Kultur der Antike / The Culture of the Ancient World (B.A.)
Understanding the ancient world in its entirety: The Culture of the Ancient World at JLU combines archaeology, ancient history, Latin and Greek.
Overview
The Bachelor’s degree programme in The Culture of the Ancient World brings together four disciplines: Classical Archaeology, Ancient History, Latin and Greek. You explore European antiquity from various perspectives and bring together texts, inscriptions and material artefacts to form a comprehensive picture of cultural history and develop a historically informed understanding of cultural diversity.
Start of studies
Winter semester
Mode of admission
No admission restriction
Duration of studies
6 semester
Workload
180 credit points (CP)
Degree
Baccalaureus Artium (B.A.)
Language of instruction
German
Composition of the Study Programme
What can I expect from this programme?
What will I learn?
The links between the varieties of subject jargon, which are always necessary with the different methodologies, the variety of questions and perspectives dealt with, the media and research findings, create and broaden the skill of integrating one’s own skills and those of others and presenting and communicating in a way that goes beyond one’s own horizon.
Concerning oneself with the ”closest foreign” in ancient civilization in their literary, material and historical image and their socio-cultural form and relations promote a conscious perception of the other and the strange and enhances the ability of critical, historically-based and cross-cultural judgement.
What skills and interests should I have?
For The Culture of the Ancient World, you should have an interest in ancient Europe and its cultural, material and historical heritage. You should also be prepared to engage in a thorough examination of primary sources (texts, inscriptions, architecture, images) and academic literature. Knowledge of ancient languages is not a prerequisite, but may be acquired on an optional basis during the course of study.
How is the programme structured?
In the first year of studies the students complete basic modules, which deal with basic material and methodological subjects and elementary linguistic training in the ancient languages. We also offer optional basic language tuition in the classical languages of Greek and Latin.
You will then choose a core subject from the following:
- Ancient History,
- Classical Archaeology,
- Latin Philology or
- Greek Philology,
on which you will focus from the third to the fifth semester.
In addition, you will take modules from other disciplines within the field of classical studies and develop your interdisciplinary skills. In addition, during this stage of your studies, you will choose courses from the range of modern foreign languages on offer or from related disciplines (such as art history, theology or another discipline within the field of history).
Career Options
Which options for further study does JLU offer?
The degree programme provides specialist academic training which can serve as a foundation for further study at Master’s level:
Following completion of a Master’s degree, students with the appropriate aptitude may proceed to a PhD.
What career paths can I pursue after graduation?
Herewith the course of study represents an important stage in qualification for jobs in pertinent subject-specific areas in
- museums,
- universities,
- permanent research projects in academies,
- academic libraries,
- specialised publishing houses.
Other activities which, in principle, are also covered by the completion of the B.A. Areas that should be accessible include communication and knowledge transfer in the cultural sector, cultural journalism in print and audiovisual media, and the development of educational software and other multimedia applications. Furthermore, the ‘Culture of the Ancient World’ programme as a humanities degree programme – partly through the inclusion of a ‘General Skills’ module, which can optionally (and preferably) be supplemented by a further vocational placement – equips students with general skills required for work in cultural policy institutions, in cultural and research management, particularly public relations, in corporate public relations, in adult education and in the tourism sector.
Application and Enrolment
Requirements
A valid university entrance qualification (German: HZB) is required for admission to the program.
- From Germany: General university entrance qualification (= Abitur or equivalent), vocational university entrance qualification, master craftsman’s certificate, university entrance qualification for professionally qualified individuals.
- From abroad: You can find out whether the university entrance qualification from your home country qualifies you for direct admission to a degree program in Germany on the information portal for the recognition of foreign educational qualifications (anabin).
Proof of an internship (pre-internship) is not required for admission.
Applicants with a foreign university entrance qualification should also note the required proof of German language proficiency.
Application deadline
Winter semester 2026/27
Opening of application period
1 June 2026
Application deadline
- for applicants with a German university entrance qualification: 1 September 2026
-
for applicants with a foreign university entrance qualification: 15 August 2026
International applicants can find further information on the International Office website.
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Further Information
Where can I find official documents about the programme?
Examination and study regulations
Special regulations (with module descriptions and module plans)
General Regulations for Bachelor's and Master's programmes
Please note that only the German version of the modules is offical and legally binding. The English version is for informative purposes only.
Courses offered in the course catalogue
Electronical course catalogue (in German)
Study programme flyer
B.A. Kultur der Antike (PDF in German)Accreditation
The programme has been accredited since 10 November 2005.
Is this course right for me?
Are you still not entirely sure whether the course of study is the right one for you? We support you with a wide range of information, events and advisory services around your study orientation and choice. For example, experience real university atmosphere at our Hochschulinformationstagen (HIT) and the Open Campus Day!
How do I have a successful start at JLU?
To help you get off to a good start with your studies, we warmly invite you to attend our orientation events. Here you will learn
everything you need to know about starting your studies:
- creating a course schedule,
- examination regulations and registration deadlines,
- campus areas and leisure activities,
- and much more.
At the same time, you will have the opportunity to get to know your future fellow students.
Start of studiesContact
Subject Advisor
Greek Philology
Saskia Schomber
Institut für Altertumswissenschaften, Klassische Philologie
Philosophikum I, Haus G, Raum 131
Otto-Behaghel-Straße 10
35394 Giessen
Phone: +49 641 99 31031
Email:
Saskia.h.Schomber
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Latin Philology
Helge Baumann
Institut für Altertumswissenschaften, Lateinische Philologie
Philosophikum I, Haus G, Raum 136
Otto-Behaghel-Straße 10
35394 Giessen
Phone: +49 641 99 31022
Email:
Helge.Baumann
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Ancient History
Prof. Dr. Karen Piepenbrink
Institut für Altertumswissenschaften
Philosophikum I, Haus G, Raum 230
Otto-Behaghel-Straße 10
35394 Giessen
Phone: +49 641 99 28080
Email:
Karen.Piepenbrink
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Archaeology
Dr. Michaela Stark
Institut für Altertumswissenschaften, Klassische Archäologie
Philosophikum I, Haus D, Raum 11
Otto-Behaghel-Straße 10
35394 Giessen
Phone: +49 641 99 28052
Email:
Michaela.Stark
Central Study Advisor
Natascha Kohrt
Central Student Advisory Service
Erwin-Stein-Gebäude, 1st floor
Goethestrasse 58
35390 Giessen
International Office
Assistance for incoming, outgoing and Erasmus+ students
International Office
Goethestrasse 58
35390 Giessen