COURSE CURRICULUM

The research master’s in Hebrew and Aramaic Studies at Leiden University, a specialisation of the Classics and Ancient Civilizations (Research) program, provides advanced training in the languages, literatures, and cultural history of the ancient Near East. The department offers exceptional expertise in historical-comparative approaches to Hebrew and Aramaic, as well as other closely related but less commonly taught languages such as Ugaritic, Phoenician, and Punic. Leiden is one of the few places in the world where these subjects are offered with such depth, making the program particularly attractive to students seeking a rigorous and wide-ranging education in Semitic philology and ancient cultures.As part of the two-year program, students share two compulsory Common Courses with peers from other Classics and Ancient Civilizations (Research) specialisations. These courses foster dialogue across disciplines and encourage students to investigate cultural phenomena that reach beyond their own field. By engaging with recent trends in scholarship, students learn to situate their research within broader academic contexts while benefiting from cross-disciplinary perspectives. The exact themes of these courses may change from year to year, reflecting the dynamic nature of ongoing research.In addition to coursework, students develop their independent research skills throughout the program, culminating in the thesis written during the fourth semester. Alongside close supervision, the Research Career Seminar supports students in the process by refining their academic writing and presentation skills. Importantly, the seminar also trains students to formulate research proposals that meet the requirements of institutions such as the Dutch Research Council (NWO), thereby preparing them for further doctoral study or academic careers.Altogether, the research master’s in Hebrew and Aramaic Studies combines deep linguistic and cultural expertise with practical research training. It provides an excellent foundation for pursuing a PhD or for professional careers in academia, cultural heritage, publishing, and related fields.