Assyriology (research) Leiden University

Overview

The research master's in Assyriology, a specialisation of the Classics and Ancient Civilizations (Research) programme, at Leiden University provides you with a multidisciplinary study of the languages, literatures and cultures of the Ancient Near Eastern world. The Assyriology (Research) programme gives you the opportunity to study with internationally acclaimed academics immersed in the latest research and engaged in actively expanding our knowledge of the field. Your teachers are not only experts in languages and cultures of the ancient Middle East, but also active researchers engaged in innovative projects that constantly build bridges between cutting-edge research and the courses in your programme.

You will be able to tailor your study programme to your personal interests by creating your own combination of courses from the Assyriology programme or from other research master’s programmes within the Faculties of Humanities and of Archaeology.

Study at one of our partner universities

We encourage all student to consider applying for a study time abroad. The Assyriology research master’s programme offers opportunities to follow research programmes at one of our partner universities – including SOAS, University College London, Münster, and Heidelberg.

What you will learn

The development of in-depth knowledge in the field and the ability to think critically and analytically are key goals of this programme. The Classics and Ancient Civilizations (research) programme introduces you to the concepts and academic approaches current in Classical and Ancient Near Eastern Studies, including disciplines such as: linguistics, history, religious studies or material culture studies. You will learn to use these concepts and approaches in researching and analysing source material. Your thesis gives you the opportunity to apply these methods in your own research.

Your future employers will not only be interested in your knowledge of Classics and Ancient Civilisations, but also in the skills that you have developed during your studies. Therefore, it is important that you are aware of the skills that you are training in your MA programme. You will be training the following transferrable skills:

• critical thinking
• analytical skills
• oral presentation skills
• writing skills
• independence
• project management
• flexibility
• creativity
• academic integrity
• collaboration

Career prospects

As a graduate of a Classics and Ancient Civilizations (research) programme at Leiden University you are qualified to work as a junior academic researcher in an academic environment or carry out further research work on a PhD programme. It is also possible to find employment within the fields of publishing or teaching, at policy-making departments of governmental bodies, within the education sector, or within cultural tourism.

Leiden University Master's graduates are sought-after employees at (inter)national organisations. Our graduates are known for their combination of robust academic training, in-depth and relevant knowledge, and critical, multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving. Our graduates end up working in a diverse range of positions, examples include:

• PhD candidate at Dutch and international universities
• Project assistant at a Dutch city council
• Research assistant at a university
• Curator at a museum
• Policy officer at a ministry
• Communications officer
• Programme manager

Accreditation

Accredited by NVAO, the Accreditation Organisation of the Netherlands and Flanders.