Archaeology of Egypt and the Near East

The Archaeology of Egypt and the Near East programme at University College London offers an in-depth exploration of the ancient civilizations that have shaped human history. This comprehensive course provides students with the opportunity to examine the rich archaeological footprints of Egypt and the broader Near East through a multidisciplinary approach that combines archaeological methods, history, art, and material culture analysis. Students will engage with a diverse range of topics, including the development of early urban societies, the evolution of writing systems such as hieroglyphics and cuneiform, monumental architecture, burial practices, and the socio-political structures of ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Anatolia, and surrounding regions. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking and practical skills in archaeological fieldwork, excavation techniques, artifact analysis, and digital heritage management.

Throughout the programme, students benefit from access to extensive collections, archaeological sites, and innovative research facilities, enabling hands-on experience and professional development. Collaborations with museums, archaeological institutions, and ongoing excavations offer real-world engagement and internships that enhance learning and employability. The course emphasizes theoretical frameworks alongside practical skills, preparing graduates for careers in archaeology, heritage management, museum curation, research, and academia. Students also explore the cultural, religious, and societal contexts of ancient civilizations, understanding their influence on contemporary societies and global heritage.

Designed for motivated undergraduate students, the programme combines lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent research projects. Assessment methods include written assignments, presentations, fieldwork reports, and a dissertation. Graduates of this programme will be well-equipped with the knowledge and practical skills necessary for advanced research or professional pursuits in the field of archaeology and Near Eastern studies. The programme's interdisciplinary nature ensures a comprehensive understanding of the archaeological record and fosters innovative approaches to studying ancient civilizations in their cultural and historical contexts.

UCL’s wide range of archaeological expertise provides a unique opportunity to study Egypt and the Near East in a truly comparative context, and for students to develop a programme and research dissertation tailored to individual interests. These may include the application of new skills in archaeological science, exploring new theoretical perspectives, or the significance of archaeology for the wider cultural heritage of these regions.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of three core modules (45 credits), two or three optional modules (45 credits), and a dissertation.

Core modules

All students must take the following: 

• Archaeology of Egypt and the Near East: A Comparative Approach
• Themes, Thought and Theory in World Archaeology: Foundations

Optional modules

• Ancient Cyprus: Colonisations, Copper and City-States (by arrangement with King's College London)
• Archaeologies of Asia
• Aegean Prehistory: major themes and debates
• Beyond Chiefdoms: Archaeologies of African Political Complexity
• Egyptian Archaeology: An Object-Based Theoretical Approached
• Intangible Dimensions of Museum Objects from Egypt
• Introductory Akkadian (by arrangement with SOAS)
• Mediterranean Dynamics
• Mediterranean Prehistory
• Middle Egyptian Language
• Society and Culture in Ancient Egypt
• The Neolithic and Early Bronze Age of the Near East: The emergence of villages and urban societies
• Subject to approval a third module can be taken from the overall options available at the Institute of Archaeology or more widely within UCL and the University of London.

Dissertation/report

All students undertake an independent research project, with guidance from an assigned supervisor, which culminates in a dissertation of 15,000 words.

Teaching and learning

Teaching at the Institute of Archaeology is delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars to support student interaction, and examination is primarily through module-based essays and the individual dissertation. Depending on the options taken, teaching may also include object handling, museum work, and laboratory practicals.

A minimum of an upper second-class UK Bachelor's degree in archaeology or a related subject or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

The Archaeology of Egypt and the Near East program at University College London offers a range of funding options to support students throughout their studies. Students can apply for various scholarships, bursaries, and grants provided by UCL, government bodies, and external organizations. UCL's funding database lists scholarships specifically aimed at archaeology students, including awards dedicated to students specializing in Egyptian and Near Eastern archaeology. These scholarships often consider academic excellence, financial need, and other criteria such as country of residence or extraordinary circumstances. Additionally, the university participates in national schemes like the UK Research Council funding opportunities, which may provide support for postgraduate research students. International students are encouraged to explore external funding sources from their home countries, such as government scholarships and international organizations that support students pursuing archaeology and heritage studies. Some programs at UCL also offer Teaching Assistantships, which include a waiver of tuition fees and a stipend in exchange for support with teaching or research activities. Students are advised to consult the university's dedicated funding pages and speak with program coordinators for tailored advice related to their financial situation. Moreover, UCL promotes partnerships with archaeological institutes and cultural heritage organizations, which sometimes offer internships and funding opportunities to eligible students. It is important for prospective and current students to submit scholarship and funding applications early, as many awards have strict deadlines and competitive selection processes. Financial planning for the duration of the course should include consideration of tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and research funds for fieldwork and excavation projects. The university also provides guidance on budgeting and access to financial aid offices to help students navigate available resources. Overall, students enrolled in the Archaeology of Egypt and the Near East program can benefit from a comprehensive network of financial support options designed to facilitate study and research in this specialized field.

The Archaeology of Egypt and the Near East at University College London offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary programme designed to provide students with a deep understanding of ancient civilizations, archaeological methods, and cultural history of the region historically known as the Near East, with a particular emphasis on Egypt. The programme combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, including archaeological excavation techniques, artefact analysis, and contextual interpretation. Students enrolled in this course engage with a range of modules that cover topics such as Egyptology, Near Eastern archaeology, ancient history, and lithic analysis, among others. The curriculum is carefully structured to facilitate critical thinking and enable students to develop a nuanced understanding of the cultural, social, and political developments of ancient societies.

Students benefit from the university's extensive resources, including access to archaeological sites, museums, and digital laboratories, which enhance experiential learning and research opportunities. The programme is suitable for individuals aiming to pursue careers in archaeology, heritage management, museums, or academic research. It also emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary approaches, incorporating aspects of anthropology, history, and art history to offer a well-rounded educational experience. The teaching faculty comprises leading experts in the fields of Egyptology and Near Eastern archaeology, ensuring students are receiving the latest scholarship and methodological practices.

Throughout the programme, students have opportunities to participate in internships, fieldwork, and collaborative research projects. These practical experiences are complemented by seminars, lectures, and workshops that encourage dialogue and knowledge sharing among students and faculty. The course culminates in a dissertation that allows students to specialize in an area of particular interest, demonstrating their ability to conduct independent research and contribute to scholarly discourse. Graduates of the programme are equipped with both the theoretical background and practical skills necessary to understand and participate in archaeological investigations, cultural heritage preservation, and related fields. The programme aims to foster analytical skills, cultural awareness, and an appreciation of the rich histories of Egypt and the Near East, preparing students for a diverse range of professional pathways in the heritage sector and beyond.