Swansea University

What you'll study

This degree introduces the languages, literature and material culture of ancient Egypt alongside broader ancient Mediterranean history. In the first year you will typically study introductory modules in Middle Egyptian (Egyptian hieroglyphic language), sources and methods in ancient history, and the archaeology and art of ancient Egypt. You will also take foundation modules that develop skills in critical reading, argumentation and historical approaches.

In the second year you build on language work and choose from specialist topics such as Egyptian religion and funerary beliefs, kingship and ideology, daily life and economy, art and visual culture, and the archaeology of Egyptian sites. Comparative modules in Greek and Roman history, epigraphy and historiography are often available to place Egypt in a wider Mediterranean context.

In the final year you pursue advanced language and textual study, and select research-led options such as Ptolemaic and Roman Egypt, Late Period and Late Antiquity, museum studies and conservation, or landscape and settlement archaeology. The programme culminates in a substantial independent research project or dissertation, supervised by academic staff, enabling students to demonstrate research skills and specialise in a topic of their choice.

Teaching uses lectures, seminars, language classes, object-based learning with the on-campus Egypt Centre collection, and practical sessions in archaeological method and recording. Assessment combines essays, language translations, source commentaries, object reports, presentations and a final dissertation.

Entry requirements

Entry is at undergraduate honours level. Typical offers expect successful completion of recognised secondary education qualifications (for example A-levels, international equivalents, Access to HE Diplomas and some BTEC combinations). Relevant subjects such as History, Classical Civilisation, Ancient History, Archaeology, Religious Studies, or languages are helpful but not always required.

Prior knowledge of ancient Egyptian is not required: the programme provides beginner modules in Middle Egyptian. Some competence in English language and writing is necessary; international applicants must meet the university's English language requirements. Applicants with non-traditional backgrounds or relevant work/voluntary experience in museums or heritage are encouraged to apply and may be considered through the general admissions procedures.

Career prospects

Graduates develop transferable skills in critical analysis, language, research, and object-based interpretation that are valued across a wide range of careers. Common destinations include museum and heritage work (curation, learning and collections management), archaeology and fieldwork (often requiring further vocational or postgraduate training), and cultural resource management.

Other career paths include education, publishing, media and communications, the civil service and public policy, tourism and cultural organisations, and postgraduate study leading to academic research. The degree also provides a strong foundation for professional training in archive management, conservation and heritage consultancy.

Why study at Swansea University

Swansea University offers small-group teaching in Egyptology and ancient history combined with direct access to the Egypt Centre, a museum of Egyptian antiquities housed on campus that is used for teaching, object-study and public outreach. Students benefit from research-active staff who teach modules informed by current archaeological and philological research.

The university's location provides access to regional archaeological projects and opportunities for practical field experience and placement links. Interdisciplinary collaboration across Classics, History, Archaeology and Museum Studies allows students to shape a programme that suits their interests and career goals, while support services help with careers advice, employability and postgraduate study preparation.