COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master’s specialisation in Egyptology, part of the Classics and Ancient Civilizations program at Leiden University, is a one-year program worth 60 EC that provides students with both a broad introduction to the sub-disciplines of Egyptology and the opportunity to gradually develop their own research expertise. The curriculum is carefully structured to combine coursework, independent study, and hands-on experience, ensuring that students acquire both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. In the first semester, students are required to take the Ancient World Seminar (5 EC) along with a selection of Egyptology-specific courses tailored to their individual background and prior knowledge. Depending on their preparation, students may engage with advanced courses such as Egyptian Temple Inscriptions of the Graeco-Roman Period and Demotic Papyrology, or more foundational subjects like Introduction to Middle Egyptian and Selected Topics in Egyptian Archaeology. This flexible design allows students to build on existing skills while broadening their expertise. The second semester is primarily focused on independent research, culminating in the master’s thesis (15 EC), which gives students the opportunity to conduct in-depth study under close supervision, while also taking an additional 5 to 10 EC course, such as Papyrology in Coptic or the Tell el-Dab’a Seminar. A distinctive feature of the program is the fieldwork component, Egyptology in the Field: Research and Facilities in Egypt, which runs from January to March in Cairo. Organised annually at the Netherlands-Flemish Institute in Cairo, this course provides students with unique access to research facilities, materials, and contexts directly in Egypt, offering invaluable hands-on experience in the field. Participation is in principle mandatory, highlighting the program’s emphasis on connecting classroom learning with practical, on-site research. Altogether, the MA in Egyptology at Leiden provides an intensive, well-rounded academic experience that integrates language study, archaeological and historical approaches, and fieldwork, preparing graduates for further academic research or professional careers in museums, cultural heritage, and related fields.