MA

עברית

MA in Classical Studies

Overview
Our Master’s program in Classical Studies explores the fascinating worlds of ancient Greece and Rome. Students dive into a wide range of topics including:

  • Greek and Latin language and linguistics
  • Greek and/or Roman literature
  • History of the ancient Greek and Roman worlds
  • Ancient philosophy
  • Greek and Roman art
  • Political theory and government in antiquity
  • Hellenistic and Roman Judaism
  • Classical reception (how classical texts, images, and ideas are interpreted and reimagined across time)

 

Study Tracks
You can choose between two tracks:

Track A: Research Track (with thesis)

Track B: Non-Research Track (coursework-based)

 

Areas of Study
Students select one of three focus areas within the MA program:

1. Classical Studies
Available in both Track A (thesis) and Track B (non-thesis).
Applicants must have an undergraduate background in classical studies and proficiency in either Ancient Greek or Latin.
Additional coursework may be required to fill any gaps.

2. Greek and Roman Culture
Available only in Track B (non-thesis).
This track does not require knowledge of ancient languages and is open to all students, even those without a background in classical studies.

3. Classical Reception
Available in both Track A and Track B.
No prior experience in classical studies is needed.
Students who have studied, or begin to study, Greek or Latin during the MA may choose to write a thesis.

 

Admission Requirements

  • Track A (thesis): Undergraduate degree in classical studies, GPA of 76 or higher, and proficiency in at least one ancient language (Greek or Latin).
  • Track B (non-thesis): Undergraduate GPA of 76 or higher. No prior background in classical studies required.

Admission to the MA is conditional on the student spending a required period of time on campus, this will be arranged with the department head.

 

Track A – Research Track

Credit Requirements
12 annual credits (24 semester credits), including two seminars and courses that involve reading classical texts in their original languages.
Students in this track may be eligible to continue on to PhD studies, provided they demonstrate proficiency in both Greek and Latin.

Thesis & Final Exam

  • Thesis guidelines follow the School of Graduate Studies’ regulations.
  • The final exam will be based on your thesis and its accompanying bibliography.
  • A research proposal must be submitted by the end of your first year, and no later than the end of the fall semester in your second year.

 

Track B: Non-Research Track

Credit Requirements
18 annual credits (36 semester credits), including:

  • 2 seminars (4 annual credits / 8 semester credits)
  • 14 annual credits (28 semester credits) from additional courses, ideally with readings in original ancient languages.

Whenever possible, coursework will be tailored specifically for MA students.

 

Final Exam
The exam is based on a reading list assigned by the department head.

Additional Requirements

Students who did not earn their BA at Bar-Ilan University must also complete 8 semester-based credits in Basic Jewish Studies or General Courses.

You can explore the General Courses catalogue here.

For more on student life - including visas, housing, healthcare, and much more - visit BIU International School Essential Information page.