Wooden shawabti

The MPhil in Egyptology is a two-year taught graduate degree that offers a satisfying advanced course of study in the languages, cultures, and history of ancient Egypt. While the MPhil functions as a course in its own right, it is also designed to take students to the stage where they can embark on doctoral research in Egyptology.

The MPhil in Egyptology has two paths. The first (Syllabus A) allows those with an Egyptology background to pursue their study of the subject to a higher level, to gain specialized expertise, and to begin advanced research in an area of their choice. The second (Syllabus B) enables graduates in another discipline to convert to Egyptology through a course at graduate level that offers a certain amount of specialization, including a significant element of advanced research. In both cases, syllabuses are tailored to the interests of individual students.

The study of Egyptian language and texts lies at the heart of Syllabus B and is generally a major component of Syllabus A. The principal focus throughout is on detailed familiarity with the primary sources, studied in the original language, and with methods and approaches used in their study. Use of a range of historiographical and literary-critical approaches to the primary sources is integral to the course. The syllabus can also be designed with an archaeological or material-culture focus. All students have the opportunity to develop their skills in working with Egyptian artefacts from the extensive and diverse collections of the Ashmolean Museum. The MPhil dissertation, written during the second year, gives students the opportunity to identify and design their own research project and to develop advanced research skills.