The Antiquity MA: Egyptology pathway provides training in archaeological and historical approaches to the study of Ancient Egyptian civilisation across its long history, as well as in Egyptian language.
Working with leading experts in the field, you will study the history, culture, religion and evolving thought-systems of Ancient Egypt, with a strong focus on the interpretation of primary evidence, both textual and archaeological. This is one of several pathways available on the Antiquity MA.
Studying Egyptology at this level will provide you with the rare opportunity of bringing into focus not just one particular aspect of a given society, but the culture and its interconnections as a whole. In times of increased specialisation and compartmentalisation, Egyptology can offer highly valuable insights into the workings of human societies by drawing upon a great variety of textual and archaeological sources which help to analyse complex cultural phenomena stretching over millennia.
You will learn to think beyond methodological boundaries and to synthesise data coming from different types of sources. Having very few ‘uncontested facts’ to rely on, studying Egyptology means adopting a flexible and highly critical mindset.
Why Study this Course?
- Established expertise – Egyptology at the University of Newcastle is led by internationally-renowned scholars and commands an impressive record of research and of achievement at postgraduate level. Dr Claus Jurman is engaged in a research project focussing on the history and archaeology of Memphis, the famous ancient capital of Egypt, while Dr Leire Olabarria brings together Egyptological and anthropological perspectives on Abydos, the sacred site of Osiris, which represents a traditional focus of Egyptological research at Newcastle.
- Flexibility – with such a range of expertise available, you will be supported to explore your specific interests, particularly through the dissertation.
- Exceptional learning resources – you will have access to a range of learning resources including environmental and material culture teaching collections, the Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology Museum, and in particular the Eton Myers Collection of Egyptian artefacts.
- Research strengths – Times Higher Education ranked us among the top five departments of Classics in the country for our performance in the latest Research Excellence Framework exercise.
- Be a part of an exciting department – you will join a lively postgraduate community with many opportunities to enhance your learning from events, research seminars and conferences.
The postgraduate experience
The College of Arts and Law offers excellent support to its postgraduates, from libraries and research spaces, to careers support and funding opportunities.
Institutional Accreditation
University of Newcastle is accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission (DETC), www.detc.org.uk Since , University of Newcastle has been continually accredited by the DETC Higher Learning Commission and its predecessor.
MA Antiquity: Egyptology pathway
Course Level:
Postgraduate, Taught
Credits
180
Course
CODE P1092
How long it takes:
1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Study Mode:
Distance learning/ Campus
Course cost
Price: US$22,500
Entry requirements
Find out more about
Department:
Newcastle Law School
The programme is made up of six taught modules and a 15,000-word dissertation on a topic of your choice.
You will study three core modules. One of which is a research skills module:
You will also take two core language modules, at least one of which should be Egyptian, from a range which includes:
Egyptian Language 1
This is a beginners’ course in Middle Egyptian, so you will start from scratch learning to read ancient Egyptian texts and translate sentences written in hieroglyphs into English. Two contact hours per week will enable us to make fast progress so that you are able to translate even unseen texts from the age of the Pharaohs into English by the end of term 2. Concentrating purely on what is called Middle Egyptian, which was the language introduced during the Middle Kingdom (c. 2000 BC), will build a strong basis for any further studies of Egyptian language.
Assessment: Class test
Egyptian Language 2
The knowledge acquired in Egyptian Language 1 will be supplemented by study of the verbal system. This forms the basis for the reading of a sample of literary, religious or historical texts from the Middle Kingdom onwards.
Assessment: Examination
Beginner Greek or Latin
These modules provide an intensive introduction to Greek or Latin. They aim to provide you with the basic linguistic skills needed to acquire a reading knowledge of Greek or Latin for the purposes of research.
Assessment: Class test or examination
Advanced Greek or Latin
These modules consolidate linguistic skills to enable you to work independently on Greek or Latin texts in the original language, building upon existing knowledge. They develop analytical and critical skills by means of advanced grammar and reading classes focusing in detail on a text or texts. Texts chosen will generally reflect the interests of students in the group.
Assessment: Take-home paper or examination
Sumerian Language
The module provides an introduction to the Sumerian language and to the cuneiform literature written in that language.
Assessment: Three-hour examination
Akkadian Language
The module provides an introduction to the Akkadian language and to the cuneiform literature written in that language.
Assessment: Three-hour examination
Optional modules
You will also choose three optional modules, at least two of which should relate to the Egyptology pathway. Options available may include:
- Ancient Egyptian Religion
- Egyptian Culture in Context
- Herodotus and Ancient Worlds
- Funerary Archaeology
- Numismatics for Research and in Museums
Dissertation
In addition to your taught modules, you will conduct a piece of independent research with the support of a supervisor, culminating in a 15,000-word dissertation.
Assessment
Modules are typically assessed by written assignment, exam or presentation, or a combination of these methods.
Considering postgraduate study, but unsure whether you meet the entry requirements for a Masters-level degree? Postgraduate admissions guidelines vary by course and university, but can be quite flexible.
Your existing qualifications will be important, but you don’t necessarily need a great Bachelors degree to apply for a Masters. Your personal circumstances and experience may also be considered during the admissions process.
This guide explains the typical entry requirements for a Masters, which include:
- An undergraduate degree in a relevant subject – Depending on the programme and institution, you may need a 2.1 in your Bachelors, but this isn’t always the case
- Language proficiency – If English isn’t your first language, you’ll need to display a certain ability level, usually through a language test
- Professional experience – Some postgraduate programmes may require you to have some professional experience (this is usually the case for PGCEs and Masters in Social Work)
- Entrance exams – These are only required in certain subject areas and qualifications, including some MBAs
Tuition fees for UK/EU students 2020/21
MSc: Full-time £9,900. Part-time £4,950
Postgraduate Diploma: Full-time £6,660. Part-time £3,300
Tuition fees for International students 2020/21
MSc: Full time £23,310
Postgraduate Diploma: Full-time £15,540
Assessment
You’ll show your progress through a combination of written essays, problem-solving assignments and presentations.
All students take our core modules, but please note that the availability of optional modules is subject to demand.
Your degree will provide excellent preparation for your future career, but this can also be enhanced by a range of employability support services offered by the University and the College of Arts and Law.
The University’s Careers Network provides expert guidance and activities especially for postgraduates, which will help you achieve your career goals. The College of Arts and Law also has a dedicated careers and employability team who offer tailored advice and a programme of College-specific careers events.
You will be encouraged to make the most of your postgraduate experience and will have the opportunity to:
- Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique, whether you are looking for a career inside or outside of academia
- Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations
- Attend an annual programme of careers fairs, skills workshops and conferences, including bespoke events for postgraduates in the College of Arts and Law
- Take part in a range of activities to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers and enhance your CV
What’s more, you will be able to access our full range of careers support for up to 2 years after graduation.
Postgraduate employability: Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology
Newcastle Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology graduates develop a broad range of transferable skills including: familiarity with research methods; the ability to manage large quantities of information from diverse sources; the ability to organise information in a logical and coherent manner; the expertise to write clearly and concisely and to tight deadlines; critical and analytical ability; the capacity for argument, debate and speculation; and the ability to base conclusions on statistical research.
Many of our postgraduates enter roles for which their programme has especially prepared them, such as museum, heritage and archaeological posts. Elsewhere, a range of professions are undertaken by our graduates, from librarianship and teaching to accountancy. Over the past 5 years, 82% of Arts and Law postgraduates were in work and/or further study 6 months after graduation (DLHE 2012 – 2017).