Antiquity MA: Egyptology pathway

The programme is made up of six taught modules and a 15,000-word dissertation on a topic of your choice.

You will study three core modules. One of which is a research skills module: Research and Scholarship in Classics and Ancient History.

You will also take two core language modules, at least one of which should be Egyptian, from a range which includes:

This is a beginners’ course in Middle Egyptian, so you will start from scratch learning to read ancient Egyptian texts and translate sentences written in hieroglyphs into English. Two contact hours per week will enable us to make fast progress so that you are able to translate even unseen texts from the age of the Pharaohs into English by the end of term 2. Concentrating purely on what is called Middle Egyptian, which was the language introduced during the Middle Kingdom (c. 2000 BC), will build a strong basis for any further studies of Egyptian language.
Assessment: Class test

The knowledge acquired in Egyptian Language 1 will be supplemented by study of the verbal system. This forms the basis for the reading of a sample of literary, religious or historical texts from the Middle Kingdom onwards.
Assessment: Examination

These modules provide an intensive introduction to Greek or Latin. They aim to provide you with the basic linguistic skills needed to acquire a reading knowledge of Greek or Latin for the purposes of research.
Assessment: Class test or examination

These modules consolidate linguistic skills to enable you to work independently on Greek or Latin texts in the original language, building upon existing knowledge. They develop analytical and critical skills by means of advanced grammar and reading classes focusing in detail on a text or texts. Texts chosen will generally reflect the interests of students in the group.
Assessment: Take-home paper or examination

The module provides an introduction to the Sumerian language and to the cuneiform literature written in that language.
Assessment: Three-hour examination

The module provides an introduction to the Akkadian language and to the cuneiform literature written in that language.
Assessment: Three-hour examination

You will also choose three optional modules, at least two of which should relate to the Egyptology pathway. Options available may include:

• Ancient Egyptian Religion
• Egyptian Culture in Context
• Herodotus and Ancient Worlds
• Funerary Archaeology
• Numismatics for Research and in Museums

In addition to your taught modules, you will conduct a piece of independent research with the support of a supervisor, culminating in a 15,000-word dissertation.

Modules are typically assessed by written assignment, exam or presentation, or a combination of these methods.

Please note that the optional module information listed on the website for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.