Ancient History

What did a Roman emperor actually do? Why did the Persian Wars break out? And how was Athenian democracy born? If you are interested in these questions, this is the programme for you!

Student looks at sculptures

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Student looks at sculptures

Key facts

Degree
Bachelor of Arts
Supplement to degree
minor in a multi-subject bachelor’s programme
Admission restriction
without admission restriction (without NC)
Duration
6 Semesters
Credits/ECTS
60
Teaching language
German
Tuition fee
None
Semester contribution
€ 333,05
Start of studies
Winter semester
Part-time possible
Yes
Institutions
Faculty of Arts and Humanities
Institute of Classics

Application & Deadlines

Programme content

If you want to understand contemporary society, politics and culture, you have to look back to antiquity. Students enrolled on our bachelor’s programme in ‘Ancient History’ unpick the foundations of the modern world by delving into the period between the 2nd millennium BC and the 7th century AD. They deal with the key events, structures and protagonists of Greek and Roman history and the entire Mediterranean region.

The introductory modules in ‘History’ and ‘Classics’ will familiarize you with basic facts and provide an initial overview of various working methods. You will then look at concrete examples and gain your first experience in dealing with various ancient sources and ancient historical working methods. You will gradually learn more about different periods of Greek or Roman history and get a taste for related historical disciplines such as epigraphy (study of inscriptions) and numismatics (study of coins).

In-depth reading of historical sources is also part of the syllabus, especially in the fifth and sixth semesters. Various types of sources such as letters, poems and speeches – but especially historiography – form the basis of ancient historical research. That’s why you will learn to check the authenticity of surviving texts and explore the writer’s motives so that you can ultimately draw conclusions from them. This background knowledge will make it easy for you to get involved in topical research discussions and make an active contribution to research.

Structure

Multi-subject bachelor’s programme

Picture: Sophie Bartholome

A bachelor’s degree is the first professional qualification that can be obtained at a university. The standard length of the programme is six semesters, and different types of courses are offered for each module (e.g. seminars, lectures or practical classes).

A multi-subject bachelor’s programme consists of a major subject worth 120 ECTS credits (1 ECTS credit = 30 hours for attendance, preparation and follow-up work, private study, assessed coursework and examinations) and a minor subject worth 60 ECTS credits.

If you take ‘Ancient History’ as a minor subject, you will cover a total of six compulsory modules.

How might your degree programme shape up?

The following table shows the possible structure of your degree programme with ‘Ancient History’ as your minor subject:

Semester Modules
1 to 2
  • Introduction to Classics (10 ECTS)
  • Introduction to Ancient History (10 ECTS)
3 to 4
  • Introduction to History Studies (10 ECTS)
  • Advanced Module – Greek Antiquity (10 ECTS)
  • Advanced Module – Roman Antiquity (10 ECTS)
5 to 6
  • Specialization Module – Ancient History (10 ECTS)

Abbreviation: ECTS = European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (credit points)

You can find more detailed information in the module catalogue for the degree programmeExternal link.

Why study in Jena?

  • Close networks: Our faculty shares common focuses not only with other departments within Classical Studies and History, but also with other related disciplines such as Cuneiform Studies, Caucasian Studies and Ancient Church History. This means you can find out how interdisciplinary research works during your studies!
  • Books and more: The central university library has a number of significant old holdings. You will also find the latest specialist literature in the smaller humanities library. That’s exactly what you need!
  • A world of possibilities: Experience our international flair! Our University appeals to students and researchers from all over the world and helps to shape Jena’s character as a cosmopolitan city that is fit for the future – it’s the perfect place for international studentsmp4, 57 mb · de.
  • Adventures abroad: You can easily realize your dream of spending a semester abroad. We have a global network of partner universities.

A look behind the scenes

  • Welcome!

     de

    Instant classic! The Institute of Classics and the Archaeological Museum have relocated to a new building at Fürstengraben 25 – close to the city centre.

    Institut für Altertumswissenschaften
    Image: Jan-Peter Kasper (University of Jena)
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What can you do after your studies?

Career opportunities:

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The skills acquired during your bachelor’s degree will open up career prospects in a wide variety of areas, which will vary depending on the major subject you choose. Ancient History is relevant in a wide range of fields, including the following:

  • Education and culture
  • Museums
  • Libraries and manuscript collections
  • Associations and publishing houses

Postgraduate master’s programmes at our University

All degree programmes

What are we looking for in prospective students?

  • An interest in historical topics
  • An interest in exploring ancient languages, culture and history
  • An interest in working with texts – reading ancient sources is the most important aspect of the degree programme

Admission requirements

  • University entrance qualification

    A university entrance qualification, such as a general secondary school leaving certificate, is required for admission onto the study programme.

    More information on university entrance qualifications can be found here.

  • Language requirements

    Admission and language requirements for applicants of foreign nationality and without German Abitur: www.uni-jena.de/en/study-orientation-international

    Proof of Latin proficiency must be provided by the time of registration for the Bachelor's thesis. Knowledge of two modern foreign languages (level B1) is also required.

Additional application documents for international students

  • CV

    Please submit an up-to-date and complete CV in tabular form. Please provide full details regarding your schooling and academic education to date. You can find more information hereExternal link

  • University entrance qualification certificate

    Please upload the school certificate confirming your university entrance qualification to our application portal. You can find more information hereExternal link

  • University degree certificate / previous periods of study

    Please upload transcripts of records for all previous periods of study and degrees, as well as, if applicable, your degree certificate, to the portal.

  • Proof of German proficiency

    Proof of sufficient German proficiency must be provided for all German-language degree programmes. The following certificates are recognized as proof of proficiency by Friedrich Schiller University Jena:

    • German Language Test for Admission to Higher Education, at least level 2 (DSH-2)
    • Goethe Certificate, C2 (GDS)
    • German Language Diploma, Level II of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (DSD II)
    • TestDaF, at least TDN 4 in all four parts of the examination
    • Telc German C1 University certificate (at least with the grade “satisfactory”)
    • German exam as part of the assessment test at a Studienkolleg

    Please note: We strongly recommend that you submit the required proof of German proficiency at the time of your application.

    If you do not yet have the required language certificate, you may apply for our DSH course starting from German level B1. This course ensures optimal language preparation and also gives you the opportunity to get to know Jena while benefiting from student status.

  • Translation of international application documents

    A translation into German or English must be submitted for every application document that was not originally issued in German or English. These translations must be prepared by an authorized translation office.

  • APS certificate

    Applicants with university degrees from India, Vietnam, or the People’s Republic of China must submit an APS certificate.

  • University entrance examination

    Applicants from the following countries must provide proof of their university entrance examination:

    • Iran (university entrance examination or proof of a foundation year if the school-leaving certificate was obtained before 2019)
    • Republic of Korea/South Korea (Scholastic Ability Test)
    • China (GaoKao)

Contacts

Janine Stephan (Academic Advisor)

Room 302
Fürstengraben 25
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Link to download vCard
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Opening hours:
By appointment

Prof. Timo Stickler (Academic Advisor for Ancient History)

Room 305
Fürstengraben 25
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Link to download vCard
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Opening hours:
By appointment

Academic Office for Student Affairs and Examinations (ASPA)

Bachstraße 18k
07743 Jena

Support & Help
To Service-Desk
Link to download vCard
vCard
Further link
More information

Telephone hours:
Mondays and Fridays (9:00 – 11:00)
Wednesdays (13:00 – 15:00)

The ASPA is primarily responsible for students in the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, and the Faculty of Theology.

Postal address:
Akademisches Studien- und Prüfungsamt
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena

Student Council for Classical Studies and Ancient History

Fürstengraben 25
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Link to download vCard
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Central Student Advisory Service

University Main Building / SSZ
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Support & Help
To Service-Desk
Mobile phone
+49 3641 9-411111
Link to download vCard
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Office hours:
You can make an appointment by calling us on +49 3641 9-411111 (Mondays to Fridays from 9:00 to 11:00) or outside these office hours on +49 3641 9-411200. You can also use our remote help desk.

Consultation hours:
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (9:00 to 12:20), Tuesdays (14:00 to 18:00), and Wednesdays and Thursdays (14:00 to 16:00).

Video chat: To the video chat – Zoom Videochat ZeitenMondays to Fridays (12:30 to 13:00) Password ZSB2020 Data protection informationpdf, 101 kb

Student Service Centre

University Main Building, Room E065
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Support & Help
To Service-Desk
Link to download vCard
vCard
Further link
More information

Opening hours:
ON 27 AND 28 AUGUST, THE INFORMATION DESK WILL BE CLOSED!!

Information Desk (UHG; Room E0.65)
Mondays (10:00 – 12:00)
Tuesdays (13:00 – 15:00)
Wednesdays (10:00 – 12:00)
Thursdays (13:00 – 15:00)
Fridays (10:00 – 12:00)

You can also use our remote help desk at
www.uni-jena.de/service-ssz
or send us your enquiries by post.

Telephone hours:
Mondays to Fridays
(9:00 – 11:00)

Postal address:
Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
Studierenden-Service-Zentrum
07737 Jena

International Office - International students

University Main Building
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Link to download vCard
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