Program Overview
The MA Antiquity: Egyptology pathway immerses students in the study of Ancient Egyptian civilization through archaeological, historical, and linguistic approaches. It provides a comprehensive understanding of Egypt's history, culture, religion, and evolving thought systems, with a focus on interpreting primary evidence and developing critical analytical skills. Students benefit from access to exceptional learning resources and engage in independent research culminatin in a dissertation.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Antiquity MA: Egyptology pathway provides training in archaeological and historical approaches to the study of Ancient Egyptian civilisation across its long history, as well as in Egyptian language. Working with leading experts in the field, you will study the history, culture, religion and evolving thought-systems of Ancient Egypt, with a strong focus on the interpretation of primary evidence, both textual and archaeological. This is one of several pathways available on the Antiquity MA. Studying Egyptology at this level will provide you with the rare opportunity of bringing into focus not just one particular aspect of a given society, but the culture and its interconnections as a whole. Having very few ‘uncontested facts’ to rely on, studying Egyptology means adopting a flexible and highly critical mindset.
Outline:
The program is made up of six taught modules and a 12,000-word dissertation on a topic of your choice.
Core Modules:
You will study a total of three core modules.
- Research and Scholarship in Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology: This module ensures that students across the range of sub-disciplines in Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology acquire the necessary generic and specific skills needed for further research. These will include advanced bibliographic skills, familiarity with theoretical and critical approaches and schools of thought, technical skills such as techniques of epigraphy or numismatics where appropriate. Delivery will take place in seminar formats, with sub-disciplines offering different break-out sessions as needed. Assessment: Two written assignments and a 10-minute presentation.
- Greek (Beginner/Advanced)
- Latin (Beginner/Advanced)
- Egyptian Language
Optional Modules:
You will also choose three optional modules, at least two of which should relate to the Egyptology pathway. Options available typically include:
- Herodotus and Ancient Worlds
- Funerary Archaeology
- Towns, Tombs and Temples
Dissertation:
In addition to your taught modules, you will conduct a piece of independent research with the support of a supervisor, culminating in a 12,000-word dissertation.
Assessment:
Modules are typically assessed by written assignment, exam or presentation, or a combination of these methods.
Teaching:
You will be taught, supervised and supported by staff in the department who have a wide range of expertise in the history, culture, archaeology and languages of the ancient world.
Course delivery:
The course is delivered through a range of teaching and learning methods, including lectures and seminars. You will also receive one-to-one supervision to support you in the development of your dissertation. Each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework and assignment preparation.
Teaching year:
We have three teaching terms per year, the autumn, spring and summer terms. If you are a part-time student, you will typically take three modules across each year, followed by your dissertation.
Support with academic writing:
As a postgraduate student in the College of Arts and Law, you have access to the Academic Writing Advisory Service (AWAS) which aims to help your transition from undergraduate to taught Masters level, or back into academia after time away.
Careers:
The University of Birmingham is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits, according to The Graduate Market 2024 report. The College of Arts and Law also has a dedicated careers and employability team who offer tailored advice and a programme of College-specific careers events. You will be encouraged to make the most of your postgraduate experience and will have the opportunity to:
- Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique, whether you are looking for a career inside or outside of academia
- Attend an annual programme of careers fairs, skills workshops and conferences, including bespoke events for postgraduates in the College of Arts and Law
- Take part in a range of activities to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers and enhance your CV
Postgraduate employability: Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology
Birmingham's Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology graduates develop a broad range of transferable skills including: familiarity with research methods; the ability to manage large quantities of information from diverse sources; the ability to organise information in a logical and coherent manner; the expertise to write clearly and concisely and to tight deadlines; critical and analytical ability; the capacity for argument, debate and speculation; and the ability to base conclusions on statistical research. The MA in Antiquity Egyptology Pathway is led by Dr Leire Olabarria. Her research brings together Egyptological and anthropological perspectives on Abydos, the sacred site of Osiris, which represents a traditional focus of Egyptological research at Birmingham.
- Flexibility - with such a range of expertise available, you will be supported to explore your specific interests, particularly through the dissertation.
- Exceptional learning resources - you will have access to a range of learning resources including environmental and material culture teaching collections, the Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology Museum, and in particular the Eton Myers Collection of Egyptian artefacts.
- Research strengths - The Classics department is ranked 8th in the country in the Research Excellence Framework 2021, according to Times Higher Education. Learn more about your postgraduate experience.
UK: £10,530 full-time; £5,265 part-time International: £24,120 full-time The above fees quoted are for one year only; for those studying over two or more years, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme. Fee status Paying your fees Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. Are you an international applicant? All international applicants to this course will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of £2,000 on receipt of an offer, to secure their place. Find out more about the deposit >>. Postgraduate loans Government-backed Masters loans are available to help UK and EU students to finance their studies. For those starting courses after 1 August 2020, loans are available of up to £11,836 for Masters students in all subject areas. Scholarships and studentships Scholarships to cover fees and/or maintenance costs may be available. International students can often gain funding through overseas research scholarships, Commonwealth scholarships or their home government.
