PhD Egyptology

Year of entry: 2024

Overview

Degree awarded
Doctor of Philosophy
Duration
3 years [Full-time], 6 years [Part-time]
Entry requirements
  • Bachelor's (Honours) degree at 2:1 or above (or overseas equivalent); and 
  • Master's degree in a relevant subject – with an overall average of 65% or above, a minimum mark of 65% in your dissertation and no mark below 55% (or overseas equivalent)
  • Any strong relevant professional experience will be considered on a case by case basis.

Full entry requirements

How to apply

Apply online  

Please ensure you include all  required supporting documents  at the time of submission, as incomplete applications may not be considered. 

Application Deadlines 

For consideration in internal funding competitions, you must submit your completed application by  12 January 2024. 

If you are applying for or have secured external funding (for example, from an employer or government) or are self–funding, you must submit your application before the below deadlines to be considered. You will not be able to apply after these dates have passed. 

  • For September 2024 entry:  30 June 2024 
  • For January 2025 entry:  30 September 2024

Programme options

Full-time Part-time Full-time distance learning Part-time distance learning
PhD Y Y N N

Programme description

Our PhD Egyptology programme offers you the chance to make a genuine scholarly contribution to the field through your thesis. You may undertake your PhD either full-time or part-time.

Egyptology at Manchester has a long history dating back to the late 19th century, and we have a broad range of world-class resources which you can use as part of your research programme, including the following.

  • The Manchester Museum Ancient Egypt and Sudan Collection : Numbering more than 18,000 artefacts from Egypt and Sudan, ranging from the Neolithic to the Islamic Period, the museum offers students access to a large and well-provenanced collection of research materials.
  • The John Rylands Library : The Library holds an enviable collection of ancient texts, including hieratic, demotic and Coptic papyri, which can also be made available to researchers.

Egyptological research at Manchester is characterised by several themes:

  • the role of women in ancient Egypt;
  • new Kingdom and Late Period material culture;
  • ancient Egyptian ceramics and ceramic analysis;
  • Amarna Period royal ideology;
  • the reception of ancient Egypt from the Medieval Period to modern times.

Egyptology is part of the Department of Classics, Ancient History, Archaeology and Egyptology and, as such, our doctoral students will be able to participate in a vibrant academic environment and engage with specialists across a wide range of disciplines. For a comprehensive list of our research interests, please click here

Papyrological research is also conducted within Ancient History, and projects focused on the papyrus resources located in the Manchester Museum and the John Rylands Library would be welcomed.

At the end of your time at Manchester, you will produce and submit an 80,000 word thesis and defend it in an oral examination (a viva).

Open days

Find out what it's like to study at Manchester by visiting us on one of our  open days.

Fees

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2024, the tuition fees are as follows:

  • PhD (full-time)
    UK students (per annum): £4,786
    International, including EU, students (per annum): £21,500
  • PhD (part-time)
    UK students (per annum): £2,393

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

Please note for the majority of projects where experimentation requires further resource: higher fee bands (where quoted) will be charged rather than the base rate for supervision, administration and computational costs. The fees quoted above will be fully inclusive and, therefore, you will not be required to pay any additional bench fees or administration costs.

All fees for entry will be subject to yearly review and incremental rises per annum are also likely over the duration of the course for UK/EU students (fees are typically fixed for International students, for the course duration at the year of entry). For general fees information please visit: postgraduate fees . Always contact the department if you are unsure which fee applies to your project.

Scholarships/sponsorships

There are a range of scholarships, studentships and awards to support both UK and overseas postgraduate researchers, details of which can be found via the links below.

To apply University of Manchester funding, you must indicate in your application the competitions for which you wish to be considered. The deadline for most internal competitions, including AHRC NWCDTP and School of Arts, Languages and Cultures studentships is 12 January 2024.

All external funding competitions have a specified deadline for submitting the funding application form and a separate (earlier) deadline for submitting the online programme application form, both of which will be stated in the funding competition details below.

For more information about funding, visit our funding page to browse for scholarships, studentships and awards you may be eligible for.

Contact details

School/Faculty
School of Arts, Languages and Cultures
Contact name
Humanities Doctoral Academy Admissions
Email
Website
https://www.humanities.manchester.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/
School/Faculty

See: About us

Programmes in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of programmes in related subject areas.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview

  • Bachelor's (Honours) degree at 2:1 or above (or overseas equivalent); and 
  • Master's degree in a relevant subject – with an overall average of 65% or above, a minimum mark of 65% in your dissertation and no mark below 55% (or overseas equivalent)
  • Any strong relevant professional experience will be considered on a case by case basis.

English language

International applicants must provide one of the following: 

  • IELTS test minimum score – 7.0 overall, 7.0 in writing. 
  • TOEFL (internet based) test minimum score – 100 overall, 25 in all sections. 
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) UKVI/SELT or PTE Academic minimum score – 76 overall, 76 in writing. 
  • To demonstrate that you have taken an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in a majority English speaking nation within the last 5 years. 
  • Other tests may be considered.

Please note, CAS statements are only issued when all conditions of the offer have been satisfied, offer accepted, and a PDF copy of passport received.

English language test validity

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the programme.

Other international entry requirements

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements including English language see entry requirements from your country.

The University requires you to reside within a commutable distance from Manchester during your time as a registered student, unless you are on approved fieldwork/a formal placement or are on a period of Submission pending. This is to ensure that you are able to meet attendance expectations and participate in wider research activities within your discipline area and/or School.

Other entry requirements

The University requires you to reside within a commutable distance from Manchester during your time as a registered student, unless you are on approved fieldwork/a formal placement or are on a period of Submission pending. This is to ensure that you are able to meet attendance expectations and participate in wider research activities within your discipline area and/or School. Should you be unable to do this at any point during your programme, a formal case must be made to the Faculty office, together with the full support of your supervisor(s). The University reserves the right to reject such a request where it is considered that your residency could have a detrimental impact on the progression and engagement of your studies.

Application and selection

How to apply

Apply online  

Please ensure you include all  required supporting documents  at the time of submission, as incomplete applications may not be considered. 

Application Deadlines 

For consideration in internal funding competitions, you must submit your completed application by  12 January 2024. 

If you are applying for or have secured external funding (for example, from an employer or government) or are self–funding, you must submit your application before the below deadlines to be considered. You will not be able to apply after these dates have passed. 

  • For September 2024 entry:  30 June 2024 
  • For January 2025 entry:  30 September 2024

Advice to applicants

Before you start your application, you should: 

  1. Develop your own research proposal and project title. 
  2. Find a supervisor by browsing our academics’ profiles, and reach out directly to discuss if they are interested in supporting your research. 
  3. Consider how you plan on funding your research and discuss this with your supervisor. 

When you submit your application, you must include each of the below required documents: 

  • A 1,500 word  PhD research proposal
  • Copies of the academic transcript and certificate from both your Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. If your Master’s degree is pending, please provide an interim transcript. 
  • An up to date academic CV, detailing your education and qualifications; employment history; publications; and any other relevant information. 
  • You must nominate two academic referees (including one from your most recent institution). Your referees will be contacted directly via the Referee Portal following submission of your application form. You may wish to contact your referees to request they submit your reference in a reasonable timeframe as this forms part of the review process. 
  • International applicants must additionally provide English Language evidence (e.g IELTS)

Interview requirements

As part of the offer making process applicants will be required to undertake an interview assessment. This may be in the form of an in–person interview, or video call. 

The interview is designed to assess your knowledge and understanding of the broad topic area, the viability of your proposed research and its intellectual contribution, alongside the fit of your project with the supervisory team. You also may be asked to identify and address any potential ethical considerations in relation to your proposed research, and discuss how best to progress your ideas in line with University of Manchester ethics guidance.

The interview panel will consist at minimum of your primary supervisor and an independent interviewer.

Deferrals

It is normally possible to defer your offer to a later entry point, with the approval of your supervisory team and Department PGR Director, and if applicable, funder. Please be aware that the University of Manchester permits applications to be deferred only once, for a maximum of two years. Your English Language evidence must be valid on the date of registration.

Re-applications

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful, you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard programme entry criteria for that year of entry.  

In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved. We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen programme.

Programme details

Programme description

Our PhD Egyptology programme offers you the chance to make a genuine scholarly contribution to the field through your thesis. You may undertake your PhD either full-time or part-time.

Egyptology at Manchester has a long history dating back to the late 19th century, and we have a broad range of world-class resources which you can use as part of your research programme, including the following.

  • The Manchester Museum Ancient Egypt and Sudan Collection : Numbering more than 18,000 artefacts from Egypt and Sudan, ranging from the Neolithic to the Islamic Period, the museum offers students access to a large and well-provenanced collection of research materials.
  • The John Rylands Library : The Library holds an enviable collection of ancient texts, including hieratic, demotic and Coptic papyri, which can also be made available to researchers.

Egyptological research at Manchester is characterised by several themes:

  • the role of women in ancient Egypt;
  • new Kingdom and Late Period material culture;
  • ancient Egyptian ceramics and ceramic analysis;
  • Amarna Period royal ideology;
  • the reception of ancient Egypt from the Medieval Period to modern times.

Egyptology is part of the Department of Classics, Ancient History, Archaeology and Egyptology and, as such, our doctoral students will be able to participate in a vibrant academic environment and engage with specialists across a wide range of disciplines. For a comprehensive list of our research interests, please click here

Papyrological research is also conducted within Ancient History, and projects focused on the papyrus resources located in the Manchester Museum and the John Rylands Library would be welcomed.

At the end of your time at Manchester, you will produce and submit an 80,000 word thesis and defend it in an oral examination (a viva).

Aims

We aim to:

  • further your development as a scholar, and help you achieve your academic career ambitions as part of a vibrant, wide-ranging and vibrant research community;
  • provide a supportive and inclusive environment for all students;
  • encourage you to publish relevant research and participate in conferences and workshops as part of your academic development;
  • encourage you to undertake undergraduate teaching where appropriate, with guidance and support throughout.

Special features

Loading
Graduate School Video

Graduate School

All of our postgraduate students become members of the Graduate School when you start at Manchester. It has dedicated facilities for students and offers opportunities to collaborate with other postgraduates.

The Manchester Museum

Egyptology enjoys close cooperation with the Ancient Egypt and Sudan collections of the Manchester Museum, and you will have the opportunity to volunteer in different roles within the museum to expand your skill-set and employability.

Additional programme information

Equality, diversity and inclusion  is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. 

We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact. 

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status. 

All appointments are made on merit. 

The University of Manchester and our external partners are fully committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Teaching and learning

The programme is based on contact and meetings between the student and supervisor.

At Manchester, you will have a supervision team consisting of a primary supervisor, a co-supervisor and an independent reviewer.

This panel will meet biannually to discuss research progress, participation in conferences, publication strategies and setting realistic and achievable objectives.

Students will also receive support from the Postgraduate Research Officer on more general terms.

As part of your PhD, you will be able to undertake generic research training through programmes of talks, workshops and events running throughout the academic year, exploring approaches to research, research methods and the dissemination of research 

Coursework and assessment

The maximum length of a PhD thesis is 80,000 words. Assessment is based on the thesis and an oral examination.

Programme unit details

There are no compulsory taught units as part of this PhD programme.

However, where appropriate, you may audit undergraduate and MA-level courses subject to the approval of your supervisory panel.

You will also receive research training from a range of workshops and short courses where appropriate and relevant to your research and career development.

Facilities

Loading
Alan Gilbert Learning Commons Fly Through

The Manchester Museum houses a wide-ranging collection of artefacts from Egypt and Sudan spanning the Neolithic to the Islamic Period.

The John Rylands Library holds significant collections of hieratic, demotic and Coptic papyri, and the Whitworth Art Gallery holds a large collection of Coptic textiles from Egypt.

Some of our academic staff have associations with organisations such as the International Association of Egyptologists, the Egypt Exploration Society and various Egyptological societies and groupings both nationally and internationally, as well as working relationships with organisations such as the British Museum and National Museums Liverpool.

Postgraduate students wishing to undertake fieldwork in Egypt, or archival research in other institutions as part of their thesis, may wish to engage with these organisations during your time on the programme.

Manchester houses one of the UK's five National Research Libraries - one of the best-resourced academic libraries in the country.

Every student is registered for email, file storage and internet access. If more demanding computer access is required, our specialist computing division can provide high-end and specialist computing services.

We also have one of the largest academic IT services in Europe - supporting world-class teaching and research. There are extensive computing facilities across campus, with access to standard office software as well as specialist programmes, all connected to the campus network and internet.

The Graduate School offers dedicated state of the art facilities to research students, including common rooms and workstations.

As world-leading specialists in distance learning, Egyptology at Manchester also offers students the chance to learn about cutting edge pedagogical methodologies within the field of distance education.

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk

Careers

Career opportunities

During your time on the programme, you will undertake a broad range of research and skills training to prepare you for a career in universities, museum or other parts of the heritage sector.

Your supervisory team will help you explore and utilise opportunities for building up your CV through participation in staff research projects, fieldwork, museum exhibition work, contributing to public outreach and engagement, and publishing aspects of your research in relevant forums.

In today's job market, employers often look for sets of variable skills, in particular the kinds of investigate abilities and critical thinking which a PhD in Egyptology would foster. The PhD requires you to assess and analyse large data sets, often assemblages either archaeological or textual which are incomplete or poorly preserved requiring a great deal of originality in terms of approach. These skills are not only useful within the confines of academia or the heritage sector, but also more broadly in business and law.

Whatever area of employment you chose, a PhD in Egyptology will provide you with a number of desirable transferable skills and abilities which would enable you to function effectively on the job market, as well as enhancing your own intellectual and personal development.

The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you would have full access to as a student and for two years after you graduate. At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help support you with your goals for the future.