At a glance
24 mo
Duration
6.5
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
nl
Language
Master's
Level
- 60 ECTSStudy load
- Focus on Mediterranean World (2000 BCE - 500 CE)Period of study
- Specialization options in Greek and/or Roman historyStudy focus
- Optional internship for career preparationPractical experience
- Access to Trismegistos databaseResearch resource
- International environmentGlobal perspective
The Master of Arts in Ancient History is a specialized program focusing on the period from 2000 BCE to 500 CE, with a particular emphasis on the Mediterranean world. This program is unique in Flanders for its dedicated focus on antiquity. You will explore political, economic, religious, and social issues of ancient cultures, utilizing primary sources such as papyri, letters, and testaments to gain deep insights into the lives of ancient peoples. The curriculum is closely aligned with current research in the field, offering you direct engagement with ongoing academic projects and discoveries. You can tailor your studies to your specific interests, choosing to specialize in either the Greek or Roman world, or both. This allows for a nuanced understanding of both contemporary developments and the long historical trajectories that shaped Greek-Roman civilization as a foundation of Western culture. The program also encourages practical preparation for the job market through optional internships and offers opportunities for international exposure via professors and fellow students from around the globe, as well as an Erasmus exchange.
Curriculum
The program consists of compulsory courses, elective courses, and a master's thesis. You can choose to focus on either Roman or Greek history within the compulsory components. The program structure allows for flexibility through two elective courses or one elective course combined with an internship. The Master's Thesis is the capstone of the program, requiring you to conduct independent research and produce an original scholarly study. This develops crucial skills in research, analysis, and academic reporting, highly valued in the job market.
- Year 1
- Compulsory Courses (focus on Greek or Roman world)
- Elective Courses or Internship
- Year 2
- Master's Thesis
Careers
Graduates possess broad historical expertise and strong, transferable skills, opening up diverse career paths. Your analytical abilities, critical thinking, language proficiency, and clear communication style are highly valued across various sectors.
- Education (teaching)
- Cultural sector (archivist, librarian, curator, guide, museum researcher)
- Publishing
- Cultural centers
- Tourism
- Government administration
- Banking and insurance (administrative or commercial roles)
Frequently asked questions
- What are the general admission requirements for the Master of Arts in Ancient History?
- You typically need a Bachelor's degree in History with a specialization in Ancient History for direct admission. Other related Bachelor's degrees may require a preparatory program. Proof of English proficiency is required for non-native English speakers from specific countries.
- What English language proficiency tests are accepted, and what are the minimum scores?
- Accepted tests include IELTS Academic (minimum 6.5 overall), TOEFL iBT (minimum 79 overall), Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) (minimum C1), and Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) (minimum C2). ITACE C1 or C2 is also accepted if taken in Belgium.
- When is the application period for the Master of Arts in Ancient History?
- The application period for the 2026-2027 academic year opens on October 16, 2025. The specific deadlines are March 1, 2026, for non-EEA citizens, and June 1, 2026, for EEA citizens and non-EEA citizens with a Belgian permit.
- How are tuition fees determined for this programme?
- Tuition fees are calculated based on your registration type and the number of study points you take. You should use the KU Leuven tuition fee tool to find the exact amount, as it is not specified directly.
- What is the duration and structure of the Master of Arts in Ancient History programme?
- The programme is structured over two years. Year 1 includes compulsory courses focusing on the Greek or Roman world, and elective courses or an internship. Year 2 is dedicated to the Master's Thesis.
- What are the career prospects after graduating from this programme?
- Graduates are well-suited for roles in education, the cultural sector (archivist, librarian, curator), publishing, tourism, and government administration. Further opportunities include doctoral studies and academic research.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's degree in History (specialization Ancient History)Direct admission
Other related Bachelor's degreesMay require completion of a preparatory program.
IELTS Academic6.5 overall
TOEFL iBT79 overall
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)C1
Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)C2
ITACE C1 or C2Accepted (only in Belgium)
Applicants who have not obtained a previous diploma in English in Australia, English-speaking Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, or the USA must provide proof of English proficiency. Specific program requirements may list higher scores or specific sub-scores.
Fees
Tuition (international)Please use the KU Leuven tuition fee tool for the exact amount.
Tuition (home)Please use the KU Leuven tuition fee tool for the exact amount.
LivingNot specified, but estimated costs for study and living are available.
Tuition fees are calculated based on your registration type and number of study points. Payment is due two weeks after receiving the invoice. Cash or credit card payments are not accepted.
How to apply
1. Check Admission RequirementsEnsure you meet the academic and language proficiency requirements for the Master of Arts in Ancient History.
2. Prepare Application DocumentsGather all necessary documents, including academic transcripts, diplomas, and language test results. Specific documents may be required for verification.
3. Submit ApplicationSubmit your application through the KU Leuven application portal within the specified deadlines.
4. Await Admission DecisionYou will be notified of the admission decision. Contact the Admissions Officer for any application-related questions.
5. Registration and PaymentUpon admission, you will receive an invoice for tuition fees. Payment is due within two weeks. Note that cash or credit card payments are not accepted.
Frequently asked questions
What are the general admission requirements for the Master of Arts in Ancient History?
+
You typically need a Bachelor's degree in History with a specialization in Ancient History for direct admission. Other related Bachelor's degrees may require a preparatory program. Proof of English proficiency is required for non-native English speakers from specific countries.
What English language proficiency tests are accepted, and what are the minimum scores?
+
Accepted tests include IELTS Academic (minimum 6.5 overall), TOEFL iBT (minimum 79 overall), Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) (minimum C1), and Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) (minimum C2). ITACE C1 or C2 is also accepted if taken in Belgium.
When is the application period for the Master of Arts in Ancient History?
+
The application period for the 2026-2027 academic year opens on October 16, 2025. The specific deadlines are March 1, 2026, for non-EEA citizens, and June 1, 2026, for EEA citizens and non-EEA citizens with a Belgian permit.
How are tuition fees determined for this programme?
+
Tuition fees are calculated based on your registration type and the number of study points you take. You should use the KU Leuven tuition fee tool to find the exact amount, as it is not specified directly.
What is the duration and structure of the Master of Arts in Ancient History programme?
+
The programme is structured over two years. Year 1 includes compulsory courses focusing on the Greek or Roman world, and elective courses or an internship. Year 2 is dedicated to the Master's Thesis.
What are the career prospects after graduating from this programme?
+
Graduates are well-suited for roles in education, the cultural sector (archivist, librarian, curator), publishing, tourism, and government administration. Further opportunities include doctoral studies and academic research.