Bloomsbury Summer School
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
BSS 2024 Success and Launch of Christopher Coleman Awards
Our 2024 programme was enjoyed by over 170 students from around the world. We convened 10 course and two study days online and in person, as well as a BSS course in Egypt. We also inagurated BSS in Europe with a course in Turin, Italy. We were thrilled to launch the Christopher Coleman Awards in honour of our late founder, with the generous support of his family. As ever, we are grateful to our stellar lecturing team: Dr Elizabeth Baquedano, Mr Kit Devine, Dr Irving Finkel, Dr Bill Manley, Dr Robert Morkot, Dr José-Ramón Pérez-Accino, Dr Cecila Pardo, and Dr Luigi Prada. Highlights of our summer schools and study days this year was the opportunity to go behind the scenes at the British Museum as well as handle objects in the collections of the UCL Institute of Archaeology.
Geoff Phillipson and Allan Hall examine a ceramic vessel, along with BSS Course Coordinator, Yu Zhuang.
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 2026, we will be offering a series of short intensive courses – online and in person in London, as well as visits to Egyptian monuments and collections in Europe – 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.
- Details will be available here here.
- To get an idea of how we do things at BSS, download our 2025 brochure
- To receive a paper copy of our 2026 brochure when it is ready, email your postal address to: kathryn@bloomsburysummerschool.co.uk
- Find out about our previous courses and study days available on video here.
Study Days
We stage two 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, Prof. David O’Connor, Dr Campbell Price, Dr José-Ramón Pérez-Accino, Dr Kathryn E. Piquette, Mr Michael Oakey, and Dr Marcel Marée.
We are currently preparing our 2026 programme with study day dates to be announced soon!
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 27 April to Monday 4 May 2026
READING HIEROGLYPHS: THE DUTIES OF THE VIZIER
Join us for a NEW course taught in Luxor by renowned Egyptian-language teacher and BSS favourite, Dr Bill Manley. Enjoy daily classes for reading hieroglyphs plus visits to ancient sites, including the tomb of king Thutmose III, which is ordinarily closed to visitors. Bill accompanies the site visits and is on hand throughout to answer questions, discuss, and socialise with you.
Save £100 with our early bird discount if you book before midnight on 31 October!
Inside the tomb of Rekhmire (TT100) at Sheikh Abd el-Qurna.
