Faculty of Humanities

Degree Programs

Master's in Classics

Classics covers the entire written legacy of Greek Roman antiquity. In addition to learning Greek and Latin, prospective Classics students will also gain an insight into the key cultural, historical and intellectual aspects of pagan and Christian antiquity. Bern's Institute for Classics also includes Judaism. Furthermore, literary traditions and the reception of this literature through the ages forms an integral part of teaching and research. A link is thus made to humanistic neighboring disciplines, whose subject matter is in the tradition of Greek Roman antiquity. Particular account is taken of this perspective in the Classical Foundation and Classics (special qualification Medieval Latin) study programs.

The MA in Classics (special qualification: Latin or Greek) builds upon the bachelor's study program. Students following the minor option may specialize in the special qualification of Medieval Latin. The knowledge and skills acquired as part of bachelor's studies are developed and deepened in master's studies, with courses attaching particular importance to methodological and linguistic education.

Master Klassische Philologie
Ödipus und die Sphinx, Vasenbild, 5. Jh. v. Chr.
Basic information
Degrees:

Master of Arts in Classics, Universität Bern, with special qualification in:

  • Greek
  • Latin
Number of credits: 120 ECTS credits
Degree programs:
  • Major 90 ECTS credits with special qualification:
    • Greek
    • Latin

 

  • Minor 30 ECTS credits with special qualification:
    • Greek
    • Latin
    • Medieval Latin; can only be selected in the CTS (electronic examination administration)
Combination possibilities: several
Duration: 4 semesters
Language: German
Beginning studies: Fall or spring semester

Details of program

Individual academic work and dealing independently with texts and academic issues are both central to master's studies. Greater emphasis is also placed on sophisticated language comprehension and a feel for language. The master's degree is completed by writing the master's thesis, which is discussed prior to submission in a research colloquium. Students graduating with an MA in Classics are able to pose and address their own academic questions and thus make a contribution to research in the discipline.

Scheme of program

The MA in Classics (special qualification: Latin or Greek) builds upon the bachelor's study program. Students following the minor option may specialize in the special qualification of Medieval Latin. The knowledge and skills acquired as part of bachelor's studies are developed and deepened in master's studies, with courses attaching particular importance to methodological and linguistic education.

Combination possibilities

The master's degree program in Classics consists of a major earning 90 ECTS credits and a minor earning 30 ECTS credits.

Any minor subject taught in a sufficient scope at the University of Bern can be chosen as a major. However, students are not permitted to have a major and minor in the same branch of study.

Study program structure
Major ECTS  Minor ECTS
90          30        

Deadlines

Requirements

Individual academic requirements

The following academic qualifications are required for admission to the master's degree program in Classics (major):

a) Bachelor's degree from a recognized university in the branch of studies Classical Philology 
  a)

for the major in Classics with special qualification in Latin:

Bachelor's degree with a major in Classics with special qualification in Latin

Bachelor's degree with a minor in Classics with focus Latin. Additional attainments of up to 60 ECTS credits may be required. *,
  b)

for the major in Classics with special qualification in Greek:

Bachelor's degree with a major in Classics with special qualification in Greek

Bachelor's degree with a minor in Classics with focus Greek. Additional attainments of up to 60 ECTS credits may be required. *
b) Bachelor's degree from a recognized university in a different branch of studies, provided that the master's degree can be successfully completed with an additional maximum 60 ECTS credits. *
* Additional attainments must be fulfilled in order to complete the master's degree program. The ECTS credits will be listed separately in the diploma supplement as extracurricular attainments.

Please consult the admission requirements for the minor as presented in the plan of studies.

The bachelor's degree may not be more than ten years old. Exceptions are possible where justified.

Swiss bachelor's degrees/programs

from the University of Bern

that allow admission to the desired master's degree program without any assessment:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Classics

Language requirements

Knowledge of Latin must be acquired as part of extracurricular studies during the master's degree program. The ECTS credits will be listed separately in the diploma supplement as extracurricular attainments.

 
For questions regarding application and admission, please contact the Admissions Office.

Application and admission

Current UniBE students

Apply for a change to the M A in Classics with special qualification in Greek or Latin, Universität Bern by self-service as part of the re-registration for the next semester.
Renewal of semester registration → Self-service
Recognition of academic achievements
Procedure and timing of the renewal of semester registration
   

Application with a Swiss degree

Online application
Assessment
Steps from application to registration
 

Application with an international degree

Online application
CHECKLIST - Documents for your application / Important information
Steps from application to registration

 
For questions regarding application and admission, please contact the Admissions Office.

After your master's

What are my career prospects after completing my studies?

Studying classic languages provides sound and varied training. Classics graduates naturally know Latin and Greek. However, they also learn a lot about culture, history, philosophy, and about the continued effects of ancient times on the present day. This opens the door to a range of career options:

• Teaching in high school/secondary school
• Culture management
• Libraries and archives
• Journalism and publishing
• Academic career

However, many other professions value the skills obtained by Classics graduates (analysis, deduction, organization) and their general knowledge. Thus, if graduates are flexible, they can pursue attractive career opportunities in many areas.