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Egyptology

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There are nine courses related to Egyptology that you might be interested in.

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Master of Arts

A Master of Arts (MA) is a master’s degree awarded for a postgraduate programme in the arts.

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Course overview

This programme enables graduates in Egyptology related disciplines to deepen their knowledge of Egyptian language and material culture. The MA provides intensive preparation for research and offers training in fields such as analytical and generic problem solving.

Introduction

The core component of the programme is the development of skills and practices necessary for scholarly research in the discipline. Our one-year curriculum puts emphasis on the integration of the taught modules (such as language, research practices, material culture, social history, landscape archaeology) with individual research projects (dissertation).

Depending on the module pathways selected, the emphasis of the course is on the archaeology or language of ancient Egypt, from the Predynastic to the Coptic period.

Our MA students are also encouraged to take full advantage of the range of classes offered in the department, and to sit on available modules dispensing breadth and depth of knowledge in the areas of study relevant to their research interest.

For any enquiries please contact the Programme Lead.

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for graduates in Egyptology related disciplines who want to deepen their knowledge of Egyptian language and material culture.

What you'll learn

  • Knowledge and critical understanding of the nature and development of Egyptian culture
  • Knowledge of subject-specific theories and their application
  • Critical engagement with debates in the field of Egyptology
  • The chance to improve proficiency in Egyptian language (module choice dependent)
  • Become familiar with a diverse range of primary sources and secondary literature relevant to the study of Ancient Egypt
  • Professional skills in the field of Egyptology
  • The ability to write and present a dissertation in the field of Egyptology at postgraduate level.

Course content

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

Studying this course part-time

International students may be able to study this course on a part-time basis but this is dependent on visa regulations. Please visit the Government website for more information about student visas.

If you're able to study part-time, you'll study the same modules as the full-time master's degree over a longer period, usually 24 months. You can make studying work for you by arranging your personal schedule around lectures and seminars which take place during the day. After you complete all the taught modules, you will complete your final dissertation or project and will celebrate your achievements at graduation the following term.

Studying part-time means you can study alongside work or any other life commitments. You will study the same modules as the full-time master's degree over a longer period, usually 24 months. You can make studying work for you by arranging your personal schedule around lectures and seminars which take place during the day. After you complete all the taught modules, you will complete your final dissertation or project and will celebrate your achievements at graduation the following term.

Semester one

Students in the MA Egyptology full-time programme take 30 credits of required modules and 30 credits of optional modules in Semester one.

The dissertation (60 credits) is researched over the duration of the course and is completed over the summer vacation period.

Students with a research interest involving archaeological method and practice or with interests that stretch beyond Pharaonic Egypt, either into contemporary cultures of the Near East or the Mediterranean or into the GraecoRoman period, may choose modules outside the specific discipline of Egyptology, available from the listings of other MA degrees in the Department of Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology.

Compulsory modules

RESEARCH SKILLS FOR ACE M-LEVEL STUDENTS (ALGY601)

Credits: 30 / Semester: semester 1

This module will provide students with a set of skills that is necessary for the development, structuring and presentation of their dissertation topic (which can be later applied to PhD research) alongside transferable skills (clarity of written expression, critical faculty, advanced level ability to structure and present arguments in a range of media, and project management) applicable to academic and non-academic work environments; The module also aims to develop your abilities to engage with current historiographical and theoretical debates appropriate to MA level in an informed, analytical and critical manner.

Optional modules

ADVANCED ANCIENT EGYPTIAN LANGUAGE AND SCRIPT 1 (ALGY721)

Credits: 30 / Semester: semester 1

This module comprises study of textual sources in the Ancient Egyptian language, written in the hieroglyphic and hieratic scripts, selected for their appropriateness for study for students with existing language background. The module presents a reading programme of suitable textual sources along with critical philological, linguistic and epigraphic/palaeographical discussion thereof for enhancement of existing knowledge of relevant phases of the Ancient Egyptian language and of reading inscriptions in the original hieroglyphic script, as well as developing a progressional competence in reading literary and documentary sources in original hieratic script. Whilst students on this module will have a good existing competence in Ancient Egyptian language and hieroglyphic script from their undergraduate studies, the module introduces the hieratic script for the first time in a systematic manner. Hieratic is the principal script used for Ancient Egyptian document writing from the Old Kingdom until the Late Period. Such documents are usually published with hieroglyphic transcriptions provided by the editor(s) (and studied through such transcriptions at undergraduate level). However, at research level, an ability to engage with the original hieratic is an important research skill in assessing and using primary resources directly and/or to comment critically on earlier editions of such sources.

EGYPTIAN WRITING I (ALGY707)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

This module is designed to promote the acquisition of skills in the understanding and interpretation of ancient Egyptian texts, with a view to their use as primary data in research projects. Particular emphasis is put on palaeography – using original ancient Egyptian writings, in their original hieratic format – as sources for the study of ancient Egypt and on developing an appreciation of these texts in their social, historical and cultural context.

EGYPTIAN FOR POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS I (ALGY717)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

Introductory course in reading Middle Egyptian (hieroglyphs) for MA students. Assumes no prior knowledge of the Egyptian language. The syllabus consists of working through the standard grammatical patterns, and the acquisition of a sign-list and vocabulary, following the chapters of the recommended text-books and teaching notes provided. The syllabus is divided into weekly units, which consist of introduction to a topic, student reading and exercises and tutorial feedback on the exercises. The majority of language classes as well as tutorials and museum visits are taken together with the undergraduate introductory Egyptian cohort. The three extra tutorials are specific to the MA cohort, and focus on research-related language skills (e.g. lexicographical research, referencing, and citation, plus presentation of language work).

ISSUES IN EGYPTIAN SETTLEMENT ARCHAEOLOGY (ALGY676)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

This module is designed to promote key skills in the collection, analysis and interpretation of primary material (archaeological and textual) relevant to a reconstruction of the nature and organisation of settlement in ancient Egypt;

It will use detailed case-studies to encourage students to develop their ability to formulate and present independent argument using this archaeological and textual material as data;

It will further encourage the presentation of such argument and analysis in a coherent format as might be appropriate for publication.

RESEARCH THEMES IN THE NEOLITHIC OF THE NEAR EAST (ALGY656)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

This module will examine the conceptual frameworks and research methods used in investigating the development of the world’s first agricultural, pastoralist and sedentary communities, all changes fundamental to the development of complex and modern society. We will explore the behaviours of these ‘Neolithic’ communities across the Near East and Europe in a thematic fashion, possible themes selected by students might include ritual and symbolism, mortuary practice, the development of the household, the development of religion, human-animal relationships, landscapes and landscape management, identities, the first monuments and institutions.

EXPERIMENTAL ARCHAEOLOGY: MATERIALS, THEORIES AND PRACTICES (ALGY740)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

This strongly practical module provides an introduction to field of experimental archaeology with a focus on ancient materials and technologies. From the first use of fire to the glass furnaces of Medieval Europe, we will consider how our understanding of cultural material we study is shaped and extended by practical experience of the processes involved in its production. We will examines the history, the potential, and the pitfalls of experimental studies in archaeology and offer opportunities to identify real archaeological questions and to design and carry out practical experiments to address them in the laboratory and in the field.

This module provides a baseline for students interested in building a better understanding of ancient artefacts and their production/use. This can further developed in ALGY737 and/or dissertation research. The module can also be a complementary module for students interested in lithic technologies studying ALGY763.

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.

Our curriculum

The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:

  • Digital fluency
  • Confidence
  • Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

  • Research-connected teaching
  • Active learning
  • Authentic assessment

All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.

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.

Virtual tour

Supporting your learning

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

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

What students say...

The university has excellent resources for the study of Egyptology. There is a very good collection of books at the library, and there you can find some ancient and rare books as well as the most recent publications. In fact, it is quite clear the effort to offer the students a significant range of both physical and digital access options, which certainty facilitates our studies and our work.

, MA Egyptology

Careers and employability

Graduates of Liverpool MA Egyptology have a proven track record of moving on to employment in Egyptology and related areas, including both at university and in the museums sector, as well as in heritage more widely. Current UK Egyptology museum curators and lecturers at Manchester, Edinburgh and London are graduates of our department, as is the head of archaeology at the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

Career planning

Three career coaches standing outside the Careers Studio

Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.

From education to employment

Two graduates in postgraduate robes.

We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.

Networking events

Postgraduate students hold a discussion while sat round a table in in the Liverpool Guild of Students.

You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.

Your future

In addition to careers in Egyptology, graduates from our MA have gone on to pursue a wide variety of humanities careers in:

  • Heritage and archives management
  • Travel and tourism
  • Teaching
  • Civil service
  • Finance
  • Marketing
  • University administration.

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 £10,800
Part-time place, per year £5,400
International fees
Full-time place, per year £22,400
Part-time place, per year £11,200
Fees stated are for the 2024-25 academic year.

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

If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. 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 could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.

Additional study 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 could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about additional study costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

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

We've set the country or region your qualifications are from as United Kingdom. Change it here


Postgraduate Global Advancement Scholarship

  • International students

If you’re a new international student starting this course with us from September 2024, you could be eligible to receive a discount of £5,000 off your tuition fees.

Graduate Loyalty Advancement Scholarship

  • Home and international students
  • University of Liverpool current students and alumni only

Completed your undergraduate degree, or studied as an undergraduate exchange student, at the University of Liverpool?

You could get a loyalty discount of up to £2,500 off the tuition fees for this course from September 2024 entry.

  • £1,500 tuition fee discount for eligible UK University of Liverpool graduates
  • £2,500 tuition fee discount for eligible international University of Liverpool graduates.

ANID Chile Scholarship

  • International students
  • Chile

Postgraduate taught and research students from Chile are eligible for this scholarship.

Chevening Scholarships

  • International students

The University, in partnership with Chevening, is delighted to offer this generous scholarship to students who are studying a master’s programme and who have future leadership potential. Please note that there is a fee cap applied to MBA programmes that requires applicants to cover any additional tuition costs over £18,000. You will still receive all additional allowances.

CONACYT Award

  • International students
  • Mexico

The University of Liverpool has an agreement with CONACYT to support postgraduate taught and research students from Mexico.

FIDERH Award

  • International students
  • Mexico

20% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate taught and research programmes. Must be Mexico national.

Fulbright Scholarship

  • International students
  • University of Liverpool alumni only
  • United States

One scholarship is available for a master’s student from the US and another is available for a postgraduate research student to undertake a three to six month research stay from the US

FUNED Awards

  • International students
  • Mexico

Up to ten awards are available for Masters or Research students from Mexico in receipt of FUNED loans. The award gives students a 20% reduction in fees for all applications received.

Graduate Association Hong Kong & Tung Postgraduate Scholarships

  • International students
  • China
  • Hong Kong

The University is able to offer competitive scholarships for both postgraduate taught master’s and research programmes.

HLC Scholarships for Postgraduate Study

  • Home and international students

The competition is open to all students who have applied for a relevant HLC programme by 3 July and commence study in the course in the first semester of 2023.

The HLC School comprises the following Departments:

  • Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology
  • History
  • Irish Studies
  • Languages, Cultures and Film
  • Politics

HRM Princess Sirindhorn University of Liverpool Scholarship (Thailand)

  • International students
  • Thailand

The University is able to offer one award to a new postgraduate taught master’s student from Thailand.

The scholarship is open to all subjects offered as a one-year taught master’s programme.  However, priority will be given to those students who wish to study in a subject area associated with HRH Princess Sirindhorn such as science, IT, medicine, the arts, geography, history and languages.

JuventudEsGto Scholarship

  • International students
  • Mexico

Residents of State of Guanajuato, Mexico, wishing to study at postgraduate taught and research levels are eligible for this scholarship.

Marshall Scholarship

  • International students
  • University of Liverpool alumni only
  • United States

One scholarship is available for a master’s student from the US to cover the cost of tuition fees. Another, to the value of £20,000, is available for Doctoral study visit: https://www.marshallscholarship.org/

Rankin Scholarships for Postgraduate Study in Egyptology

  • Home and international students

The Department of Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology is pleased to invite applications for one scholarship to support one Master’s-level student in Egyptology.  The successful candidate will receive a one-off fee reduction of £4,000.

Turkish Ministry of Education Scholarship

  • International students
  • Turkey

Postgraduate taught and research students from Turkey are eligible for this scholarship, see the Turkish Ministry of Education website https://meb.gov.tr/ for more information.

University of Liverpool Humanitarian Scholarships for Master’s Programmes

  • International students

The three awards available cover full tuition fees, visas and support for accommodation and living expenses.

This scholarship is open to support people who have recognised status as either refugees or are under humanitarian protection under the 1951 Refugee Convention. This status must be held outside of the UK.

The scholarship is open for all postgraduate-taught programmes, excluding medicine, dentistry, veterinary and nursing.

University of Liverpool International College Excellence Scholarship

  • International students

The University of Liverpool will award five University of Liverpool International College students, who achieve the highest academic excellence (minimum 75%) in their UoLIC Pre-Master’s programme, the prestigious UoLIC Excellence scholarship.

University of Liverpool International College Impact Progression Scholarships

  • International students

University of Liverpool International College recipients of the Kaplan awards will receive the £3,000 Progression Impact Scholarship, deducted from first-year tuition fees, on successful progression to their UoL degree programme.

To be eligible for our Impact Progression Scholarships, students must apply for one of the Kaplan Impact Scholarships demonstrating their commitment to making an impact across issues of importance to the University and Kaplan. Themes include:

Sustainability
Women in STEM
Community
Career Focus (Employability)

Vice-Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship for China

  • International students
  • China

Details are:
1 (one) Full scholarship
2 (two) £10,000 scholarships
5 (five) £5,000 scholarships
10 (ten) £1,000 scholarships
All scholarships will be awarded after the formal registration at the University and will take the form of a fee waiver.

Please note: This scholarship cannot be combined with any other scholarships or bursaries provided by the University.

Entry requirements

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

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Your qualification Requirements

About our typical entry requirements

Postgraduate entry requirements

A 2:1 or equivalent undergraduate degree is required in an Egyptology related discipline. An ideal applicant will have a 2:1 Bachelor’s degree with a 65% average or higher. However, all applications will be considered on their own merits and on occasions may be accepted outside of this criteria.

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.

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.

English language qualification Requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0
TOEFL iBT 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20
Duolingo English Test 120 overall, with no component below 105
Pearson PTE Academic 61 overall, with no component below 59
LanguageCert Academic 70 overall, with no skill below 65
PSI Skills for English B2 Pass with Merit in all bands
INDIA Standard XII National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English.
WAEC C6 or above

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.

Find out the length of Pre-Sessional English course you may require for this degree.

Pre-sessional English

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 6.0 6 weeks On campus
6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 10 weeks On campus and online options available
6.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 12 weeks On campus and online options available
5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 20 weeks On campus
5.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.0, and no component below 4.5 30 weeks On campus
4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 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, with no component below 6.0, for further details.

About our entry requirements

Our entry requirements may change from time to time both according to national application trends and the availability of places at Liverpool for particular courses. We review our requirements before the start of the new application cycle each year and publish any changes on our website so that applicants are aware of our typical entry requirements before they submit their application.

We believe in treating applicants as individuals, and in making offers that are appropriate to their personal circumstances and background. Therefore the offer any individual applicant receives may differ slightly from the typical offer quoted on the website.

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Fees and Finance

Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.

Changes to Egyptology MA

See what updates we've made to this course since it was published. We document changes to information such as course content, entry requirements and how you'll be taught.

23 March 2023: New postgraduate taught course pages

New course pages launched.