Egyptology/Archaeology
The Netherlands-Flemish Institute organizes every year its unique "Egyptology in the Field " study programme for MA students of Egyptology and Archaeology at Leiden University and KU Leuven. This two month programme takes place in January and February and aims to broaden the study of Egyptology with educational components that are difficult to deal with outside of Egypt. Archaeological research in Egypt is therefore the main focus point.
Form of education
The "Egyptology in the Field" programme consists of a combination of seminars, excursions, and research assignments, aimed at equipping students with the skills that are necessary to conduct their own research in Egypt. The seminars and the first preparations of the assignments take place at NVIC. For further research, libraries at other institutes in Cairo (DAIK, IFAO, ARCE, etc.) are introduced during the first week. During the excursions, ongoing fieldwork projects throughout Egypt are visited, as well as sites that are more difficult to access. On the basis of exemplifying sites and their material culture, specific archaeological issues and problems of fieldwork are dealt with. Other activities such as conservation and epigraphy also receive attention. By the end of the programme, the student will have built up a familiarity with archaeological research in Egypt, which will facilitate future work in Egypt. The programme requires active participation of the students.
Target group and required knowledge
This programme is aimed at MA students of Archaeology and Egyptology, and is taught in English. While this programme is normally exclusive for students of Leiden University and KU Leuven, we try to make a few places available for students from other institutions if at all possible. Applicants from institutions abroad should hold a BA or MA in Egyptology, and submit the following documents to both info@nvic.leidenuniv.nl and to m.j.c.de.meyer@nvic.leidenuniv.nl.
- CV (in English)
- Letter of motivation
- A reference letter from an academic supervisor
The deadline for application is August 1, 2024. Review of the applications will take place shortly thereafter, and selected candidates will be invited for an online interview.
Evaluation
The course load of the programme is 15 ECTS, and the student will be evaluated on the basis of:
1. A paper based on the collection of the Egyptian Museum (40%)
2. A scientific diary (kashkul), written during the entire programme (20%)
3. A presentation at an archaeological site (20%)
4. Participation (20%)
Detailed information and expectations of the assignments, presentations and papers will be discussed during the first week. The material has to be gathered during the programme and during visits to other institutes/projects. All assignments have to be submitted before the end of the programme.
Current political situation and safety
NVIC evaluates the safety issues in Egypt on a daily basis and will change the programme if necessary. This might mean that parts may be cancelled or changed at very short notice. NVIC expects all participants to adhere to the safety advices they will receive, and alternatives will be provided to the best of our abilities when needed.
Costs
To cover expenses of transportation and accommodation during excursions, a fee of EUR 950 is charged (subject to change). NVIC does not provide accommodation for the students, but helps students to find a place to stay in the vicinity of the institute. External students (i.e. not MA students from Leiden University or KU Leuven) pay an additional tuition fee of EUR 1,000 (for students affiliated with our Dutch and Flemish partner universities this tuition fee is waived). The expenses and tuition fees should be paid in full (transfer charges are for the sender) to the EUR account of the Netherlands-Flemish Institute in Cairo.
Students usually share a flat and pay around €250 per room. In the first month, extra costs such as the deposit of the flat, the purchase of a few items of housekeeping etc. have to be taken into account. There are several ways to find a flat and additional information as well as contact information of reliable brokers will be provided by NVIC upon arrival.