Egyptology (research) (MA)
About the programme
Classics and Ancient Civilizations (Research) covers two years 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.
Core courses
About our Common Courses
With all other Classics and Ancient Civilisations specialisations, the ResMA specialisation Egyptology shares two compulsory Common Courses. These courses are geared towards connecting the various disciplines and cross-fertilising work in your own specialisation. Students of all specialisations examine cultural phenomena that transcend their own discipline and engage in discussions with fellows from neighbouring fields. Since classes in the research master level always follow recent trends in research, specific topics presented in the Common Courses may change every year.
Tutorial and Elective
Next to the Common Courses, you will follow a tutorial which serves as a first step in the planning of your thesis. Additionally, you take another elective course within your specialisation area.
Thesis and Thesis Seminar
In the fourth semester, you are expected to start writing your thesis. In addition to individual guidance by your supervisor, the Research Career seminar will bolster up your work on the thesis by training you in specific writing and presentation skills. You will also learn, based on your thesis preparation, how to write a research proposal on the basis of academic requirements used by the Dutch Research Council (NWO).
Detailed programme
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.
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?