Overview

Science, Technology and Medicine in the Ancient World from Freie Universität Berlin offers a broad overview of the different types of knowledge that existed in the ancient world, as well as the different ways in which ancient forms of scientific thought have been studied over the last century. Alongside standard coursework in methods and approaches, the program focuses especially on the history of notation, writing systems and human consciousness.

Quick Facts:

At the heart of the program is the idea that all people of all times and in all places have used signs - both observable and conventional - to make sense of their world. It is only, however, with the emergence of knowledge practices that are embodied in artifactual materials, and especially with the development of notational systems in the fourth millennium BCE, that we can trace the calculating mind through time.
As part of this program, you will examine both textual and non-textual records, although with the textual elements as the primary point of orientation to non-textual materials.
Through courses in ancient medicine, astronomy and mathematics and/ or the various forms of divination in the ancient world, program participants will develop a fine-tuned awareness about the different epistemological and ontological paradigms at work both in the ancient world and several present-day analytical approaches and disciplines.
Alongside the core content of the program, the master's program also seeks to inculcate the principles of scientific practice, which are explicitly taught throughout the program.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Knowledge and its Resources: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Wissensgeschichte
Notation, Writing Systems and Human Awareness
Medicine in the Ancient World
Divination in the Ancient World
Astral Sciences and Mathematics in the Ancient World

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-10-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-05-31 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

95

Schedule TOEFL®

Credits

120 ECTS

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Berlin, Germany

Disciplines

Medicine Ancient History View 31 other Masters in Medicine in Germany

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

95

Schedule TOEFL®

Other requirements

General requirements

A first university degree (e.g. a bachelor’s degree) comprising at least 180 credit points (ECTS)
30 ECTS in content relevant to the study of the MA program (30 ECTS or more of this first degree should be in courses that are relevant to STMAW or with an emphasis on the History of Science and/or Knowledge in the Ancient World).
A proof of language skills, with at least 10 ECTS or the equivalent in one or more of the following languages: Sumerian, Akkadian, Hittite, Ancient Greek, Latin, Sanskrit, or other ancient Semitic languages such as Hebrew, Aramaic, and ancient Ethiopian.
A proof of excellent English language skills (at least level C1 CEFR) if the first university degree was not obtained in a program where English is the language of instruction.
Applicants do not need to provide proof of German language skills.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Freie Universität Berlin and/or in Germany, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

Free
EU/EEA Applies to you

Applies to you

EU/EEA Nationals

Free

Additional Details

Students do not pay any tuition fees, the university only charges semester fees and contributions each semester: 358,80€.

Living costs

Berlin

Germany

836 - 1340 EUR / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Loading

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Science, Technology and Medicine in the Ancient World.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About