COURSE CURRICULUM

Leiden University’s MA in Assyriology, part of the Classics and Ancient Civilizations program, is a 60 EC program spread over two semesters, designed to provide advanced knowledge of the languages, literatures, and cultures of ancient Mesopotamia and Anatolia. In the first semester, students select three elective courses from the Assyriology program, allowing them to focus on language acquisition in Akkadian, Sumerian, or Hittite, or on advanced readings of cuneiform texts, their epigraphy, and their historical and archaeological contexts. These courses provide both linguistic and contextual expertise, enabling students to interpret primary sources and understand the social, political, and cultural frameworks in which these texts were produced.In the second semester, students choose one course that aligns with their individual research interests. This flexible structure ensures that each student can tailor their learning to support their thesis project and future academic goals. Throughout the program, students are closely guided by Leiden’s small but dedicated staff of active researchers, who provide individual supervision and mentorship. This allows students to develop a research question or hypothesis of their own formulation, which forms the basis of the master’s thesis. The thesis represents the culmination of the MA in Assyriology, demonstrating the student’s ability to conduct independent research, engage critically with primary and secondary sources, and contribute original insights to the field.The program combines rigorous language training, critical engagement with texts, and contextual analysis of material culture, preparing graduates for careers in academia, museums, and cultural heritage institutions. It also provides an excellent foundation for further doctoral study in Assyriology or related fields. Through this comprehensive approach, the MA equips students with the skills, knowledge, and methodological expertise necessary to study one of the earliest and most influential civilizations in human history.