Faculty of Philosophy Master Classics – Master
The Master’s degree programme in Classics is dedicated to Greco-Roman antiquity and its cultural periphery from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Facts & Formalities
| Degree | Master of Arts |
| Type of programme | Consecutive |
| Start of programme | Winter semester only |
| Standard period of study | 4 semesters |
| Language(s) of instruction | Deutsch, Englisch |
| Fees and contributions | 161.10 € / Semester |
| Application procedure | Consecutive master’s programmes with access restriction |
| Application deadlines | Information about deadlines can be obtained after you have put together a degree program. |
| Part-time option | Yes |
Course content
The MA Classics preserves the strengths of specialisation in classical studies of the ancient world – as they are excellently represented in the individual disciplines in Heidelberg – and complements them with an integrated, interdisciplinary, and comparative approach to the cultures of Ancient Greece, Rome, and adjacent regions. Students will receive a sound education in their chosen focal areas that qualifies them for a doctorate, and at the same time develop a broad interdisciplinary perspective. This enables them to process complex matters in a multi-perspective and methodologically reflective manner.
Each focal area targets specific qualification objectives tailored to the degree programme. The modules offer specialisation in a particular discipline and ensure that the student is eligible for doctoral studies. The basic interdisciplinary concept is reflected in joint courses across department boundaries.
Course structure
The MA Classics combines research-oriented teaching with a strong interdisciplinary profile. Students will choose focal areas with their applications, where they are going to complete modules totalling 51 CP and take the Master’s thesis (30 CP) and an oral examination (4 CP). This area will be supplemented by joint interdisciplinary modules at a total scope of 35 CP.
Focal areas
- Ancient history
- Byzantine archaeology and art history
- Greek studies
- Classical archaeology
- Latin studies
- Papyrology and basic sciences
The curriculum design offers a high degree of flexibility within the structured and modular degree programme. It offers space for a research-focused course of studies and enables targeted use of the wide range of courses on offer at Heidelberg University.
The MA Classics programme also focuses on other areas in addition to its requirement of interdisciplinary skills. The broad cultural-theoretical perspective of studies of the ancient world established in Heidelberg also characterises this degree programme and allows for contemporary specialisations, for example in visual studies or literary studies. This openness to theory is not in contradiction to well-founded source work – on the contrary: papyrology, epigraphy, and numismatics are integrated into teaching in Heidelberg in an exceptionally broad and research-oriented manner. In addition, the MA Classics strengthens professional qualifications beyond the traditional academic career through practice-oriented elements – for example in the areas of museology, science communication, field archaeology, or digital humanities.
Personal requirements
The Master’s degree programme in Classics is targeted at students with a keen interest in the ancient world and its scientific research. Students are expected to be interested in historical, linguistic, literary, and material evidence of Greco-Roman antiquity and to enjoy interdisciplinary thinking.
A willingness to perform intense work on texts in original languages, a confident handling of scientific working methods, and an openness to cultural-theoretical and methodological questions are helpful. Independent work, analytical thinking, and the ability to reflect critically form an important basis for the course of studies. Team skills and an interest in professional exchange – for example in seminars, field trips, or interdisciplinary project work – are equally valuable.
My Way To Application And Admission
Via the button “Select subject and apply +” you can add this subject to the study program finder's watch list. There you will find information on application, admission and enrolment tailored to your individual application profile, and can also access the application platform. Please observe the respective dates and deadlines