Studying Ancient Egypt & Mesopotamia at University

Studying Ancient Egypt & Mesopotamia at University

Saturday, 4 March

09:30-17:00

Royal Asiatic Society and British Museum, London

Egypt and Mesopotamia (modern Iraq; ancient Sumer, Assyria and Babylon) bequeathed to posterity some of the most fascinating remains from all of the ancient world. Today it is possible to learn the languages, study the artefacts, and reconstruct the most varied aspects of these ancient civilisations in astonishing detail.

But since these subjects are not offered at A level, few sixth-formers are aware that they exist as University subjects; indeed, many A-level students might never have had the opportunity to learn about these cultures.

The purpose of this one-day conference is to give sixth-formers an opportunity to explore what it is like to study Egypt and Mesopotamia at British Universities: to see what makes the subject area so intellectually and culturally exciting, learn about the various degree courses, and understand what admissions tutors are looking for.

The programme will include talks about careers, information on admissions, and the opportunity to meet current students and academic staff from many of the institutions in the UK that teach these subjects, including: Cambridge, Oxford, Liverpool, Swansea, Durham, Cardiff, Birmingham, Reading and SOAS. There will also be gallery tours at the British Museum (led by current staff and students) and sample lectures.

Teachers are welcome to bring groups, but individual students are equally welcome. This is, in essence, a nation-wide Open Day for the subject area at large.

*Attendance is free.

Attendance is free, but booking is essential as spaces are limited. You can book your space via the following link:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/studying-ancient-egypt-mesopotamia-at-university-tickets-30585618408

The event is organised by the Division of Archaeology, University of Cambridge, in partnership with the Royal Asiatic Society and the British Museum. Further details of the day, including the provisional programme can be found at: http://www.arch.cam.ac.uk/prospective-students/undergraduates/OpenDaysAndOutreachEvents/EgyptandMesopotamiaConference2017

Travel bursaries

*Applications for travel bursaries are NOW OPEN.

Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor and the Thriplow Charitable Trust, we are able to offer c. 15 travel bursaries of up to c. 50 pounds each, to enable sixth formers at state schools to attend the Conference.

The bursaries are administered by the Division of Archaeology, University of Cambridge. To apply, 1) write to Dr Martin Worthington () by 12 February, stating where you will be travelling from, by which means of transport, and the estimated cost; also include (in the text of the email or as a PDF attachment) a 250-word statement on your interest in the subject area (it may include illustrations, but need not); 2) ask a teacher or equivalent (e.g. a museum curator; not a parent) to send a reference which comments on your academic ability and enthusiasm to the same email address, by the same deadline.

Bursaries will normally be payable on the day itself, in person. If this creates problems, please let us know when you apply.

Address any queries to: Dr Martin Worthington () or Laure Bonner ()