Are you interested in the history, literature or culture of classical, medieval or early modern civilizations? Do you aspire to a career in research? Then this programme is exactly what you are looking for.
The Research Master's degree programme in History offers the two-year Master's track Classical, Medieval and Early Modern Studies .
Classical, Medieval and Early Modern Studies explores Classical Antiquity, the Middle Ages and Early Modernity in Europe and the Middle East. You will study the similarities and differences between these periods. In addition, you will gain fundamental insights into the cultural changes that preceded the modern period.
| Programme options |
|---|
| Classical Medieval and Early Modern Studies (track) . Are you interested in the history, literature or culture of classical, medieval or early modern civilizations? Do you aspire to a career in research? This Research Master's track is just what you are looking for.This two-year Research Master's track focuses on Classical Antiquity, the Middle Ages and Early Modernity in Europe and the Middle East. The programme gives you the opportunity to specialize in your chosen area of research, as well as to explore the similarities and differences between the range of periods studied within the programme. You receive a thorough training in today's relevant research tools for studying the premodern world, including digital humanities.Classical, Medieval and Early Modern Studies offers a multidisciplinary and international environment. Depending on your background and research interests, you can choose to concentrate on one or more of the areas (History, Literature or Classics) within this interdisciplinary programme.You can design your own research profile to fit your interests. The programme provides specialist, tailor-made tutorials and courses on theory and method. You collaborate with our top researchers on their academic projects and can spend a study period abroad at one of our partner universities. To complete your studies you write an MA thesis on a subject of your own choice and specialization, which will give you a firm basis for further studies at PhD level. |
| Specific requirements | More information |
|---|---|
| previous education |
Please see the entry requirements for the ReMa Classical, Medieval and Early Modern Studies for more information: https://www.rug.nl/masters/classical-medieval-and-early-modern-studies-research/#!requirements |
| grade list |
An excellent academic record: An overview of the results achieved so far within the Bachelor's degree programme and/or other university degree programmes is required. |
| Curriculum Vitae (CV) |
A Curriculum Vitae (CV) |
| language test |
Language requirement for English: You must have completed this at VWO level (mark 6 or higher) or obtained one of the following English certificates:
TOEFL iBT tests taken after 21 January 2026 will use TOEFL's new 1 - 6 scoring system. |
| reference letter |
Two personal letters of recommendation from staff members who can comment on the students' affinity with and capacities for research. |
| (motivation-) letter |
A letter outlining the prospective student's motivation for selecting the programme and Research Master's track, including their expectations and interests. |
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 01 May 2027 | 01 September 2027 |
| 15 October 2027 | 01 February 2028 | |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2027 | 01 September 2027 |
| 15 October 2027 | 01 February 2028 | |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2027 | 01 September 2027 |
| 15 October 2027 | 01 February 2028 |
| Specific requirements | More information |
|---|---|
| previous education |
Please see the entry requirements for the ReMa Classical, Medieval and Early Modern Studies for more information: https://www.rug.nl/masters/classical-medieval-and-early-modern-studies-research/#!requirements |
| grade list |
An excellent academic record: An overview of the results achieved so far within the Bachelor's degree programme and/or other university degree programmes is required. |
| Curriculum Vitae (CV) |
A Curriculum Vitae (CV) |
| language test |
Language requirement for English: You must have completed this at VWO level (mark 6 or higher) or obtained one of the following English certificates:
TOEFL iBT tests taken after 21 January 2026 will use TOEFL's new 1 - 6 scoring system. |
| reference letter |
Two personal letters of recommendation from staff members who can comment on the students' affinity with and capacities for research. |
| (motivation-) letter |
Two personal letters of recommendation from staff members who can comment on the students' affinity with and capacities for research. |
| Type of student | Deadline | Start course |
|---|---|---|
| Dutch students | 01 May 2027 | 01 September 2027 |
| 15 October 2027 | 01 February 2028 | |
| EU/EEA students | 01 May 2027 | 01 September 2027 |
| 15 October 2027 | 01 February 2028 | |
| non-EU/EEA students | 01 May 2027 | 01 September 2027 |
| 15 October 2027 | 01 February 2028 |
Classical, Medieval and Early Modern Studies offers many opportunities for developing academic and professional skills and knowledge. Among others, the module Careers in Research and Society will help students to identify and sharpen their skills set acquired during their studies. After graduation, many of our students will endeavour to obtain a place as a PhD researcher.
The Master's degree, which is offered by the Graduate School for the Humanities, is linked to excellent, multidisciplinary research which is carried out at the Groningen Research Institute for the Study of Culture (ICOG) and the national research schools.
Research MA students are required to participate in seminars, courses and summer schools organized by the Dutch national research schools. These 'schools' are organized for the training of PhD students, but some activities are open to or specially set up for you. These events give you, as a Research MA student, the opportunity to deepen your disciplinary profile and to become acquainted with top researchers in your field. You can participate in the following research schools:
Students may also be given the opportunity to do excellent research in a Master's placement which will be awarded with ECTS.
Classical, Medieval and Early Modern Studies takes part in the International Summer School Things That Matter, a collaborative U4 Project with the University of Uppsala and Durham University. Things That Matter focuses on digital humanities and addresses the tension between the materiality of sources and their digitization.
Students of Classical, Medieval and Early Modern Studies participate in many research projects that also reach a wider public. They regularly curate virtual exhibitions based on the treasures of their academic libraries, an example of which can be found on the Special Collection site of the University of Groningen. You may also like to browse through the other virtual exhibitions on the site.
Every year, CMEMS students organize a conference as part of the course. In 2023 the topic was ‘Facets of Feelings’.
