Egyptology (Taught)

The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2025). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.

The MPhil in Egyptology is a taught course offering advanced study in ancient Egyptian languages, cultures, and history, with tailored paths for specialists or newcomers, and a strong emphasis on primary texts in context.

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.

Course structure
The course has two distinct pathways through the curriculum, Syllabus A and Syllabus B. In both cases, syllabuses are tailored to the interests of individual students as much as possible and as far as planned teaching and supervising specialism allows. The syllabuses can also be designed with an archaeological and/or material-culture focus where teaching allows. You will have the opportunity to develop your skills in working with Egyptian artefacts from the extensive and diverse collections of the Ashmolean Museum.

The number of students accepted for the course each year is very small. This ensures that teaching can be tailored to the research interests and training requirements of individual students. Teaching is also very much focused around small groups and one-on-one tutorials and supervisions for which small cohorts are vital. Some classes may be shared with undergraduates and graduates on other degrees where appropriate for your research training needs. Depending on options, there are usually on average six to nine contact hours a week.

During the teaching term, Egyptology and Ancient Near Eastern Studies holds a regular research seminar with invited speakers. These are usually on Tuesday afternoons and you are expected to attend regardless of the specialism of the speaker. All seminars offer perspectives on method and analysis which can be useful for your own project development.