The University of Pisa is one of the world’s leading institutions for the study of antiquity, as confirmed by the QS Ranking by Subject, which places it third in Italy for Classics and Ancient History. This achievement reflects a clear vision: studying ancient civilisations is not about looking back at the past with nostalgia, but rather about acquiring the tools to interpret the present in a more informed and critical way.

Classical studies at the University of Pisa are pursued within a rigorous and up-to-date academic pathway, culminating in the Master’s Degree Course in Philology and Ancient History, jointly developed by the Departments of Philology, Literature and Linguistics (FiLeLi) and of Civilisations and Forms of Knowledge (CFS).

Here, the study of antiquity is far from abstract; it involves engaging with complex sources, applying various methodologies and actively participating in seminars, workshops and research projects within an interdisciplinary, practical framework. Philology and History thus become tools for understanding not only texts, but also the cultural processes that have shaped the Mediterranean and Near Eastern worlds from antiquity to the present.

The programme is supported by academic staff actively engaged in international research, who continuously integrate the latest questions, methods and findings into their teaching. However, it is not fixed once and for all; it evolves day by day through dialogue between lecturers and students in classrooms, seminars and laboratories. Students’ questions, interests and perspectives become an integral part of the programme, helping to shape and continually renew it.

In this sense, the Master’s Degree Course in Philology and Ancient History is a shared space for research and intellectual growth, where lecturers encounter new stimuli, questions and directions. At Pisa, the study of the ancient world is a collaborative endeavour.

This experience is further enriched by the Pisan context: a student-friendly city with libraries, museums and cultural institutions that extend learning beyond the classroom. This is complemented by a strong international dimension, with exchange programmes, Erasmus mobility and a diverse student community, placing the study of antiquity within a global perspective grounded in dialogue between different cultures and approaches.

Thanks to this combination of factors, Pisa continues to stand out as a leading national and international institution. Studying the ancient world today may therefore be one of the most forward-looking decisions one can make.