Enrolling on the M.A. Programme in Classics at the University of Siena offers the opportunity to study the ancient world through a multidisciplinary approach, enabling students to gain a rich and nuanced understanding of the defining and distinctive aspects of ancient cultures.
Students will acquire advanced subject-specific skills through a wide range of courses in classical studies (Greek and Latin Languages and Literatures; Economic and Social History of the Greek and Roman Worlds; Classical Philology; Ancient history; History of Ancient Philosophy; History of Ancient Religions; Greek and Latin Palaeography; Teaching of Ancient Languages; Mediterranean Archaeology). Courses related to the “Anthropology of the Ancient World” play a particularly important role; this approach, linked to the Siena-based inter-university “Centre for the Anthropology of the Ancient World”, established in 1986, addresses Greek and Roman antiquity with a particular focus on cultural models and social organisation.
The curriculum also includes modules that broaden the classical chronological perspective, sometimes towards earlier periods (Aegean and Cypriot Archaeology), and sometimes towards late or post-ancient phases (Ancient and Medieval Greek Folklore; Medieval Christian Literature; Iconography and Classical Tradition). Among the latter, Medieval and Humanistic Latin Literature and Philology, linked to the ‘I-Deug-Su’ Centre, are of particular importance.
Duration: 2 years; Credits: 120; Language: Italian; Numerus clausus: No; Degree: 2nd cycle (equivalent to MA)
There are numerous career opportunities for graduates of the Classics MA programme (LM-15). In the field of teaching, the LM-15 qualifies graduates to teach ancient languages and literature, or literary subjects in lower and upper secondary schools, following a training programme.
The LM-15 also provides access to PhD programmes, both in Italy and abroad, which in turn enable graduates to pursue a career in university teaching. Outside the field of education, a degree in LM-15 opens up career opportunities in public and private organisations and institutions working in the fields of the conservation and promotion of cultural heritage; in communications (journalism, publishing, feature writing, new media), both in general contexts (newspapers, magazines, multimedia) and specialist fields (cultural, archaeological, historical and literary reporting); in companies that organise cultural events or are involved in recruitment.
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Inter-university research centres with over 30 years of activity: Centre for Anthropology of the Ancient World (AMA), since 1986; “I-Deug-Su” Centre for Comparative Studies, since 1994
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Classics Professors from the University of Siena who earned the prestigious Sather Professorship from the University of California at Berklee: Alessandro Barchiesi (2011) and Maurizio Bettini (2018)
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Percentage of graduates employed three years after graduation (2025). Among the highest in Italy
