that you should master include research skills, writing skills, oral presentation skills, and cooperative skills. This guide provides an overview of these skills, and consists of practical information about relevant sources, reference works and tools, examples of grading forms and lists do’s and don’ts for oral and written presentations.