Get acquainted with a new world
Understand contemporary events and phenomena
Are you fascinated by antiquity and the cultural history of the Mediterranean region? Keen to go on a study trip and stand face to face with the ancient world?
However much our world now revolves around smartphones, apps and likes, the influence of the ancient world endures to this day. As a student of Ancient Studies, you use historical knowledge to understand contemporary events and phenomena. You explore the visual arts, literature, architecture, for example the pyramids, the Parthenon, the epics of Gilgamesh, Homer and Virgil, and much more. You learn about different cultures and the surprisingly close ties between them. You approach these topics from different disciplinary perspectives, from archaeology and history to language and literature studies. Interested in what students do during a course? Check out this video essay.
You can tailor your degree to your own interests by choosing one of five specialisations: Archaeology, Ancient History, Ancient Near Eastern Studies, Ancient Greek or Latin. The programme has a small-scale setup and you enjoy close personal contact with your lecturers. You follow a number of courses together with students from the other ACASA programmes. You will also go on an excursion with them, for example to Sicily.
The Ancient Studies programme is offered in collaboration between the two Amsterdam universities, VU Amsterdam and the University of Amsterdam (UvA). These institutions have clustered their knowledge and expertise in the Amsterdam Centre for Ancient Studies and Archaeology (ACASA). All lectures are delivered on the UvA campus in the city centre, next to the Allard Pierson Museum. This combination makes for an inspiring and stimulating environment.
Would you prefer to follow this programme in Dutch? Take a look at Oudheidwetenschappen.
The start date of this programme is September 1st.
Choose a specialisation
Archaeology
Analyse the similarities and differences between European settlements by studying their remains. Gain deeper insight into ancient societies by investigating how they treated their dead.
Ancient History
How were international and political relations organised thousands of years ago? What do we know about the multicultural climate in antiquity? Studying Ancient History gives you a solid grip on the past.
Latin
Translate and interpret Latin texts from ancient historians such as Tacitus and Livius. Investigate in depth an important theme from post-Classical Latin literature.
Greek
Learn to read post-Classical Greek and identify the key characteristics of ancient historiography. Immerse yourself in texts about the Trojan War and by ancient historians such as Herodotus.
Ancient Near Eastern Studies
Learn to read cuneiform script and understand Akkadian, the precursor of Latin as the language of science. Deepen your knowledge about Mesopotamia, the birthplace of ancient civilisation.
First year
In the first year, you acquire a solid grounding in the cultural history of antiquity, including those elements of ancient cultures that survived into later periods. You examine the material and textual sources for our knowledge of antiquity. You follow courses such as What is Classic? about the canon, as well as courses on ancient philosophy and on cultural contacts between the Middle East and the Mediterranean region. You can also take elective courses to figure out which specialisation you would like to follow later.
Subjects
- A Cultural History of the Ancient World 1: The Near East and the Greek World
- English Language Test
- The Classical Canon 1: The Heritage of Antiquity
- A Cultural History of the Ancient World 2: The Hellenistic World, Italy and Rome
- Cultural Contact: East and West
- Historical sources
- Archaeology of Prehistoric and Roman Europe
- Classical Mythology
- Elementary Akkadian and A History of Ancient Mesopotamian Literature 1
- Material Sources
- Archaeology and Society
- Classics beyond Antiquity
- Elementary Akkadian and A History of Ancient Mesopotamian Literature 2
- Seminar Ancient History
- Ancient Philosophy
You can find the complete course overview for this year in the Study guide
Second year
In the second and third years, you move on to interdisciplinary modules such as The Mediterranean Region in Europe (on contacts between the inhabitants of the Mediterranean lands and Europe), Religion, and Lieux de Mémoire (on how people give meaning to places by associating them with stories). You also dive into your chosen specialisation of Archaeology.
Subjects
- Cultural Contact: Mediterranean Connections
- Philosophy of the Humanities (ACASA)
- Religion in Antiquity
- Past and Present: Critical Approaches to Antiquity and Archaeological Heritage
- ACASA Excursion
- The Classical Canon 2: The Sociology of Cultural Selection
- Classical Reception and Creative Writing
- What is Archaeology ?
- Archaeology of Cult
- Theory in Archaeology
- Field School 2
You can find the complete course overview for this year in the Study guide
Third year
In the third year, you choose a minor and write a Bachelor’s thesis in which you demonstrate your ability to address a topic from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Subjects
- Bachelor Thesis Ancient Studies
- Lieux de mémoire
- Archaeology and the City
- Death and Commemoration
You can find the complete course overview for this year in the Study guide
-
1st year
First year
In the first year, you acquire a solid grounding in the cultural history of antiquity, including those elements of ancient cultures that survived into later periods. You examine the material and textual sources for our knowledge of antiquity. You follow courses such as What is Classic? about the canon, as well as courses on ancient philosophy and on cultural contacts between the Middle East and the Mediterranean region. You can also take elective courses to figure out which specialisation you would like to follow later.
Subjects
- A Cultural History of the Ancient World 1: The Near East and the Greek World
- English Language Test
- The Classical Canon 1: The Heritage of Antiquity
- A Cultural History of the Ancient World 2: The Hellenistic World, Italy and Rome
- Cultural Contact: East and West
- Historical sources
- Archaeology of Prehistoric and Roman Europe
- Classical Mythology
- Elementary Akkadian and A History of Ancient Mesopotamian Literature 1
- Material Sources
- Archaeology and Society
- Classics beyond Antiquity
- Elementary Akkadian and A History of Ancient Mesopotamian Literature 2
- Seminar Ancient History
- Ancient Philosophy
You can find the complete course overview for this year in the Study guide
-
2nd year
Second year
In the second and third years, you move on to interdisciplinary modules such as The Mediterranean Region in Europe (on contacts between the inhabitants of the Mediterranean lands and Europe), Religion, and Lieux de Mémoire (on how people give meaning to places by associating them with stories). You also dive into your chosen specialisation of Archaeology.
Subjects
- Cultural Contact: Mediterranean Connections
- Philosophy of the Humanities (ACASA)
- Religion in Antiquity
- Past and Present: Critical Approaches to Antiquity and Archaeological Heritage
- ACASA Excursion
- The Classical Canon 2: The Sociology of Cultural Selection
- Classical Reception and Creative Writing
- What is Archaeology ?
- Archaeology of Cult
- Theory in Archaeology
- Field School 2
You can find the complete course overview for this year in the Study guide
-
3rd year
Third year
In the third year, you choose a minor and write a Bachelor’s thesis in which you demonstrate your ability to address a topic from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Subjects
- Bachelor Thesis Ancient Studies
- Lieux de mémoire
- Archaeology and the City
- Death and Commemoration
You can find the complete course overview for this year in the Study guide
First year
In the first year, you acquire a solid grounding in the cultural history of antiquity, including those elements of ancient cultures that survived into later periods. You examine the material and textual sources for our knowledge of antiquity. You follow courses such as What is Classic? about the canon, as well as courses on ancient philosophy and on cultural contacts between the Middle East and the Mediterranean region. You can also take elective courses to figure out which specialisation you would like to follow later.
Subjects
- A Cultural History of the Ancient World 1: The Near East and the Greek World
- English Language Test
- The Classical Canon 1: The Heritage of Antiquity
- A Cultural History of the Ancient World 2: The Hellenistic World, Italy and Rome
- Cultural Contact: East and West
- Historical sources
- Archaeology of Prehistoric and Roman Europe
- Classical Mythology
- Elementary Akkadian and A History of Ancient Mesopotamian Literature 1
- Material Sources
- Archaeology and Society
- Classics beyond Antiquity
- Elementary Akkadian and A History of Ancient Mesopotamian Literature 2
- Seminar Ancient History
- Ancient Philosophy
You can find the complete course overview for this year in the Study guide
Second year
In the second and third years, you move on to interdisciplinary modules such as The Mediterranean Region in Europe (on contacts between the inhabitants of the Mediterranean lands and Europe), Religion, and Lieux de Mémoire (on how people give meaning to places by associating them with stories). You also dive into your chosen specialisation of Ancient History
Subjects
- Cultural Contact: Mediterranean Connections
- Philosophy of the Humanities (ACASA)
- Religion in Antiquity
- Past and Present: Critical Approaches to Antiquity and Archaeological Heritage
- ACASA Excursion
- The Classical Canon 2: The Sociology of Cultural Selection
- Classical Reception and Creative Writing
- History and Culture of the Ancient Near East
- The Decline and Fall of Rome
- Politics and International Relations in Antiquity
You can find the complete course overview for this year in the Study guide
Third year
In the third year, you choose a minor and write a Bachelor’s thesis in which you demonstrate your ability to address a topic from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Subjects
- Bachelor Thesis Ancient Studies
- Lieux de mémoire
- In search of the Masses of Antiquity
- Seminar Heritage and Public History
You can find the complete course overview for this year in the Study guide
-
1st year
First year
In the first year, you acquire a solid grounding in the cultural history of antiquity, including those elements of ancient cultures that survived into later periods. You examine the material and textual sources for our knowledge of antiquity. You follow courses such as What is Classic? about the canon, as well as courses on ancient philosophy and on cultural contacts between the Middle East and the Mediterranean region. You can also take elective courses to figure out which specialisation you would like to follow later.
Subjects
- A Cultural History of the Ancient World 1: The Near East and the Greek World
- English Language Test
- The Classical Canon 1: The Heritage of Antiquity
- A Cultural History of the Ancient World 2: The Hellenistic World, Italy and Rome
- Cultural Contact: East and West
- Historical sources
- Archaeology of Prehistoric and Roman Europe
- Classical Mythology
- Elementary Akkadian and A History of Ancient Mesopotamian Literature 1
- Material Sources
- Archaeology and Society
- Classics beyond Antiquity
- Elementary Akkadian and A History of Ancient Mesopotamian Literature 2
- Seminar Ancient History
- Ancient Philosophy
You can find the complete course overview for this year in the Study guide
-
2nd year
Second year
In the second and third years, you move on to interdisciplinary modules such as The Mediterranean Region in Europe (on contacts between the inhabitants of the Mediterranean lands and Europe), Religion, and Lieux de Mémoire (on how people give meaning to places by associating them with stories). You also dive into your chosen specialisation of Ancient History
Subjects
- Cultural Contact: Mediterranean Connections
- Philosophy of the Humanities (ACASA)
- Religion in Antiquity
- Past and Present: Critical Approaches to Antiquity and Archaeological Heritage
- ACASA Excursion
- The Classical Canon 2: The Sociology of Cultural Selection
- Classical Reception and Creative Writing
- History and Culture of the Ancient Near East
- The Decline and Fall of Rome
- Politics and International Relations in Antiquity
You can find the complete course overview for this year in the Study guide
-
3rd year
Third year
In the third year, you choose a minor and write a Bachelor’s thesis in which you demonstrate your ability to address a topic from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Subjects
- Bachelor Thesis Ancient Studies
- Lieux de mémoire
- In search of the Masses of Antiquity
- Seminar Heritage and Public History
You can find the complete course overview for this year in the Study guide
First year
In the first year, you acquire a solid grounding in the cultural history of antiquity, including those elements of ancient cultures that survived into later periods. You examine the material and textual sources for our knowledge of antiquity. You follow courses such as What is Classic? about the canon, as well as courses on ancient philosophy and on cultural contacts between the Middle East and the Mediterranean region. You can also take elective courses to figure out which specialisation you would like to follow later.
Subjects
- A Cultural History of the Ancient World 1: The Near East and the Greek World
- English Language Test
- The Classical Canon 1: The Heritage of Antiquity
- A Cultural History of the Ancient World 2: The Hellenistic World, Italy and Rome
- Cultural Contact: East and West
- Historical sources
- Archaeology of Prehistoric and Roman Europe
- Classical Mythology
- Elementary Akkadian and A History of Ancient Mesopotamian Literature 1
- Material Sources
- Archaeology and Society
- Classics beyond Antiquity
- Elementary Akkadian and A History of Ancient Mesopotamian Literature 2
- Seminar Ancient History
- Ancient Philosophy
You can find the complete course overview for this year in the Study guide
Second year
In the second and third years, you move on to interdisciplinary modules such as The Mediterranean Region in Europe (on contacts between the inhabitants of the Mediterranean lands and Europe), Religion, and Lieux de Mémoire (on how people give meaning to places by associating them with stories). You also dive into your chosen specialisation of Latin.
Subjects
- Cultural Contact: Mediterranean Connections
- Philosophy of the Humanities
- Religion in Antiquity
- Past and Present: Critical Approaches to Antiquity and Archaeological Heritage
- ACASA Excursion
- The Classical Canon 2: The Sociology of Cultural Selection
- Reception Studies and Creative Writing
- Latin 1: Grammar, Poetry and Prose
- Latin 2: Grammar, Poetry and Prose
- Latin 3: Rhetorical Prose and Syntax
You can find the complete course overview for this year in the Study guide
Third year
In the third year, you choose a minor and write a Bachelor’s thesis in which you demonstrate your ability to address a topic from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Subjects
- Bachelor Thesis Ancient Studies
- Lieux de mémoire
- Latin Epic: Virgil
- Latin Literature from Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages
You can find the complete course overview for this year in the Study guide
-
1st year
First year
In the first year, you acquire a solid grounding in the cultural history of antiquity, including those elements of ancient cultures that survived into later periods. You examine the material and textual sources for our knowledge of antiquity. You follow courses such as What is Classic? about the canon, as well as courses on ancient philosophy and on cultural contacts between the Middle East and the Mediterranean region. You can also take elective courses to figure out which specialisation you would like to follow later.
Subjects
- A Cultural History of the Ancient World 1: The Near East and the Greek World
- English Language Test
- The Classical Canon 1: The Heritage of Antiquity
- A Cultural History of the Ancient World 2: The Hellenistic World, Italy and Rome
- Cultural Contact: East and West
- Historical sources
- Archaeology of Prehistoric and Roman Europe
- Classical Mythology
- Elementary Akkadian and A History of Ancient Mesopotamian Literature 1
- Material Sources
- Archaeology and Society
- Classics beyond Antiquity
- Elementary Akkadian and A History of Ancient Mesopotamian Literature 2
- Seminar Ancient History
- Ancient Philosophy
You can find the complete course overview for this year in the Study guide
-
2nd year
Second year
In the second and third years, you move on to interdisciplinary modules such as The Mediterranean Region in Europe (on contacts between the inhabitants of the Mediterranean lands and Europe), Religion, and Lieux de Mémoire (on how people give meaning to places by associating them with stories). You also dive into your chosen specialisation of Latin.
Subjects
- Cultural Contact: Mediterranean Connections
- Philosophy of the Humanities
- Religion in Antiquity
- Past and Present: Critical Approaches to Antiquity and Archaeological Heritage
- ACASA Excursion
- The Classical Canon 2: The Sociology of Cultural Selection
- Reception Studies and Creative Writing
- Latin 1: Grammar, Poetry and Prose
- Latin 2: Grammar, Poetry and Prose
- Latin 3: Rhetorical Prose and Syntax
You can find the complete course overview for this year in the Study guide
-
3rd year
Third year
In the third year, you choose a minor and write a Bachelor’s thesis in which you demonstrate your ability to address a topic from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Subjects
- Bachelor Thesis Ancient Studies
- Lieux de mémoire
- Latin Epic: Virgil
- Latin Literature from Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages
You can find the complete course overview for this year in the Study guide
First year
In the first year, you acquire a solid grounding in the cultural history of antiquity, including those elements of ancient cultures that survived into later periods. You examine the material and textual sources for our knowledge of antiquity. You follow courses such as What is Classic? about the canon, as well as courses on ancient philosophy and on cultural contacts between the Middle East and the Mediterranean region. You can also take elective courses to figure out which specialisation you would like to follow later.
Subjects
- A Cultural History of the Ancient World 1: The Near East and the Greek World
- English Language Test
- The Classical Canon 1: The Heritage of Antiquity
- A Cultural History of the Ancient World 2: The Hellenistic World, Italy and Rome
- Cultural Contact: East and West
- Historical sources
- Archaeology of Prehistoric and Roman Europe
- Classical Mythology
- Elementary Akkadian and A History of Ancient Mesopotamian Literature 1
- Material Sources
- Archaeology and Society
- Classics beyond Antiquity
- Elementary Akkadian and A History of Ancient Mesopotamian Literature 2
- Seminar Ancient History
- Ancient Philosophy
You can find the complete course overview for this year in the Study guide
Second year
In the second and third years, you move on to interdisciplinary modules such as The Mediterranean Region in Europe (on contacts between the inhabitants of the Mediterranean lands and Europe), Religion, and Lieux de Mémoire (on how people give meaning to places by associating them with stories). You also dive into your chosen specialisation of Greek.
Subjects
- Cultural Contact: Mediterranean Connections
- Philosophy of the Humanities
- Religion in Antiquity
- Past and Present: Critical Approaches to Antiquity and Archaeological Heritage
- ACASA Excursion
- The Classical Canon 2: The Sociology of Cultural Selection
- Reception Studies and Creative Writing
- Greek 1: Grammar, Poetry and Prose
- Greek 2: Grammar, Poetry and Prose
- Greek 3: Plato and Grammar
You can find the complete course overview for this year in the Study guide
Third year
In the third year, you choose a minor and write a Bachelor’s thesis in which you demonstrate your ability to address a topic from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Subjects
- Bachelor Thesis Ancient Studies
- Lieux de mémoire
- Greek Epic: Homerus
- Greek Literature from Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages
You can find the complete course overview for this year in the Study guide
-
1st year
First year
In the first year, you acquire a solid grounding in the cultural history of antiquity, including those elements of ancient cultures that survived into later periods. You examine the material and textual sources for our knowledge of antiquity. You follow courses such as What is Classic? about the canon, as well as courses on ancient philosophy and on cultural contacts between the Middle East and the Mediterranean region. You can also take elective courses to figure out which specialisation you would like to follow later.
Subjects
- A Cultural History of the Ancient World 1: The Near East and the Greek World
- English Language Test
- The Classical Canon 1: The Heritage of Antiquity
- A Cultural History of the Ancient World 2: The Hellenistic World, Italy and Rome
- Cultural Contact: East and West
- Historical sources
- Archaeology of Prehistoric and Roman Europe
- Classical Mythology
- Elementary Akkadian and A History of Ancient Mesopotamian Literature 1
- Material Sources
- Archaeology and Society
- Classics beyond Antiquity
- Elementary Akkadian and A History of Ancient Mesopotamian Literature 2
- Seminar Ancient History
- Ancient Philosophy
You can find the complete course overview for this year in the Study guide
-
2nd year
Second year
In the second and third years, you move on to interdisciplinary modules such as The Mediterranean Region in Europe (on contacts between the inhabitants of the Mediterranean lands and Europe), Religion, and Lieux de Mémoire (on how people give meaning to places by associating them with stories). You also dive into your chosen specialisation of Greek.
Subjects
- Cultural Contact: Mediterranean Connections
- Philosophy of the Humanities
- Religion in Antiquity
- Past and Present: Critical Approaches to Antiquity and Archaeological Heritage
- ACASA Excursion
- The Classical Canon 2: The Sociology of Cultural Selection
- Reception Studies and Creative Writing
- Greek 1: Grammar, Poetry and Prose
- Greek 2: Grammar, Poetry and Prose
- Greek 3: Plato and Grammar
You can find the complete course overview for this year in the Study guide
-
3rd year
Third year
In the third year, you choose a minor and write a Bachelor’s thesis in which you demonstrate your ability to address a topic from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Subjects
- Bachelor Thesis Ancient Studies
- Lieux de mémoire
- Greek Epic: Homerus
- Greek Literature from Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages
You can find the complete course overview for this year in the Study guide
First year
In the first year, you acquire a solid grounding in the cultural history of antiquity, including those elements of ancient cultures that survived into later periods. You examine the material and textual sources for our knowledge of antiquity. You follow courses such as What is Classic? about the canon, as well as courses on ancient philosophy and on cultural contacts between the Middle East and the Mediterranean region. You can also take elective courses to figure out which specialisation you would like to follow later.
Subjects
- A Cultural History of the Ancient World 1: The Near East and the Greek World
- English Language Test
- The Classical Canon 1: The Heritage of Antiquity
- A Cultural History of the Ancient World 2: The Hellenistic World, Italy and Rome
- Cultural Contact: East and West
- Historical sources
- Archaeology of Prehistoric and Roman Europe
- Classical Mythology
- Elementary Akkadian and A History of Ancient Mesopotamian Literature 1
- Material Sources
- Archaeology and Society
- Classics beyond Antiquity
- Elementary Akkadian and A History of Ancient Mesopotamian Literature 2
- Seminar Ancient History
- Ancient Philosophy
You can find the complete course overview for this year in the Study guide
Second year
In the second and third years, you move on to interdisciplinary modules such as The Mediterranean Region in Europe (on contacts between the inhabitants of the Mediterranean lands and Europe), Religion, and Lieux de Mémoire (on how people give meaning to places by associating them with stories). You also dive into your chosen specialisation, Ancient Near Eastern Studies.
Subjects
- Cultural Contact: Mediterranean Connections
- Philosophy of the Humanities (ACASA)
- Religion in Antiquity
- Past and Present: Critical Approaches to Antiquity and Archaeological Heritage
- ACASA Excursion
- The Classical Canon 2: The Sociology of Cultural Selection
- Classical Reception and Creative Writing
- History and Culture of the Ancient Near East
- Archaeology of the Ancient Near East
- Assyrian Historical Texts
You can find the complete course overview for this year in the Study guide
Third year
In the third year, you choose a minor and write a Bachelor’s thesis in which you demonstrate your ability to address a topic from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Subjects
- Bachelor Thesis Ancient Studies
- Lieux de mémoire
- Intermediate Akkadian
- Assyrian Historical Texts
You can find the complete course overview for this year in the Study guide
-
1st year
First year
In the first year, you acquire a solid grounding in the cultural history of antiquity, including those elements of ancient cultures that survived into later periods. You examine the material and textual sources for our knowledge of antiquity. You follow courses such as What is Classic? about the canon, as well as courses on ancient philosophy and on cultural contacts between the Middle East and the Mediterranean region. You can also take elective courses to figure out which specialisation you would like to follow later.
Subjects
- A Cultural History of the Ancient World 1: The Near East and the Greek World
- English Language Test
- The Classical Canon 1: The Heritage of Antiquity
- A Cultural History of the Ancient World 2: The Hellenistic World, Italy and Rome
- Cultural Contact: East and West
- Historical sources
- Archaeology of Prehistoric and Roman Europe
- Classical Mythology
- Elementary Akkadian and A History of Ancient Mesopotamian Literature 1
- Material Sources
- Archaeology and Society
- Classics beyond Antiquity
- Elementary Akkadian and A History of Ancient Mesopotamian Literature 2
- Seminar Ancient History
- Ancient Philosophy
You can find the complete course overview for this year in the Study guide
-
2nd year
Second year
In the second and third years, you move on to interdisciplinary modules such as The Mediterranean Region in Europe (on contacts between the inhabitants of the Mediterranean lands and Europe), Religion, and Lieux de Mémoire (on how people give meaning to places by associating them with stories). You also dive into your chosen specialisation, Ancient Near Eastern Studies.
Subjects
- Cultural Contact: Mediterranean Connections
- Philosophy of the Humanities (ACASA)
- Religion in Antiquity
- Past and Present: Critical Approaches to Antiquity and Archaeological Heritage
- ACASA Excursion
- The Classical Canon 2: The Sociology of Cultural Selection
- Classical Reception and Creative Writing
- History and Culture of the Ancient Near East
- Archaeology of the Ancient Near East
- Assyrian Historical Texts
You can find the complete course overview for this year in the Study guide
-
3rd year
Third year
In the third year, you choose a minor and write a Bachelor’s thesis in which you demonstrate your ability to address a topic from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Subjects
- Bachelor Thesis Ancient Studies
- Lieux de mémoire
- Intermediate Akkadian
- Assyrian Historical Texts
You can find the complete course overview for this year in the Study guide
Change your future with the Ancient Studies programme
After the Bachelor’s you can specialise further by following a Master’s programme. As a graduate of Ancient Studies you could work as an information manager or a policy officer in government or the business sector, or as a school teacher.
