The Ultimate Egyptology Thread!
So, you’re thinking of pursuing Egyptology, but don’t know where to study it (in the UK)? This thread is the place to start! As a note, there are no subject-specific requirements for Egyptology, however, a foreign language (ancient or modern) will be extremely helpful, especially if you are applying to a course which includes hieroglyphs.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask below, or message me directly!
BA Archaeology (can specialise in Egyptology), University of Cambridge
Entry requirements: A*AA
This course is great for students interested in archaeology, or for those interested in combining Egyptology with Assyriology. However, you can specialise solely in Egyptology, with classes including social life, foreign relations, religion, and settlements. There are also opportunities to study Egyptian language, including Old, Middle and Late Egyptian, and occasionally Coptic and Demotic. In the first year, archaeology classes will be compulsory, on top of specialised Egyptological classes. There is a chance to complete a study tour in later years, and there is also fieldwork training.
BA Egyptology, University of Liverpool
Entry requirements: BBB (can be lowered with high EPQ grades, also has contextual offers)
This course is suited to students who are interested in both the history and language of ancient Egypt. The course offers a chance to study history, religion, social life, settlement, and death. There are optional classes in foreign relations, and the chance to study archaeology, or related subjects. At present, the course offers a chance to study Middle Egyptian (classical hieroglyphs) and Coptic, but has previously offered Old and Late Egyptian as well (so this may return in the future). In your first year, you will also have to take a Minor subject, so you will be able to study archaeology, ancient history, or evolutionary anthropology, amongst others, to complement your Egyptological studies.
BA Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (Egyptology, or Egyptology and Ancient Near Eastern Studies), University of Oxford
Entry requirements: AAA
This course is the dream for those wanting to pursue study of the ancient Egyptian language, but is also strong in other areas. For those who are less inclined, you can also choose optional classes in archaeology and anthropology. You will take a second subject as part of this course, and can even study modern Arabic. This course can also be combined with Assyriology, in 'Egyptology and Ancient Near Eastern Studies'.
BA Egyptology and Ancient History, Swansea University
Entry requirements: BBB
This course gives you a strong background in ancient Egyptian history, and neighbouring civilisations. It also offers the chance to study hieroglyphs (Middle Egyptian), and undertake a broad range of modules, including work experience placements.
BA Archaeology of Egypt and Sudan, UCL (University College London)
Entry requirements: ABB – BBB
This course emphasises fieldwork, asking for 10 weeks of this from its students (in the form of practical archaeology or volunteering, e.g. in a museum), far more than any other BA course in the UK. It also offers the chance to study Sudan (ancient Nubia), an extremely important player in Egyptian history, and a civilisation less emphasised by many other courses, despite its prevalence. If you are interested in Egypt from the archaeological side, this course could definitely be for you.
BA Archaeology with Ancient Egyptian Culture, UWTSD (University of Wales, Trinity St David)
Entry requirements: Please ask (will be lower than others)
This course also focusses on archaeology, with a strong Egyptian element. It uses innovative teaching, and also includes lots of field trips to historical sites. UWTSD is also very flexible for mature students and those who have an unconventional educational background, so do enquire about its entry requirements if you are interested.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask below, or message me directly!
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES
BA Archaeology (can specialise in Egyptology), University of Cambridge
Entry requirements: A*AA
This course is great for students interested in archaeology, or for those interested in combining Egyptology with Assyriology. However, you can specialise solely in Egyptology, with classes including social life, foreign relations, religion, and settlements. There are also opportunities to study Egyptian language, including Old, Middle and Late Egyptian, and occasionally Coptic and Demotic. In the first year, archaeology classes will be compulsory, on top of specialised Egyptological classes. There is a chance to complete a study tour in later years, and there is also fieldwork training.
BA Egyptology, University of Liverpool
Entry requirements: BBB (can be lowered with high EPQ grades, also has contextual offers)
This course is suited to students who are interested in both the history and language of ancient Egypt. The course offers a chance to study history, religion, social life, settlement, and death. There are optional classes in foreign relations, and the chance to study archaeology, or related subjects. At present, the course offers a chance to study Middle Egyptian (classical hieroglyphs) and Coptic, but has previously offered Old and Late Egyptian as well (so this may return in the future). In your first year, you will also have to take a Minor subject, so you will be able to study archaeology, ancient history, or evolutionary anthropology, amongst others, to complement your Egyptological studies.
BA Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (Egyptology, or Egyptology and Ancient Near Eastern Studies), University of Oxford
Entry requirements: AAA
This course is the dream for those wanting to pursue study of the ancient Egyptian language, but is also strong in other areas. For those who are less inclined, you can also choose optional classes in archaeology and anthropology. You will take a second subject as part of this course, and can even study modern Arabic. This course can also be combined with Assyriology, in 'Egyptology and Ancient Near Eastern Studies'.
BA Egyptology and Ancient History, Swansea University
Entry requirements: BBB
This course gives you a strong background in ancient Egyptian history, and neighbouring civilisations. It also offers the chance to study hieroglyphs (Middle Egyptian), and undertake a broad range of modules, including work experience placements.
BA Archaeology of Egypt and Sudan, UCL (University College London)
Entry requirements: ABB – BBB
This course emphasises fieldwork, asking for 10 weeks of this from its students (in the form of practical archaeology or volunteering, e.g. in a museum), far more than any other BA course in the UK. It also offers the chance to study Sudan (ancient Nubia), an extremely important player in Egyptian history, and a civilisation less emphasised by many other courses, despite its prevalence. If you are interested in Egypt from the archaeological side, this course could definitely be for you.
BA Archaeology with Ancient Egyptian Culture, UWTSD (University of Wales, Trinity St David)
Entry requirements: Please ask (will be lower than others)
This course also focusses on archaeology, with a strong Egyptian element. It uses innovative teaching, and also includes lots of field trips to historical sites. UWTSD is also very flexible for mature students and those who have an unconventional educational background, so do enquire about its entry requirements if you are interested.
POSTGRADUATE DEGREES, OTHER UNIVERSITIES, AND FAQS
Coming soon!
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Do you have questions about Egyptology more widely? Ask them here: https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=4189843
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Do you have questions about Egyptology more widely? Ask them here: https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=4189843
(edited 2 years ago)
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Reply 1
Original post
by EdminzodoAlthough I doubt that there are many of you out there share my ambition to become an Egyptologist, I thought I would make a thread to help you out as I found that there were few resources when I was applying!
Feel free to ask me any questions you like, both on this thread or by PM!
LINKS AND RESOURCES
Cambridge:
N.B. Called Archaeology.
http://www.arch.cam.ac.uk/about-us/egyptology
Liverpool:
Undergraduate - https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/egyptology-ba-hons/overview/
Postgraduate - https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught/egyptology-ma/overview/
Oxford:
N.B. Called Oriental Studies.
http://www.orinst.ox.ac.uk/eanes/index.html
Undergraduate - https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/oriental-studies/egyptology?wssl=1
Postgraduate - http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/courses/mphil-egyptology
SOAS:
N.B. Called Ancient Near Eastern Studies, runs on alternating years (2017, 2019, 2021 etc).
https://www.soas.ac.uk/nme/ane/
Undergraduate - https://www.soas.ac.uk/nme/programmes/baanes/
Postgraduate - https://www.soas.ac.uk/nme/programmes/maanel/
Swansea:
http://www.egypt.swan.ac.uk
Undergraduate - http://www.swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/artsandhumanities/classics-ancient-history-and-egyptology/ba-egyptology-v410/
Postgraduate - http://www.swansea.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/arts-and-humanities/ma-by-research-in-egyptology/
UCL:
N.B. Called Egyptian Archaeology.
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/library/subject-support/guides/egyptology
Undergraduate - http://www.ucl.ac.uk/archaeology/studying/undergraduate/degrees/ba_egyptian_archaeology
Postgraduate - http://www.ucl.ac.uk/archaeology/studying/masters/degrees/ma_egyptian
MORE LINKS:
One of the most useful Egyptological information sites around: http://www.egyptologyforum.org/EEFNEWS.html#6A
Another useful site: http://www.thebanmappingproject.com/resources/egyptologist.html
FAQs:
What subjects do I need?
- Check the university's admission page. History and languages are probably the most helpful subjects to take.
N.B. I have only included BA and MA degrees so far, and will add PhDs later.
Feel free to ask me any questions you like, both on this thread or by PM!
LINKS AND RESOURCES
Cambridge:
N.B. Called Archaeology.
http://www.arch.cam.ac.uk/about-us/egyptology
Liverpool:
Undergraduate - https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/egyptology-ba-hons/overview/
Postgraduate - https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/taught/egyptology-ma/overview/
Oxford:
N.B. Called Oriental Studies.
http://www.orinst.ox.ac.uk/eanes/index.html
Undergraduate - https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses/oriental-studies/egyptology?wssl=1
Postgraduate - http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/courses/mphil-egyptology
SOAS:
N.B. Called Ancient Near Eastern Studies, runs on alternating years (2017, 2019, 2021 etc).
https://www.soas.ac.uk/nme/ane/
Undergraduate - https://www.soas.ac.uk/nme/programmes/baanes/
Postgraduate - https://www.soas.ac.uk/nme/programmes/maanel/
Swansea:
http://www.egypt.swan.ac.uk
Undergraduate - http://www.swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/artsandhumanities/classics-ancient-history-and-egyptology/ba-egyptology-v410/
Postgraduate - http://www.swansea.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/arts-and-humanities/ma-by-research-in-egyptology/
UCL:
N.B. Called Egyptian Archaeology.
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/library/subject-support/guides/egyptology
Undergraduate - http://www.ucl.ac.uk/archaeology/studying/undergraduate/degrees/ba_egyptian_archaeology
Postgraduate - http://www.ucl.ac.uk/archaeology/studying/masters/degrees/ma_egyptian
MORE LINKS:
One of the most useful Egyptological information sites around: http://www.egyptologyforum.org/EEFNEWS.html#6A
Another useful site: http://www.thebanmappingproject.com/resources/egyptologist.html
FAQs:
What subjects do I need?
- Check the university's admission page. History and languages are probably the most helpful subjects to take.
N.B. I have only included BA and MA degrees so far, and will add PhDs later.
I was actually going to apply for egyptology, it has been a passion of mine since I was a kid, but I have decided against it for many reasons (parents being the main ones
). Just out of curiosity where are you planning on doing your egyptology degree and what are you looking forward too and why that course in particular ?Reply 2
21
Original post
by nihil_nimisI was actually going to apply for egyptology, it has been a passion of mine since I was a kid, but I have decided against it for many reasons (parents being the main ones ). Just out of curiosity where are you planning on doing your egyptology degree and what are you looking forward too and why that course in particular ?
). Just out of curiosity where are you planning on doing your egyptology degree and what are you looking forward too and why that course in particular ?Oh no, that's a shame. I'm sorry to hear that. What course will you be doing instead?
And I'm going to Liverpool in September. I love the breadth of the course. I'm particularly interested in Ramesside Egypt (which is a specialism of Liverpool's department) as well as the evolution of the language, which I will be able to study as well.
Posted from TSR Mobile
Reply 3
Original post
by EdminzodoOh no, that's a shame. I'm sorry to hear that. What course will you be doing instead?
And I'm going to Liverpool in September. I love the breadth of the course and the fact that you can take a second subject (you have to in your first year) so I'm doing Chinese. I'm particularly interested in Ramesside Egypt (which is a specialism of Liverpool's department) as well as the evolution of the language, which I will be able to study as well.
Posted from TSR Mobile
And I'm going to Liverpool in September. I love the breadth of the course and the fact that you can take a second subject (you have to in your first year) so I'm doing Chinese. I'm particularly interested in Ramesside Egypt (which is a specialism of Liverpool's department) as well as the evolution of the language, which I will be able to study as well.
Posted from TSR Mobile
That's really interesting and that course sounds amazing, I am really interested in like the development of religion and myths in ancient egypt, in particular the amarna period with that whole drastic shift to monotheism. I find that really interesting and I also just like anything and everything to do with ancient egypt from burial rituals to the lives of slave workers.
Ummmm I will be applying for medicine instead
, lol I know its like completely different but I also am really interested in medicine and what it entails but I feel like I will always just keep wondering what if ? Because egyptology has been a passions of mine for as long as I can remember but medicine was more of a recently developed interest after my GCSE's.Reply 4
21
Bump (have updated the OP).
Reply 5
Would you recommend Liverpool for Egyptology? I applied and have an unconditional offer for 2021. I'm also curious about what are some common work/further study paths that students go down once they have gained their degree in BA Egyptology?
Reply 6
21
Original post
by SamMcMWould you recommend Liverpool for Egyptology? I applied and have an unconditional offer for 2021. I'm also curious about what are some common work/further study paths that students go down once they have gained their degree in BA Egyptology?
Hey there,
Sorry, I only just saw this. I would recommend Liverpool, naturally, but it depends on what path you want to go down following your degree. Let me know if you have any specific questions, and I can message you directly or reply on here. As for my friends, some have done further study, and some have gone into work. Job prospects aren't great in Egyptology, and okay elsewhere. I have friends working as cleaners, and some working in high profile jobs, although not really 'top' jobs if you're looking to go into the City or law etc, although I would say that's still possible with effort. What do you want to do after the degree?
Reply 7
Original post
by SamMcMWould you recommend Liverpool for Egyptology? I applied and have an unconditional offer for 2021. I'm also curious about what are some common work/further study paths that students go down once they have gained their degree in BA Egyptology?
Hi, I also studied Egyptology for my undergraduate degree, let me know if you have any questions
it's a super cool degree but I wouldn't recommend doing it unless you're super passionate - it has a relatively high drop out rate and there are barely any jobs, so it's quite a big investment, but very interesting. Not the most diverse subject atm, but it's getting betterReply 8
21
Course Updates:
Liverpool is cutting back on language modules, so if you are keen on studying Old Egyptian or Late Egyptian, you will need to look into Oxford or Cambridge.
Manchester has added a Minor in Egyptology to some of its humanities courses.
Swansea seems to have gotten rid of its single honours BA course, so you would have to apply to Egyptology and Ancient History/Classical Civilisations.
SOAS is closing its department, so you will need to look at UCL instead, who are absorbing some of SOAS' staff and module offerings.
I will update the OP soon.
Liverpool is cutting back on language modules, so if you are keen on studying Old Egyptian or Late Egyptian, you will need to look into Oxford or Cambridge.
Manchester has added a Minor in Egyptology to some of its humanities courses.
Swansea seems to have gotten rid of its single honours BA course, so you would have to apply to Egyptology and Ancient History/Classical Civilisations.
SOAS is closing its department, so you will need to look at UCL instead, who are absorbing some of SOAS' staff and module offerings.
I will update the OP soon.
Reply 9
12
Original post
by SandtrooperCourse Updates:
Liverpool is cutting back on language modules, so if you are keen on studying Old Egyptian or Late Egyptian, you will need to look into Oxford or Cambridge.
Manchester has added a Minor in Egyptology to some of its humanities courses.
Swansea seems to have gotten rid of its single honours BA course, so you would have to apply to Egyptology and Ancient History/Classical Civilisations.
SOAS is closing its department, so you will need to look at UCL instead, who are absorbing some of SOAS' staff and module offerings.
I will update the OP soon.
Liverpool is cutting back on language modules, so if you are keen on studying Old Egyptian or Late Egyptian, you will need to look into Oxford or Cambridge.
Manchester has added a Minor in Egyptology to some of its humanities courses.
Swansea seems to have gotten rid of its single honours BA course, so you would have to apply to Egyptology and Ancient History/Classical Civilisations.
SOAS is closing its department, so you will need to look at UCL instead, who are absorbing some of SOAS' staff and module offerings.
I will update the OP soon.
For Liverpool, what do you mean by that? Will it be more centred on the archaeology aspect rather than the language (though I'm assuming you will still learn the language?)
Reply 10
21
Original post
by emrex03For Liverpool, what do you mean by that? Will it be more centred on the archaeology aspect rather than the language (though I'm assuming you will still learn the language?)
Hi there,
So, Liverpool used to be about 50/50 in terms of the split between language and history/archaeology. From the updated module list - https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/egyptology-ba-hons/module-details/ - it seems as though it will now be more like 1/3 or so language versus 2/3 history/archaeology. You will still be able to study a large amount of Middle Egyptian - the classical stage of the language, as well as Coptic, and it seems as though there may be a chance to study Late Egyptian in the third year (you previously did it in the second and third year), but the other modules such as Biblical Archaeology etc are borrowed from the BA Archaeology course, and this is new for Liverpool. These things change regularly, though, so keep an eye out, but it does seem, at least for 2022 entry, that they will teach slightly fewer language classes than before.
Are you interested in studying at Liverpool? It's a great course, and I would certainly recommend it.
Reply 11
12
Ah ok, thank you!
And yes Liverpool is definitely on my list.
And yes Liverpool is definitely on my list.
Reply 12
21
Original post
by emrex03Ah ok, thank you!
And yes Liverpool is definitely on my list.
And yes Liverpool is definitely on my list.
No problem! Yes, if you're applying for Egyptology, it should definitely be there. I'm going to update the first post with more up-to-date information about each course, soon, so hopefully that will help you. If you have any more specific questions about Liverpool, feel free to ask.
Reply 13
Original post
by Tuthmosis IIIHi, I also studied Egyptology for my undergraduate degree, let me know if you have any questions it's a super cool degree but I wouldn't recommend doing it unless you're super passionate - it has a relatively high drop out rate and there are barely any jobs, so it's quite a big investment, but very interesting. Not the most diverse subject atm, but it's getting better
it's a super cool degree but I wouldn't recommend doing it unless you're super passionate - it has a relatively high drop out rate and there are barely any jobs, so it's quite a big investment, but very interesting. Not the most diverse subject atm, but it's getting betterHey, I'm currently doing a egyptology degree and going into my second year however I'm having some difficulty getting over a predicted 2:1 and I'm aiming/wanting a 1st. Any pointers or help you could potentially give to help me with this???
Reply 14
21
Original post
by SuprimeWolfHey, I'm currently doing a egyptology degree and going into my second year however I'm having some difficulty getting over a predicted 2:1 and I'm aiming/wanting a 1st. Any pointers or help you could potentially give to help me with this???
What are you struggling with?
Reply 15
Original post
by SuprimeWolfHey, I'm currently doing a egyptology degree and going into my second year however I'm having some difficulty getting over a predicted 2:1 and I'm aiming/wanting a 1st. Any pointers or help you could potentially give to help me with this???
Hey there,
More than happy to help
are you referring to history or language, or both? Will gladly give you pointers - what's the main feedback you've been getting so far?Reply 16
Hi does anyone know how many students are there on the Liverpool and Oxford Egyptology courses?
Reply 17
21
Original post
by WhymeforabetHi does anyone know how many students are there on the Liverpool and Oxford Egyptology courses?
Are you referring to the undergraduate or postgraduate courses, by the way?
Both universities have intakes which fluctuate a lot.
At undergraduate level, Oxford usually has between two and four students, but there will be other students taking the classes from different degrees, such as Classical Archaeology, so there could be more in classes.
Liverpool usually has between five and ten, but again, students from Ancient History and Archaeology can take some of the classes.
The smallest classes will have between two and five students at either institution, usually. The largest could be up to fifty, for the introductory history and archaeology classes.
Let me know if you have any more questions. I studied at Liverpool and Cambridge, but I have a friend who went to Oxford for the degree.
Reply 18
I was just accepted in December for this upcoming year at the University of Manchester Egyptology Masters. Its the first online and first postgraduate at that university. Do you have any advice or any information about the University of Manchester? I'm from the US so I don't know anything about Manchester. Thanks!
Reply 19
21
Original post
by Egyptlover94I was just accepted in December for this upcoming year at the University of Manchester Egyptology Masters. Its the first online and first postgraduate at that university. Do you have any advice or any information about the University of Manchester? I'm from the US so I don't know anything about Manchester. Thanks!
Congratulations on your acceptance. Manchester is a good and pretty prestigious university. For Egyptology, it's a bit more new, and it's mostly known for these online degrees. What are your research interests, and are you planning to pursue a PhD afterwards?
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