Egyptology (research) (MA)

Why study Egyptology (Research) at Leiden University

Join an acclaimed programme that has its roots in the 19th century when Leiden’s National Museum of Antiquities acquired its famous collection of Egyptian antiquities. The two-year Egyptology master’s programme covers a wide range of focused, in-depth topics, including most of the linguistic and cultural history of Pharaonic, Graeco-Roman and Coptic Egypt. Our staff members cooperate with fellow researchers from universities and research institutes from various countries on project topics covering: Egyptian art history, Egyptian archaeology, Egyptian religion, Coptic Egypt, Social and economic history of Ancient Egypt and the origins of the alphabet. These wide-ranging research activities form an integral part of the educational programme. Your teachers are experts in languages, literatures and cultures of Ancient Egypt and active researchers engaged in innovative projects that constantly build bridges to the courses offered in your programme. 

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What are your career prospects? 

As a graduate of an MA in Classics and Ancient Civilizations at Leiden University you are qualified to work as a junior academic researcher in an academic environment or carry out further research work on a PhD programme. It is also possible to find employment within the fields of publishing or teaching, at policy-making departments of governmental bodies, within the education sector, or within cultural tourism. 

Visit excavations in Egypt 

Consolidate what you learn in class by experiencing it first-hand during an intensive course on archaeology as practiced in Egypt today. You will visit excavations and research projects in Egypt and  learn about the department’s own field and research projects, including excavations at Saqqara and the Dakhla Oasis. 

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Is Egyptology (research) the programme for you? 

Do you want to find out if you are eligible for this Master's programme? 

Check the admission requirements 

It is also possible to study Egyptology within the one-year Master’s programme Classics and Ancient Civilisations.

In which sector do students find jobs?

• 57 Education
• 14 Research
• 10 Government and semi-government organisations
• 5 Publishing and the book industry
• 5 IT
• 5 Culture, sports and recreation
• 4 Other

The graph above is based on alumni data from the MA Classics and Ancient Civilisations 2016-2020

Egyptology (Research) degree

Egyptology (Research) at Leiden University is an accredited degree programme. After successful completion of this programme, you will receive a research master’s degree in Classics and Ancient Civilizations and the title Master of Arts (MA).