Information for international students (M.A.)
Master of Arts in Ancient History at Heidelberg University
The two-year degree MA in Ancient History offers students a more profound exploration of Greek and Roman History and expands the skills and knowledge acquired in a Bachelor’s degree in a classics-related academic field. Almost uniquely in Germany, the MA Ancient History is offered as a 100% degree in one of Germany’s most renowned institutes of Ancient History.
Why Heidelberg University?
Excellent student-faculty ratio
Hosting two professors and several other faculty members the Seminar of Ancient History and Epigraphy offers MA students a very personal academic experience. Our Oberseminare allow a student-faculty ratio of up to 1:2 allowing students to gain direct insight in our research and to profit from decades of experience.
Source-oriented Seminars
In our Mittelseminare students get the opportunity to explore literary, numismatic and epigraphic sources first-hand in their original language under the supervision of our experienced faculty. Hence, the attainment of the Graecum is an obligatory and well integrated part of the curriculum.
Interdisciplinary Learning Environment
Our Ancient History department is located in the heart of Heidelberg with all neighboring disciplines in the same building. On four floors, the Department of Ancient History is not only adjacent to archeology, classic philology, Byzantine studies, Assyrian Studies and Egyptology but also to the auxiliary sciences numismatics, papyrology and epigraphy. This proximity enables our scientists to work closely together and allows our students to explore neighboring disciplines as part of their MA in Ancient History.
International Perspectives
Besides our numerous international contacts and faculty, the department of Ancient History entertains several exchange agreements with universities in Europe. Giving students the chance to go abroad during their Master’s and offering them impressions of international research in Ancient History is another integral part of a Heidelberg University education.
Diversified Research Profile
Aspiring candidates will encounter a varied yet high quality research profile that covers diverse periods of antiquity. Professor Witschel generally focusses his research on late antiquity, Roman social and economic history, Latin epigraphy, imperial representation, as well as, oriental cults in the Roman Empire. Professor Trampedach, on the other hand, mainly concentrates on political anthropology, Greek philosophy and religious history, Judaism in Hellenic and Roman times, and lastly, Political Rituals and hagiography in late antiquity.
Apply
As an international student, you need to apply for the MA Ancient History. You may start your degree either in the summer or the winter semester. The application period lasts from April 1st to September 30th for the winter semester and from October 1st to March 31st for the summer semester. Please note that the MA Ancient History is a consecutive Master’s degree. Therefore, an undergraduate degree in a classics-related field is a necessary requirement for a successful application.
Prior to your application, please contact the departmental academic advisor, Dr. Wolfgang Havener.
For more information regarding the application process and requirements please consult the following official links:
