COURSE CURRICULUM

The Research Master’s program in Classics and Ancient Civilizations (Research) at Leiden University is a two-year program that can be pursued in four specialisations, one of which is Egyptology. This specialisation provides students with the opportunity to explore the breadth of Egyptological sub-disciplines while gradually developing advanced research skills tailored to their academic interests. The structure of the program is designed to balance broad interdisciplinary training with focused expertise. A distinctive feature of this research master is the inclusion of two compulsory Common Courses, shared with students from the other specialisations in Classics and Ancient Civilizations. These courses aim to foster cross-disciplinary dialogue by examining cultural phenomena that extend beyond the boundaries of a single field and by encouraging students to engage in intellectual exchange with peers from neighbouring disciplines. The topics of these courses are aligned with current trends in international research and therefore change annually, ensuring that students are exposed to the latest scholarly debates and methodologies. In the fourth semester, the program culminates in the writing of a master’s thesis, which serves as the central component of independent research training. Students work closely with a supervisor who provides individual guidance throughout the process, while the Research Career Seminar complements this by equipping them with practical academic skills. In this seminar, students refine their writing and presentation abilities and, importantly, learn how to transform their thesis preparation into a full-fledged research proposal that meets the requirements of professional funding bodies such as the Dutch Research Council (NWO). This dual emphasis on rigorous academic research and professional preparation ensures that graduates are well positioned to continue into PhD programs or pursue research-focused careers in academia, museums, or cultural institutions. Overall, the Egyptology track within this research master offers both depth and interdisciplinarity, combining advanced Egyptological expertise with broad methodological training and professional development.