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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes History - Research Classical, Medieval and Early Modern Studies - Research
Header image Classical, Medieval and Early Modern Studies

Classical, Medieval and Early Modern Studies

Are you interested in the history, literature or culture of classical, medieval or early modern civilizations? Do you aspire to a career in research? This Research Master's track is just what you are looking for.

This two-year Research Master's track focuses on Classical Antiquity, the Middle Ages and Early Modernity in Europe and the Middle East. The programme gives you the opportunity to specialize in your chosen area of research, as well as to explore the similarities and differences between the range of periods studied within the programme. You receive a thorough training in today’s relevant research tools for studying the premodern world, including digital humanities.

Classical, Medieval and Early Modern Studies offers a multidisciplinary and international environment. Depending on your background and research interests, you can choose to concentrate on one or more of the areas (History, Literature or Classics) within this interdisciplinary programme.

You can design your own research profile to fit your interests. The programme provides specialist, tailor-made tutorials and courses on theory and method. You collaborate with our top researchers on their academic projects and can spend a study period abroad at one of our partner universities. To complete your studies you write an MA thesis on a subject of your own choice and specialisation, which will give you a firm basis for further studies at PhD level.

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Facts & Figures
Degree
MA in History (research)
Course type
Research master
Duration
24 months (120 ECTS)
Croho code
60139
Language of instruction
English
Start
February, September
Faculty
Arts
Why study this programme in Groningen?
  • Intensive supervision by internationally known researchers in small groups of students
  • Opportunity to study your own specialty, as well as to benefit from a unique interdisciplinary context
  • A tailor-made programme that trains students to deepen their specialist knowledge and skills according to their research interests though individual tutorials
  • The opportunity to take part in excellent research projects in master placements
Programme

Students take three core modules in the first year. Approaches to Antiquity, the Middle Ages and Early Modern Times offers a theoretical and methodological overview of interdisciplinary analysis and includes an excursion. Digital Approaches to the Premodern World familiarizes students with the field of digital humanities and their uses in premodern studies. In the CMEMS Seminar students will organize a small-scale academic conference.

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Digital Appr. to the Premodern World (5 EC)
Approaches: Antiquity, Middle Ages, EMT (10 EC)
Research seminar I (15 EC)
CMEMS Seminar (10 EC)
Research Seminar II (10 EC)
Research Seminar III (10 EC)

The second year comprises the Master Thesis and the core module Careers in Research and Society, which prepares students for the labour market as academics trained in the specific interdisciplinary field of Classical, Medieval, and Early Modern Studies. It includes workshops on how to write a PhD proposal and find PhD positions. The Master Thesis allows students to write a substantial study of independent academic research on their chosen area of specialization.

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
CMEMS: Specialization 1 (10 EC, optional)
CMEMS: Specialization 2 (10 EC, optional)
CMEMS: Specialization 3 (5 EC, optional)
Careers in Research and Society (5 EC)
ReMa Thesis CMEMS incl. Preparation (30 EC)

Curriculum

Students shape 60 ECTS of their programme individually in consultation with the Director of Studies: 20 ECTS should be chosen from the seminars offered by the Master's programmes in History, Classics and Literary Studies. 10 ECTS of the programme consists of seminars taken at the Dutch National Research Schools. For the remaining 30 ECTS students may take research seminars offered by other Dutch or foreign universities, arrange individual or group tutorials, or take up a research placement.

Please note that individual courses may possibly still change in the event of a programme change.

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is optional
  • For an average of 16 weeks
  • Maximum of 30 EC
Entry requirements

Transfer options

Transferring from...

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
History (part-time)All Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

This programme has a selection procedure.

Classics (part-time)All Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

This programme has a selection procedure.

English Language and CultureAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

This programme has a selection procedure.

Dutch Language and CultureAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

This programme has a selection procedure.

European Languages and CulturesAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

This programme has a selection procedure.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
English Language and CultureUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

This programme has a selection procedure.

European Languages and CulturesUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

This programme has a selection procedure.

History (part-time)University of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

This programme has a selection procedure.

Classics (part-time)University of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

This programme has a selection procedure.

Dutch Language and CultureUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

This programme has a selection procedure.

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

BA degree in:

  • History
  • Classics
  • Medieval Studies
  • a European language and culture study (with a specialization in literature and culture)
  • another related field
grade list

An excellent academic record: An overview of the results achieved so far within the Bachelor's degree programme and/or other university degree programmes is required.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

A Curriculum Vitae (CV)

language test

Additional English language requirement: A VWO diploma or a subject certificate for VWO English (mark 6 or higher), minimum requirement of TOEFL iBT 100 (with a minimum score on speaking and writing of 25 (each)), or an IELTS score of 7 (with a minimum of 6.5 on all items). Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum score of 185.

reference letter

Two personal letters of recommendation from staff members who can comment on the students' affinity with and capacities for research.

(motivation-) letter

A letter outlining the prospective student's motivation for selecting the programme and Research Master's track, including their expectations and interests.

other admission requirements

Furthermore, the selection procedure is also based on an evaluation of degree certificates, individual results and the thesis or paper.

Selection procedure

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

Prospective students are required to have demonstrable knowledge at Bachelor's level oflanguages, cultures or history of Classical Antiquity, the Middle Ages, or the Early Modern period. Examples of these types of Bachelor's programmes are:

  • History
  • Classics
  • Medieval Studies
  • a European language and culture study (with a specialization in literature and culture)
  • another related field
grade list

An excellent academic record: An overview of the results achieved so far within the Bachelor's degree programme and/or other university degree programmes is required.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

A Curriculum Vitae (CV)

language test

Additional English language requirement: A VWO diploma or a subject certificate for VWO English (mark 6 or higher), minimum requirement of TOEFL iBT 100 (with a minimum score for speaking and writing of 25 (each)), or an IELTS score of 7 (with a minimum of 6.5 on all items). Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum score of 185.

reference letter

Two personal letters of recommendation from staff members who can comment on the students' affinity with and capacities for research.

(motivation-) letter

A letter outlining the prospective student's motivation for selecting the programme and Research Master's track, including their expectations and interests.

other admission requirements

Furthermore, the selection procedure is also based on an evaluation of degree certificates, individual results and the thesis or paper.

Selection procedure

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 18700full-time

Practical information for:

After your studies

Job prospects

Classical, Medieval and Early Modern Studies offers many opportunities for developing academic and professional skills and knowledge. Among others, the module Careers in Research and Society will help students to identify and sharpen their skills set acquired during their studies. After graduation, many of our students will endeavour to obtain a place as a PhD researcher.

Students are informed about the possibilities and pitfalls involved in applying for PhD positions inside and outside the University of Groningen. Each student will have to include a PhD proposal in his or her Master's thesis. Approximately 50% of our alumni have successfully obtained a PhD position.

Students also have the opportunity to build up experience in the form of internships in a cultural institution with a research component, such as Tresoar in Leeuwarden or the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) in Amsterdam.

Finally, we want to cater for students who wish to pursue a career in teaching. To this end we have created a fast track that allows students to integrate part of the Master of Arts in Teaching programme into their own programme.

Job examples

  • Historic researcher
  • Journalist
  • Teacher
  • Employee of a Library
  • Employee of a Museum
  • Employee of a Cultural Organization
Research

The Master's track, which is offered by the Graduate School for the Humanities, is linked to excellent, multidisciplinary research which is carried out at the Groningen Research Institute for the Study of Culture (ICOG) and the national research schools.

Research MA students are required to participate in seminars, courses and summer schools organized by the Dutch national research schools. These 'schools' are organized for the training of PhD students, but some activities are open to or specially set up for you. These events give you, as a Research MA student, the opportunity to deepen your disciplinary profile and to become acquainted with top researchers in your field. You can participate in the following research schools:

Students may also be given the opportunity to do excellent research in a master placement which will be awarded with ECTS.

Classical, Medieval and Early Modern Studies takes part in the International Summer School Things That Matter, a collaborative U4 Project with the University of Uppsala and Durham University. Things That Matter focuses on digital humanities and addresses the tension between the materiality of sources and their digitization.

Students of Classical, Medieval and Early Modern Studies participate in many research projects that also reach a wider public. They regularly curate virtual exhibitions based on the treasures of their academic libraries, an example of which can bne found on the Special Collection site of the University of Groningen. You may also like to browse through the other virtual exhibitions on the site.

Every year, CMEMS students organize a conference as part of the course. In 2023 the topic was ‘Facets of Feelings’.

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Contact

  • Ask Your Question Here (Please fill in this contact form, we will answer you as soon as possible.)
  • Prof. Dr. Felix Budelmann (Programme Coordinator)
    Email: f.j.budelmann rug.nl
  • Caroline Dijkema (Study Advisor)
    Email: cmems.advice rug.nl
  • Manou Jonink (coordinator: for all questions regarding application)
    Email: rema.arts rug.nl

NL Scholarships

The University of Groningen offers NL Scholarships to international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who want to do their master’s in the Netherlands. Read more on the NL Scholarships and on how to apply.
Read more

Master's degree programmes in Classics, Literary Studies and History

The Faculty of Arts also offers one year master’s degree programmes in Classics, Literary Studies and History.

Read more

Study associations

Ubbo Emmius

Ubbo Emmius is the study association of the History department at the University of Groningen.
The association organizes a broad set of activities year-round. These can vary from social, study related, career or even activities that focus on all together. Not only this, but you can also get a nice discount on all your study books if you order them through us. The organization of the activities lies, for the main part, with the 17 committees that Ubbo has. There is for example the Career Committee, the Party Committee, the Travel Committee and the list goes on. All in all being a member of Ubbo is a great addition to your time as a student! For a full overview of who we are and what we do, you can take a look on our website or social media.
https://www.ubbo-emmius.nl/home

Synthesis

Synthesis is the new study association for all Research Master students from the Faculty of Arts. Synthesis is both a social network and a platform for the academic development of young scholars. Given our shared interest in academic research, Synthesis organizes a variety of seminars, lectures and workshops about academic skills or career strategy with interesting speakers from different fields.
Synthesis also aims to create and maintain an active Research Master community by organizing social activities such as drinks, dinners and fun trips. Join our Facebook group for more information.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/468316950175210/
Read more
Study support

In their first year, each student will have an academic mentor with an expertise in their chosen field of interest. Besides, study advisors are available to help students with more personal questions related to their studies.