Egyptology
| Specialisation of: | Classics and Ancient Civilisations |
|---|---|
| Degree: | Master of Arts in Classics and Ancient Civilisations |
| Mode of Study: | Full-time |
| Duration: | 1 year |
| Start date: | September, February |
| Language of instruction: | English |
| Location: | Leiden |
| Croho/isat code: | 60821 |
The MA in Egyptology covers the linguistic and cultural history of Egypt from the Pharaonic times to Graeco-Roman and Coptic Egypt. Do you have a background in ancient history, Near Eastern studies or archaeology and are you interested in gaining more in-depth knowledge of ancient Egypt?
Or do you have a BA in Egyptology and do you want to pursue your interests and specialise further? Then Leiden’s MA degree in Egyptology is the ideal programme for you.
The programme offers a wide range of approaches and topics to meet your interests. Part of the curriculum takes place in Egypt.
Programme
Starting from September 2010, the MA in Egyptology is also open for students with a relevant background other than a BA in Egyptology, such as (Ancient) History, Classics, or Archaeology or an equivalent.
If you are a student without a specific training in Egyptology, you will acquire a thorough introduction into the field of Egyptology.
During the first three courses you are acquainted with Egyptian archaeology and cultural history, the research tools in Egyptology and basic hieroglyphs. After that, you go to Cairo, to spend two months at the Netherlands-Flemish Institute (NVIC) where you will be further familiarised with the field of Egyptology and get a practical introduction to doing research in Egypt. After your return you will take a course in Egyptian archaeology and epigraphy and write your MA thesis.
If you already have a BA in Egyptology or a comparable field, you will be offered courses to deepen your knowledge and pursue your own field of interest.
In the first semester you will take a course on Egyptian temple inscriptions of the Graeco-Roman period, and a course on the use of social theory for historical research. Having finished these courses, you will go to Cairo to spend two months at the Netherlands-Flemish Institute (NVIC). Here you will get a practical introduction to doing research in Egypt.
In the second semester, you choose between two options. You will either take a course in Egyptian archaeology and epigraphy, or a course on Coptic, Greek or Demotic papyrology. You will conclude your MA writing your MA thesis.
Objectives
The aim of the programme is to ensure that you will gain knowledge and understanding of the research methods used in Egyptology. You will learn to work independently and be able to formulate clear and substantiated arguments. You will be able to present research results clearly—through discussion and a written thesis—and to plan and carry out a research project under expert supervision. You will acquire a thorough knowledge of—and insight into—your chosen focus, particularly the topic covered by your MA thesis.
