Bloomsbury Summer School (text)

Bloomsbury Summer School

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Fascinated by ancient civilisations?

We offer anyone with any level of knowledge, inspiring short courses on ancient Egypt and other areas of the ancient world.

News

A happy return in 2022 to in-person courses

2022 saw BSS returning to in-person teaching at UCL at last! 14 fascinating courses across the spring and summer, most of which were also live-streamed, were enjoyed by over 235 participants from more than 15 countries. We are ever grateful to our team of Course Directors: Dr Elizabeth Baquedano, Prof. Aidan Dodson, Dr Sarah Doherty, Dr Iwona Kozieradzka-Ogunmakin, Dr Claire Malleson, Dr Robert Morkot, Mr Jack Neighbour, Prof. Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones, Dr Bill Manley, Dr José-Ramón Pérez-Accino, Dr Luigi Prada, and Mr Matt Szafran.

Dr Sarah Doherty and Mr Matt Szafran delivered a fascinating hands-on course on stone tools and technologies. Picture above on the balcony of the UCL Institute of Archaeology, clockwise: Geoff Phillipson, Tracey Gill, Barbara Pentlow, Alison Bone, Arthur Farrow, Sarah Dohery, and Mick Oakey.

Spring and Summer Schools

Founded in 1990, we endeavour to present the finest programme of courses in Egyptology and ancient world history, languages, and archaeology, available in the UK.

In 2024, we are offering 12 short intensive courses – online and in person in London – for adults of all ages: lifelong learners, students wishing to broaden their studies, and sixth-formers / high school students considering further study in these subject areas.

Study Days

We stage up to four study days each year in central London. These take place at the weekend and each day has four lectures given by one or more speakers. We have a reputation for attracting a range of fine speakers of international status, including over the years: Prof. Kent Weeks, Dr Irving Finkel, Prof. Geoffrey Martin, Mr John Romer, Prof. Rosalie David, and Prof. David O’Connor, Dr Campbell Price, and Dr José-Ramón Pérez-Accino.

Friday 14 to Saturday 15 June 2024*

440 YEARS OF THE HISTORY OF THE AZTEC PEOPLE: THE CODEX AUBIN AT THE BRITISH MUSEUM
Speaker: Dr Elizabeth Baquedano (University College London)

* This is a very special double study day that will include an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to the British Museum to see the Codex Aubin firsthand!

Saturday 7 September 2024

FACING THE ANCIENT EGYPTIANS: FACTS AND FANTASIES
Speaker: Dr Campbell Price (University of Manchester)

BSS in Egypt

We are proud to have organised at least one course in Egypt every year since 2009 (apart from during the pandemic). This is a very special learning opportunity: a programme of lectures and visits to archaeological sites, some usually closed to visitors but opened specially for BSS by the The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. Daily visits to ancient monuments, accompanied by a renowned Egyptologist, enhance this learning experience.

Monday 15 to Monday 22 April

AN EXPEDITION TO READ HIEROGLYPHS

This year we will be returning to Luxor for a brand new reading hieroglyphs course. This will be a unique opportunity to engage in a 10-session course taught by Dr Bill Manley on location in Egypt. Daily visits to ancient monuments enhance the learning experience. Our Course Director accompanies the site visits, and is on hand throughout to answer questions, discuss, and socialise with you.

Bill Manley explains hieroglyphs

Bill Manley explains hieroglyphs on our 2018 visit.