About this course

Immerse yourself in Ancient Egypt with one of the largest groupings of research active Egyptologists in the UK.

Introduction

You will gain an in-depth understanding of Ancient Egypt’s archaeology, art, religion, history and society through the acquisition of key interpretive skills. This programme provides training in the Ancient Egyptian language from elementary to advanced level, giving you access to original hieroglyphic and Coptic writings and inscriptions. Our experts will bring their excavations and projects to the classroom, giving you privileged access to cutting-edge research.

You will be introduced both to the language (writing, grammar and texts) and the archaeology and history of Ancient Egypt, as well as to basic methods of archaeology. You will progress to study the language and texts of various periods, as well as Egyptian art, religion, history, and society. Final year students will have the opportunity to engage in independent Egyptological research.

What you'll learn

The history of Ancient Egypt (from the Predynastic Period to Egypt under Roman rule)
The various stages of the Egyptian language (hieroglyphs of the Old, Middle and New Kingdoms, and Coptic)
The writings of Ancient Egypt (both documentary and literary)
The archaeology of Ancient Egypt (its sites, monuments, and artefacts)
The society and culture of Ancient Egypt (including daily life, technology, art, funerary beliefs and religion)
A critical understanding of methodology, integrating textual and archaeological data to study of the history, society, culture and religion of Ancient Egypt

Course content

Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.

Year one

Students will be introduced to the language (writing, grammar and texts) and to the archaeology, history and culture of Ancient Egypt.

Students take 45 credits of required modules and 15 credits of optional modules in each semester. Both optional modules must belong to the same pathway (either ‘archaeology’, or ‘ancient history’ or ‘classical studies’).

Students may take up to 15 credits of optional cognate modules outside of their degree programme with prior permission of the subject lead.

Students taking a programme with an Archaeology pathway will have the opportunity to qualify with a Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) accreditation. To qualify, students must have taken ALGY101, ALGY102, ALGY248, ALGY250, ALGY399, ALGY450, ACE Archaeological Field School assessed in ALGY248, and a further 10 days of fieldwork/employability experience.

Modules

Compulsory modules	Credits
INTRODUCTION TO ANCIENT EGYPT I (ALGY109)	15
ANCIENT EGYPTIAN MATERIAL CULTURE (ALGY126)	15
INTRODUCTION TO MIDDLE EGYPTIAN I (ALGY128)	15
INTRODUCTION TO ANCIENT EGYPT II (ALGY116)	15
INTRODUCTION TO MIDDLE EGYPTIAN II (ALGY123)	15
ANCIENT EGYPTIAN WRITTEN CULTURE (ALGY125)	15

Optional modules	Credits
PRINCIPLES OF ARCHAEOLOGY (ALGY101)	15
WARFARE, POLITICS AND SOCIETY IN THE GREEK WORLD (CLAH104)	15
CLASSICAL GREEK LITERATURE AND CULTURE (CLAH115)	15
THE PRACTICE OF ARCHAEOLOGY (ALGY102)	15
THE RISE OF ROME (CLAH105)	15
VIRGIL: LITERARY CULTURES AND CONTEXTS (CLAH102)	15

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. The course content currently shown on this page reflects the programme as it is running in September 2026. The University is currently reviewing all of its programmes for 2027 entry. View the 2027 version of this course for more information.

Year two

You will progress to study the language and texts of different time periods (including Coptic as an option), as well as Egyptian art, religion, history, and society.

In Semester 1, students take 60 credits of required modules. In semester 2, students take 45 credits of required modules and 15 credits of optional modules.

CLAH222 is subject to a suitable placement being sourced. Students cannot register directly for this module.

CLAH263 includes a five-day research and learning experience in Italy. For further details, please contact the Module Convenor. Students wishing to take CLAH263 must have taken CLAH104, CLAH105 or ALGY131.

Students may take up to 15 credits of optional cognate modules outside of their degree programme with prior permission of the Subject Lead.

Modules

Compulsory modules	Credits
WORKING WITH THE PAST (ALGY248)	15
MIDDLE EGYPTIAN TEXTS I (ALGY251)	15
EGYPTIAN RELIGION (ALGY257)	15
SACRED LANDSCAPE IN ANCIENT EGYPT (ALGY244)	15
MIDDLE EGYPTIAN TEXTS II (ALGY252)	15
DEATH IN ANCIENT EGYPT: IMAGE, TEXT AND ARCHAEOLOGY (ALGY270)	15
COPTIC LANGUAGE AND TEXTS (ALGY253)	15

Optional modules	Credits
DEATH AND MORTUARY PRACTICES (ALGY224)	15
ARTEFACTS AND TECHNOLOGY (ALGY250)	15
HUMAN OSTEOARCHAEOLOGY (ALGY266)	15
SUMERIAN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE (ALGY288)	15
THE FIRST CIVILISATION: MESOPOTAMIA AND THE SUMERIANS (ALGY386)	15
HERODOTUS' HISTORIES (CLAH207)	15
ACE WORK PLACEMENT (CLAH222)	15
EXPLORING THE ANCIENT CITY: HISTORY, ARCHAEOLOGY AND HERITAGE (CLAH263)	15
THE HELLENISTIC WORLD (CLAH265)	15
MUSEUMS AND MONUMENTS (HLAC206)	15

Year three

In the final year, you will study more specialised aspects of language and literature as well as further options in Egyptian material culture. Provision is also made for engaging in independent research in an Egyptological topic.

Students take 45 credits of required modules and 15 credits of optional modules in each semester.

Students wishing to take CLAH310 must have taken either CLAH105, ALGY109 or ALGY131 in Year 1. Students are encouraged to speak with the convenor before choosing this module.

ALGY450 is a ‘year-long’ module and represents 15 credits in each semester.

Students may take up to 15 credits of optional cognate modules outside of their degree programme with prior permission of the subject lead.

Students may only take ALGY288 or ALGY386 in their final year if they have not taken them before.

Modules

Compulsory modules	Credits
SETTLEMENT ARCHAEOLOGY IN EGYPT (ALGY376)	15
ADVANCED EGYPTIAN TEXTS (ALGY373)	15
SOCIAL LIFE IN EGYPT (ALGY377)	15
LATE EGYPTIAN (ALGY374)	15
DISSERTATION (ALGY450)	30

Optional modules	Credits
AKKADIAN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE (ALGY213)	15
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS IN THE ANCIENT WORLD (ALGY364)	15
ARCHAEOLOGY AND HERITAGE IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY: ETHICAL AND POLITICAL ISSUES (ALGY399)	15
EGYPT AFTER THE PHARAOHS (CLAH310)	15
SUMERIAN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE (ALGY288)	15
BIBLICAL ARCHAEOLOGY (ALGY342)	15
PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE: GLOBAL QUESTIONS AND INSIGHTS FROM THE PAST (ALGY383)	15
THE FIRST CIVILISATION: MESOPOTAMIA AND THE SUMERIANS (ALGY386)	15

Combined degree

Choosing this subject as a combined degree

Egyptology, being the study of a specific human culture, shares approaches with many core subjects in the Faculty. As a result, studying 50% Egyptology would work particularly well with a large number of other programmes both ancient (eg archaeology, classics and ancient history) and more modern (eg english, sociology, history, languages or politics).

Teaching and assessment

How you'll learn

Modules are delivered by a mixture of lectures and seminars in year one, in year two the lecture element within modules is complemented by student led seminars. Finally, in year three, most modules are delivered by a short series of lectures with a focus on student-led seminars thereafter. Self-directed study is also expected through the course reading list and conducting research for your essays and projects. Academic staff area regularly available via their office hours for one-to-one feedback and support. Course material is available 24-hours a day on Canvas, our online learning platform, and study support is available from our dedicated student services team.

How you're assessed

Egyptology is assessed in a variety of ways.

Examination: learning outcomes are demonstrated in student performance through preparation for and the sitting of an examination. Such examinations may cover essay-based work (usually by selection of a set number of questions), source analysis (usually by selection of questions or a commentary on an ancient source) or language work (mostly translation and commentary of set passages).

Assessed coursework, including essays, commentaries, posters, and projects: learning outcomes are demonstrated in student performance through the preparation and delivery of a piece of work as an act of self-directed learning with full access to all the relevant learning and research tools and supports.

Portfolio: a critical summary of seminars presented by students reflecting on the material discussed in seminars and subsequently researched and presented as a discussion of the topic or theme.

Class tests, primarily in language modules: learning outcomes are demonstrated with regards to understanding, analysing and applying structures and concepts of grammar and syntax.

Oral presentations: modules assess presentation skills and several modules require the use of Microsoft PowerPoint.

Liverpool Learning Framework

At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.

You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:

Digital fluency
Confidence
Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

Research-connected teaching - learning informed by the latest ideas and discoveries
Active learning - taking part, applying knowledge and learning by doing
Authentic assessment - assessments designed around real-world tasks and challenges

We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.

We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.

Course options

Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.

Global opportunities

University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide. Choose to spend a year at XJTLU in China or a year or semester at an institution of your choice.

Year in China

Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.

Learn Chinese
Study in a bustling world heritage city
Improve employment prospects
Study Chinese culture
30 minutes from Shanghai
Learn new skills

Where can I spend a year abroad on this course?

Australia
Canada
Hong Kong
Malaysia
Singapore
South Korea
USA

More about taking a year abroad

Semester abroad

Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.

Inspire your future career or studies
Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
More likely to earn higher salary
More likely to be employed after graduating

More about taking a semester abroad

Summer abroad

Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.

Spend a summer abroad in addition to your degree programme
Study abroad without adding an extra year
Choose any summer between your first and final year of study
Get the chance to study subjects outside your discipline

Where can I spend a summer abroad on this course?

Hong Kong
Japan
South Korea

More about taking a summer abroad

Language study

Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:

A dedicated languages degree
A language as a joint or major/minor degree
Language modules (selected degrees)
Language classes alongside your studies

Your experience

The Department of Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology is part of the School of Histories, Languages and Cultures. Teaching takes place across campus, including in specialist facilities in the Central Teaching Hub and Garstang Museum of Archaeology.

Explore where you'll study

Abercromby Square Home to the Department of Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology

Environmental Sciences and Archaeology Laboratory

Female student painting ancient markings onto the wall of the Archaeology caveonto — Cave Painting

Egyptology and Ancient History student Tristan shares his experience

Virtual tour

Supporting your learning

From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:

Careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market and strengthening your networking skills
A dedicated student services team can help you get assistance with your studies, help with health and wellbeing, and access to financial advice
Confidential counselling and support to help students with personal problems affecting their studies and general wellbeing
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.

Why Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology at University of Liverpool?

Fantastic on-campus facilities such as the Garstang Museum with its outstanding archaeological collections and GIS suite for archaeological drawing
Our extensive laboratories used for conservation, lithics, geomagnetism, stable isotope, trace elements, finds processing and sample preparation
An enviable library which has been built up since the Ancient World and Archaeology has been studied at Liverpool since the 1880s
Opportunities to learn ancient languages such as Greek, Latin, Akkadian, Sumerian, Egyptian and Coptic
Archaeological projects based internationally, in Egypt, Greece, Bulgaria, Jordan, Turkey, Italy, Zambia, Kenya, Ethiopia and South Africa, as well as in the British Isles

Chat with our students

Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.

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Careers and employability

Students who graduate from Egyptology are equipped with a diverse set of skills required for employment, or advanced study in Egyptology or related disciplines.

In addition to the subject-specific career pathways, graduates have also gone on to careers in a range of public service and private industry, including:

The police
Science journalism
Financial services.

Recent employers include:

The National Trust
English Heritage
Civil Service
Archaeology South East
Police Service
Apple.

Many past students have progressed through doctoral studies.

88% of Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology students go on to work or further study within 15 months of graduation.

(Graduate Outcomes, 2018-19.)

My qualifications are from United Kingdom.

Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)

Full-time place, per year - £9,790
Year in industry fee - £1,955
Year abroad fee - £1,465 (applies to year in China)

International fees

Full-time place, per year - £27,000
Year in industry fee - £1,955
Year abroad fee - £13,500 (applies to year in China)

The fees shown are for the academic year 2026/27. Please be advised that tuition fees may increase each year for both UK and international students. For UK students, this will be subject to the government’s regulated fee limits.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about paying for your studies.

Additional costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This includes specialist equipment and fieldwork costs.

Students will be required to cover the costs listed below for year one compulsory fieldwork- two weeks in Penycloddiau, North Wales:

Approved 4-inch WHS Spear and Jackson wood-handled trowel, such as this one. Students can buy a trowel for around £10-14. Please note that gardening trowels are not appropriate.
Students will pay a sustenance contribution for food during the trip. This was £100 in 2017.

In year two, those who must complete a further two weeks of fieldwork have several options with varying costs. Some options are based in the UK and have no additional costs, others are based abroad. For those choosing to join a site abroad, students will be expected to pay for their own flights, accommodation, and sustenance. The costs for this vary from site to site.

Find out more about additional study costs.

We’re showing the scholarships available to students from United Kingdom.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.

Whiteley Award

This award offers £3,000 per year for a UK undergraduate student from an under-represented background who has successfully completed the Liverpool Scholars or Pathways to Medicine programme.

The Liverpool Bursary

If you’re a UK student joining an undergraduate degree and have a household income below £35,000, you could be eligible for a Liverpool Bursary worth up to £2,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Asylum Seekers Scholarship

Apply for an Asylum Seekers Scholarship and you could have your tuition fees paid in full and receive help with study costs. You’ll need to have applied for asylum in the UK, or be the dependant of an asylum seeker, and be joining an eligible undergraduate degree.

Care Leavers’ Opportunity Bursary

If you’ve spent 13 or more weeks in Local Authority care since age 14, you could be eligible for a bursary of £3,000 per year of study. You’ll need to be a UK student joining an eligible undergraduate degree and be aged 28 or above on 1 September in the year you start.

Cowrie Foundation Scholarship

Are you a UK student with a Black African or Caribbean heritage and a household income of £25,000 or less? You could be eligible to apply for a Cowrie Foundation Scholarship worth up to £8,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Estranged Students Bursary

If you’re a UK student identified as estranged by Student Finance England (or the equivalent UK funding body), you could be eligible for a bursary of £1,000 for each year of undergraduate study.

Genesys Life Sciences Scholarship

Joining a School of Biosciences degree and have a household income of less than £25,000? If you’re a UK student, you could apply to receive £4,500 per year for three years of your undergraduate course.

Nolan Scholarships

Do you live in the Liverpool City Region with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a Nolan Scholarship worth £5,000 per year for three years of undergraduate study.

Rigby Enterprise Award

Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? If you’ve participated in an eligible outreach programme, you could be eligible to apply for a Rigby Enterprise Award worth £5,000 per year for three years of your undergraduate degree.

ROLABOTIC Scholarship

Are you a UK student with a household income of £26,500 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a ROLABOTIC Scholarship worth £4,500 for each year of your undergraduate degree.

Sport Liverpool Performance Programme

Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.

Technetix Broadhurst Engineering Scholarship

Joining a degree in the School of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Computer Science? If you’re a UK student with household income below £25,000, you could be eligible to apply for £5,000 a year for three years of study. Two awards will be available per academic year.

Young Adult Carer’s (YAC) Bursary

If you’re a young adult and a registered carer in the UK, you might be eligible for a £1,000 bursary for each year of study. You’ll need to be aged 18-25 on 1 September in the year you start your undergraduate degree.

Discover our full range of scholarships and bursaries.

My qualifications are from United Kingdom.

Entry requirements

The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.

Qualification	Details
A levels	BBB Applicants with the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) are eligible for a reduction in grade requirements. For this course, the offer is BBC from A levels, with B in the EPQ. You may automatically qualify for reduced entry requirements through our contextual offers scheme. Based on your personal circumstances, you may automatically qualify for up to a two-grade reduction in the entry requirements needed for this course. When you apply, we consider a range of factors – such as where you live – to assess if you’re eligible for a grade reduction. You don’t have to make an application for a grade reduction – we’ll do all the work. Find out more about how we make reduced grade offers.
T levels	T levels considered in a relevant subject. Applicants should contact us by completing the enquiry form on our website to discuss specific requirements in the core components and the occupational specialism.
GCSE	4/C in English and 4/C in Mathematics
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma	BTEC applications are encouraged. We evaluate each BTEC application on its merits.
International Baccalaureate	30 points overall with no score less than 4 or pass the IB Diploma plus 5,5,5 in 3 HL subjects.
Irish Leaving Certificate	H2, H2, H2, H3, H3, H3
Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher	BBB in Advanced Highers, combinations of Advanced Highers and Scottish Highers are welcome
Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced	B in the Welsh Baccalaureate, plus BB at A level.
Access	Pass relevant Access to HE Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits with 30 at Distinction and 15 at Merit.
International qualifications	If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree.

Alternative entry requirements

If your qualification isn't listed here, or you're taking a combination of qualifications, contact us for advice
If you are returning to learning, have had a disrupted education or are switching career pathways, the one-year Go Higher diploma qualifies you to apply for University of Liverpool arts, humanities and social sciences programmes
Applications from mature students are welcome.

English language requirements

You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.

We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.

International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.

Qualification	Details
IELTS	6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5
TOEFL iBT	If you took a TOEFL test on or before 20 January 2026, you’ll need 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 17, writing 17, reading 17 and speaking 19. If you took a TOEFL test from 21 January 2026 onwards, when a new scoring system was introduced, you’ll need 4.5 overall, with 4 or above in all components. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted.
Duolingo English Test	125 overall, with speaking, reading and writing not less than 105, and listening not below 100
Pearson PTE Academic	61 overall, with no component below 59
LanguageCert Academic	70 overall, with no skill below 60
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0500	Grade C overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking and listening. Speaking and listening must be separately endorsed on the certificate.
Cambridge IGCSE First Language English 0990	Grade 4 overall, with Merit in speaking and listening
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0510/0511	0510: Grade B overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0511: Grade B overall.
Cambridge IGCSE Second Language English 0993/0991	0993: Grade 6 overall, with a minimum of grade 2 in speaking. Speaking must be separately endorsed on the certificate. 0991: Grade 6 overall.
Cambridge ESOL Level 2/3 Advanced	176 overall, with no paper below 162
International Baccalaureate English A: Literature or Language & Literature	Grade 5 at Standard Level or grade 5 at Higher Level
International Baccalaureate English B	Grade 7 at Standard Level or grade 6 at Higher Level

Pre-sessional English

Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?

The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.

Pre-sessional English in detail

If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.

Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.

Your most recent IELTS score	Pre-sessional English course length	On campus or online
6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5	6 weeks	On campus or online
5.5 overall, with no more than one component at 5.0	10 weeks	On campus or online
5.5 overall, with no component below 5.0	12 weeks	Online
5.0 overall, with no component below 5.0	20 weeks	On campus
5.0 overall, with no component below 4.5	30 weeks	On campus
4.5 overall, with no more than one component at 4.0	40 weeks	On campus

If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.

Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5, for further details.

Contact us

Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.

Send us a message Phone: +44 (0) 151 794 5927

Last updated 5 February 2026 / / Programme terms and conditions