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Postgraduate Study

The MPhil in Egyptology focuses on the study of ancient Egypt  combining teaching in a range of topics with a short research dissertation. The topics are taken from the archaeology, culture and history of ancient Egypt and the study of its ancient languages, including Coptic and Demotic.

The student may follow either an archaeologically or linguistically oriented pathway. The course provides the student with a detailed knowledge of one or more aspects of the cultures of ancient Egypt, with a focus on historical archaeology, landscape and the built environment, art, and the language and/or literature of one or more periods of Egypt's history. With the possibility of borrowing one or two term-long module(s) from other MPhil programmes in the department, the student will have the opportunity to place the specific Egyptian case in context, for example by comparing it with contemporary Mesopotamia, by learning methodologies for particular research projects, or by using it to address general and theoretical issues in the study of early societies and cultural heritage.

This MPhil is appropriate for students who are prepared for postgraduate work and who wish to undertake research in Egyptology, but who need further training in either the language(s) or the archaeology of the region. The student may choose either an archaeological or a linguistic emphasis.

 

Learning Outcomes

The aims of the course are to: 

  • provide students with the opportunity to study at an advanced level substantive subjects and major debates in the field of ancient Egypt, through lectures, seminars, and language classes; by the end of the course, students are expected to display competency in Egyptian archaeology and/or ancient languages.
  •  prepare students for research in the languages, history, culture and archaeology of Egypt at the doctoral level and beyond; by the end of the course, students are expected to be able to pursue independent research in this specialisation
  •  give students training in a range of general, transferable skills, such as writing, presentation, research design, data analysis, and formulating and analysing arguments. By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to exercise these skills in independent research in historical, archaeological, literary, linguistic and cultural topics, and in any professional-level work which requires them.

Continuing

MPhil students taking the MPhil in Egyptology who wish to continue to the PhD in Archaeology are required to
achieve a mark of at least 68 overall and no less than 68 in their dissertation. They must obtain the support of an
appropriate supervisor before making an application. In some circumstances, additional academic conditions may be set to ensure appropriate skills are in place prior to admittance on the PhD programme.


Open Days

The Postgraduate Virtual Open Day usually takes place at the end of October. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions to admissions staff and academics, explore the Colleges virtually, and to find out more about courses, the application process and funding opportunities. Visit the Postgraduate Open Day page for more details.

See further the Postgraduate Admissions Events pages for other events relating to Postgraduate study, including study fairs, visits and international events.

 

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Key Information


10 months full-time

Study Mode : Taught

Master of Philosophy

Department of Archaeology

Course - related enquiries

Application - related enquiries

Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Michaelmas 2024

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2023
Application deadline
April 24, 2024
Course Starts
Oct. 1, 2024

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Course Funding Deadline
Jan. 4, 2024
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 11, 2023

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2024, Lent 2025 and Easter 2025.


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