Master's Programme in Egyptology
Academic year 2023/2024
- 120 credits
- Autumn 2023, Uppsala, 100%, Campus
- Programme syllabus
Ancient Egypt is perhaps the world's best-known example of a complex society in the past. The area is studied with a focus on the roles played by gods and humans, accessible through texts, art and archaeology during more than three millennia. Through this Master's programme in Egyptology, you will learn how to combine different types of sources, methods and perspectives to better understand the lives of the people in one of the earliest literate cultures known to man.
Why this programme?
This programme is for anyone interested in combining texts, art and material remains in the exploration of Ancient Egypt.
You will learn how a scholar works in this field by studying a fascinating set of sources. You will become an expert in identifying problems and suggesting possible solutions from a fragmentary record by analysing and combining different types of evidence. In this programme, language and text studies are combined with history, art and archaeology.
The programme entails a solid foundation for PhD studies in Egyptology at various universities in the world. It also prepares you for a career that involves aspects of cultural heritage management or administrative roles. The courses are normally comprised of seminars that sharpen your skills in oral presentations and communication. Academic writing is practised continuously, preparing you for a range of situations where complex problems are analysed.
The programme is international; Swedish students represent the majority, with others coming from nationalities from elsewhere in the world (e.g. India). Students come from a background in Egyptology. The programme is based in Uppsala with up to 10 students enrolled per year.
The Department of Archaeology and Ancient History at Uppsala University strives for excellence in its teaching and research and is currently ranked in the top 100 universities worldwide in the subject of Archaeology (QS World University Rankings 2022).
Degree
The programme leads to a Master of Arts (120 credits) with Egyptology as the main field of study. It is also possible to graduate after one academic year with a Master of Arts (60 credits).
Name: Josef
From: Stockholm
Why did you choose this programme?
– I have long been interested in the subject of Egyptology. I started my studies with the Bachelor's programme in Archaeology and Ancient history, specialising in Egyptology. My goal is to eventually work in research, so studying the Master's programme was a natural choice.
What is the best thing about studying at Uppsala University?
– In addition to Uppsala being a very nice and pleasant student city, the Master's programme in Egyptology has several knowledgeable teachers with various specialisations. Regardless of whether you want to focus on texts, culture or fieldwork, Uppsala has something to offer.
What is most challenging?
– Translating more difficult texts can sometimes be tricky, but you have to be patient and trust the process. There are, of course, talented teachers who are happy to help if you need advice.
What are three things you will do this week?
– Do an internship at Gustavianum museum archive, study and drink enough coffee!
What is your goal with the programme?
– My aim is to start a career in academia and be able to work with what I have studied. The Master's programme allows me to delve into relevant issues in the field today and open doors to working in a niche market. In short, I want to fulfil a dream I've had since childhood.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying for this programme?
– In general, it is just fun to study Egyptology. But at the same time, it requires a lot of patience and a certain sense of purpose to get the most out of your studies. If you feel compelled to venture into a niche but incredibly exciting industry, apply for the Master's programme in Egyptology!
Three quick questions
Favourite place in your student town?
– The botanical garden, of course.
What is the best student tradition at Uppsala University?
– For many students, as well as for me, Valborg is probably a favourite.
Where is the best place to study?
– Tough choice, but I usually study best at Carolina Rediviva.
Spring 2023.
Programme
The programme includes mandatory courses equivalent to 75 credits and thesis work equivalent to 30 credits within the discipline of Egyptology. You also take elective courses equivalent to up to 15 credits.
At the beginning of the programme, you will establish an individual study plan (ISP) together with the programme coordinator. The mandatory courses are briefly described and a list of elective courses for the second semester is presented. The ISP is revised if necessary in consultation with the Director of Studies.
The programme starts with a multidisciplinary course of 7.5 credits. The course runs at half-speed and includes students who study the Master's Programme in Archaeology and Classical Archaeology and Ancient History.
The department offers several courses, which normally run at half-speed. Normally you will study two courses in parallel. In addition to mandatory courses in Egyptology, you can also do internships (7.5 or 15 credits) or take an individually designed in-depth method course (7.5 credits) relevant to the field. Alternatively, you can read two courses in other subjects equivalent to 15 credits in total.
In the final semester, you will write a degree thesis comprising 30 credits. All courses are taught in English.
Courses within the programme
The course names are generic and can vary over time; however, their overarching themes will not change. Courses marked with an asterisk (*) are taken together by students both in year 1 and year 2 of the programme.
First semester
Perspectives on the Past: Applied Theory and Method
Egyptian Social History: Architecture in Context*
Archaeology of Nubia*
Advanced Late Egyptian*
Second semester
Elective course or internship
Religion in Ancient Egypt*
Introduction to Coptic*
Third semester
GIS for the Humanities and the Social Sciences
Egyptian Social History: Architecture in Context*
Archaeology of Egypt*
Advanced Earlier Egyptian Texts*
Fourth semester
Thesis work
Learning experience
Seminars and lectures are the most common forms of teaching. Mandatory course literature is mainly in English, but German and French texts may also be included. At the seminars, you will present your ideas and discuss the reading you have done in preparation for the seminar with your classmates (a course book or other study material). The teacher usually only moderates the discussion. The aim is to develop critical thinking and collaborative skills. All the students are expected to be active participants in all forms of discussions.
Assessments vary between courses, but normally consist of oral presentations, written assignments and essays.
Career
A Master's degree in this subject makes you eligible to pursue PhD studies in Egyptology. Above all, it is a certificate that you possess several skills required to analyse and administer complex questions without simple answers. Previous students work as, for example, archivists, museum curators or guides, analysts, aid workers, travel guides, cultural writers, editors as well as researchers and teachers at universities.
Although you may think it is difficult to predict what your future career will look like, the survey we made with our alumni shows that a majority of previous students in the programme value their studies in Egyptology regardless of their present occupation.
The department holds networking events in the areas of archaeology, museums and cultural heritage management where students can meet alumni who can provide insights into the job market as they prepare to graduate.
Career support
During your time as a student, UU Careers offers support and guidance. You have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities and events that will prepare you for your future career. Learn more about UU Careers.
Admissions
Below you will find details about eligibility requirements, selection criteria and tuition fees. For information on how to apply and what general documents you need to submit, check the application guide. Besides the general supporting documents, you also need to submit one programme-specific document: a statement of purpose.
Master's Programme in Egyptology
120 credits
Autumn 2023, 100%, Campus
Location: Uppsala
Application deadline: 16 January 2023
Application code: UU-M5028 Application
Language of instruction: English
Requirements:
Academic requirements
A Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, from an internationally recognised university.
Also required is 120 credits in Egyptology including 30 credits in Egyptian languages.
Language requirements
Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6. This requirement can be met either by achieving the required score on an internationally recognised test, or by previous upper secondary or university studies in some countries. Detailed instructions on how to provide evidence of your English proficiency are available at universityadmissions.se.
Selection: Students are selected based on:
- an overall appraisal of previous university studies; and
- a statement of purpose.
Tuition fee-paying students and non-paying students are admitted on the same grounds but in different selection groups.
Fees:
If you are not a citizen of a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) country, or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees. Fees cover application and tuition only and do not cover accommodation, academic literature or the general cost of living. Read more about fees.
Application fee: SEK 900
Tuition fee, first semester: SEK 50,000
Tuition fee, total: SEK 200,000
Contact and further resources
Contact
For further information, please contact the Director of Studies Angus Graham
For general questions about Master studies at Uppsala University, contact:
Department of Archaeology and Ancient History
Engelska parken, Thunbergsvägen 3H
Box 626, 751 26 UPPSALA
018-471 2093
www.uu.se/education