Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Language Certificates
What language certificates do I need for the degree programme?
For the MA Classics, you must provide evidence of proficiency in both modern and ancient languages.
For international students, this starts with proof of German language proficiency at DSH 2 level in order to be able to study at Heidelberg University.
In addition, you must provide proof of English proficiency (at B2 level) and proficiency in a second modern European foreign language. This could be, for example, French, Italien, Greek or Spanish.
Both the Latinum and the Graecum must be held as ancient languages. One of these must be submitted with the application; the other language can be completed during the first year of study (i. e. by the end of the secend semester). In this case, please ensure you consult the academic advisory service.
For the focal areas of both Greek Studies and Latin Studies, the Graecum or Latinum respectively, must be held.
Proof of language proficiency is provided by means of degree or relevant (state) examinations.
We strongly recommend that Bachelor's students studying Classical Archaeology in Heidelberg obtain the Latinum and Graecum during their Bachelor's degree, as the costs of the language courses are currently still covered and the courses can also be credited towards their degree.
All information regarding the requireed language proficiency is set out in the Admissions Regulations (Zulassungsordnung) under § 2.2. Requirements for German as a foreign language, as well as general information on language courses, can be found on the Service Center's website.
I still need to obtain the Latinum or Graecum / I have already obtained the language certificates whilst abroad - what do I need to bear in mind?
The Language Centre at Heidelberg University offers courses in Latin and Ancient Greek, which can be taken at a relatively low cost. Ultimately, you will need to take the state Latinum or Graecum examination.
We strongly recmonned that you consult the subject-specific academic advisory service before attending other (more expensive) Latinum and Graecum courses, to check whether these are sufficient and can be recognised as equivalent qualifications.
Language certificates obtained abroad are accepted in the same way as those obtained in Germany, provided they meet the required standards.
As the state Latin and Greek examinations abroad are often different from those in Germany, it must be checked whether the certificates can be recognised as equivalent qualifications. To do this, we require supporting documentation and an official, detailed description of the courses taken and their content, as well as examples of the texts that had to be translated. It is also helpful to provide the texts from the final examinations, so that the level of proficiency in these languages can be assessed.
Degree programme
When is the introductory session? Are there any other important dates?
The introductory session provides an opportunity to get to know your fellow students on the programme.
The recommendes study plans and other matters will also be discussed here. The session alwas takes place shortly before the start of the winter semester. Te exact date will be announced on the website, via Instagram and by email.
Other important dates, such as exam dates or lectures, will also be communicated via the website - or those of the ondividual departments - as well as by email.
Where can I find information?
Depending on the information you need, there are various channels and points of contact.
Questions about the degree programme can always be directed to the programme coordination and academic advisers for the relevant focal area.
The student representatives and students in higher years are also happy to help.
Important information is generally made available on the programme's official pages - that is, on the homepage and also on our Instagram channel or the Instagram channels of the individual departments, which also provide information about sibject-specific lectures.
Otherwise, communication always rakes place via the email distribution list. So be sure to check your emails regularly.
Where can I find the module handbook (Modulhandbuch)?
The module handbook, as well as the admission and examinations regulations (only available in German thus far), are available for download on the homepage, right next to 'General Information'.
The module handbook can also be viewd in the subpages for the individual focal areas.
Which courses should I take in my first semester? What should I bear in mind when choosing courses?
For the joint modules of the MA Classics programme, you should definitely take the advanced seminar (Hauptseminar) in the first semester. Otherwise, you will have to wait until the next winter semester, as the courses in the joint modules are offered on a rotating basis.
The Journal Club and the Excursion Seminar, which together with the advaned seminar (Hauptseminar) form the introductory module (MA-CL-01), should be taken in the second semester.
The further courses depend on the chosen focal area. Any queries regarding this can be directed to the academic advisory service of the focal area.
For course credits outside the field of Classical Studies in the interdisciplinary modules, we recommend that you check with the programme coordination or the academic advisory service before attending the course to find out, whether, and to what extent, the course can be credited.
In which libraries can I find the literature I need?
In principle, all library facilities are available to all students (and visitors) at Heidelberg University Library, and it is also possible to order publications from other libraries in Germany via the interlibrary loan service.
The department libraries in all subject areas are very well-stocked and offer plenty of study spaces. The library of the Ancient History department, for example, specialises in Greek and Latin epigraphy, whilst the library of Classical Archaeology is a specialised collection commissioned by the DFG - meaning we have one of the best-equipped libraries in Germany.
Praktikum und Erasmus
Wie lange dauert das Praktikum und wo kann ich es machen?
Für das Berufspraxismodul muss ein Praktikum im Umfang von mindestens 2 Wochen absolviert werden - nach Rücksprache kann das Praktikum aber auch länger gehen.
Das Praktikum kann ich verschiedenen Institutionen und Bereichen absolviert werden, von Museen und Grabungspraktika hin zu (kultur-)politischen Einrichtungen.
Einen Überblick über mögliche Praktika bietet die Seite des HCCH.
Bei Unsicherheiten, ob das gewünschte Praktikum bei einem geeigneten Anbieter stattfindet, immer Rücksprache mit der Fachkoordination / der Fachstudienberatung halten.
Kann ich auch im Classics einen Erasmus-Aufenthalt im Ausland machen?
Ja, auch im MA Classics gibt es natürlich die Möglichkeit, ein Auslandssemester zu absolvieren. Die beteiligten Institute haben unterschiedliche Partneruniversitäten, die grundsätzlich allen Studierenden zur Verfügung stehen. Die Erasmusplätze werden je nach Verfügbarkeit vergeben und können nicht garantiert werden.
Der Bewerbungszeitraum ist in den meisten Fällen Dezember bis März für das darauffolgende Wintersemester und Sommersemester ein Jahr später. Für Studierende im MA Classics wäre das regelhaft das 3. Fachsemester.