The MA-track Classics offers education in a wide range of skills to the aspiring classicist: from in-depth analysis of all aspects of a Greek or Latin text to interdisciplinary and thematic studies of important facets of Classical Antiquity.
There are three different programmes for those interested in Classics; the courses presented on this page are common to all three programmes:
In the one-year Master’s track, students acquire the knowledge and skills required of a professional classicist. The programme in Groningen is known for its integration of classical languages and ancient cultural history. Students learn how to apply modern scholarly theories to ancient literary and material sources; they also hone their skills in the fields of philology, textual criticism and intertextuality by writing an academic commentary on a classical text. This master’s track offers flexibility in choosing between a more linguistic or a more cultural-historical approach; it is also possible to study epigraphy at another faculty within the Masterlanguage programme, or to include a work placement in the programme.
Our alumni are skilled writers and have eye for detail but also for the bigger picture, which makes them sought-after employees in many fields, including (but not limited to) education, publishing, the cultural sector, journalism and the government.
NB The language of instruction is English; Dutch students (excepting those following the Research Master) are allowed, however, to write their papers and thesis in Dutch, since many will pursue a career in the Netherlands.
This Master's degree is offered on a full-time and on a part-time basis. The part-time programme is the same as the full-time programme, but spread over a longer period. Please contact the study advisor (studieadviseur.gltc@rug.nl) for more information.
Read moreYou learn on your own to analyse critically, research literature properly and set up your own research.
Why this master?
As someone who loves the classics I have been very happy doing the
bachelor Greek and Latin Language and Culture. I continued my
education in Groningen because I liked the ambiance at the
university and the focus on the cultural aspect as well as the
languages. I wanted to become a teacher, but at the same time I
wanted to enrich my academic view on Antiquity. Therefore I decided
to do the Education Master which consists of 60 ECTS Classical
Studies and 60 ECTS didactics, to get the best of both
worlds.
Freedom and independence
A nice thing about this master
is the large extent of freedom you’ll get. A small number of
courses is obligatory, but besides those you can choose courses
from other studies like Archaeology, Philosophy or Ancient History.
There are also possibilities outside the RUG: take for example the
Master Language programme, in which I took the Greek Epigraphy
course.
Most of these courses are research courses and this means you can largely decide your own topic and research area. This will enhance your motivation and your ability to find out where your strong points and preferences lie – something which education is all about, I think. I have noticed that I’m interested in religion and poetry, and I’ve really enjoyed developing this further during the classes/
During this master you’ll have very few classes: I have to go to class 6 hours a week on average. Most of the work has to be done by yourself and therefore requires a lot of independence and planning. Besides, as wonderful as they are, the classical languages are a lot of work and at times rather difficult. But teachers will always be willing to help you and due to the small scale there is a lot of contact between students. It also means you learn on your own to analyse critically, research literature properly and set up your own research. So if you take all these things into consideration, you will be alright and you will be in possession of a diploma that shows you have a lot of extensive knowledge and an ability to work hard!
