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
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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.

Staff

Prof. Olaf Kaper

Olaf Kaper

“We offer our master’s students a broad range of opportunities to conduct archaeological research in Egypt.”

“My specialist field is the Graeco-Roman period in Egypt. Starting around 300 BC, there was a transition from Pharaonic culture to modern Hellenistic culture: Egypt then became part of the Eastern Mediterranean world.

I find the process of cultural change fascinating. We are well able to document these changes using all kinds of sources, some of which we ourselves have excavated. Every year I go with a group of master’s students to the Western Desert to carry out research there.

We offer our master’s students a broad range of opportunities to conduct research in Egypt. As early as the second block, they go to Cairo to learn about archaeological research, to visit particular institutions and to meet colleagues.
There is the opportunity for two students – if they are successful in their application – to work in Saqqara on the excavations organised by Leiden’s Egyptology department, in co-operation with the National Museum of Antiquities. Leiden has a long history in the field of Egyptology because of this museum, which, since the start of the nineteenth century has housed a famous collection of Egyptian antiquities.

My specialism is very dynamic. Interesting finds are constantly being made on the many sites under excavation. This is what makes Egyptology so exiting. With their own research and their master’s thesis, master’s students can make a real contribution to this field.”