Egyptology (MA)
About the programme
Classics and Ancient Civilizations covers one year and can be studied in four programmes, one of them is Egyptology. When you choose to study this programme, you will both be guided through the broadness of Egyptological sub-disciplines, as well as gradually led to develop your own specific research skills.
Programme structure
For a more detailed programme, see the Prospectus.
Please note that this guide applies to the current academic year, which means that the curriculum for next year may slightly differ.
Programme structure and courses
The MA CAC Egyptology comprises 60 EC, spread over two semesters.
Semester 1
You are required to follow the MA Seminar (5 EC) and a choice of specific classes offered in the Egyptology programme. In the first semester, you will take several courses up to a total of 30 EC, depending on your previous skill and experience in Egyptology. All students follow a programme based on their individual background.
Courses offered are e.g.: Egyptian Temple Inscriptions of the Graeco-Roman Period (for those with a profound knowledge of Middle and Late Egyptian), Amarna Seminar and Demotic Papyrology, or, for those without a firm background in Egyptology: Introduction to Middle Egyptian and Selected Topics in Egyptian Archaeology.
Semester 2
In the second semester you will write your master's thesis (15 EC) and take another 5/10 EC course, either a course in Papyrology (Demotic 2, Coptic or Greek), Seminar Mastabas/Old Kingdom elite tombs or Deir el-Medina Seminar.
From January to March students take the course Egyptology in the Field: Research and Facilities in Egypt, which is taught in Cairo. All students are, in principle, required to participate in the programme which is organised at the Netherlands-Flemish Institute in Cairo every year.
Olaf Kaper
Professor of Egyptology
“Interesting finds are constantly being made on the many sites under excavation. This is what makes Egyptology so exciting. With their own research and their master’s thesis, master’s students can make a real contribution to this field. We offer our master’s students a broad range of opportunities to conduct archaeological research in Egypt.”
Archaeological research in Egypt
"As early as the second block our students go to Cairo to learn about archaeological research, to visit particular institutions and to meet colleagues. There is the opportunity for two students – if they are successful in their application – to work in Saqqara on the excavations organised by Leiden’s Egyptology department in co-operation with the National Museum of Antiquities. Leiden has a long history in the field of Egyptology because of this museum which, since the start of the nineteenth century, has housed a famous collection of Egyptian antiquities."
Admission and Application
Do you want to find out if you are eligible for this Master's Programme?