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.

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 28 October to Sunday 3 November

LIFE AND DEATH ON THE NILE THROUGH THE LENS OF THE MEMPHITE NECROPOLIS

Join us for an in-depth exploration of royal and private funerary architecture and remains from the largest Memphite necropolis. In addition to 10 lectures taught by Dr Kozieradzka-Ogunmakin, you will journey across the sacred Memphite landscape, tracing fascinating histories of life and death along the Nile. Site visits will include the royal pyramids at Saqqara and Dahshur, as well the private tombs of Mereruka, Kagemni, Idut, Mehu, the tomb of Khnumhotep and Niankhkhnum (the ‘Two Brothers’), and more. Our Course Director accompanies the site visits, and is on hand throughout to answer questions, discuss, and socialise with you.

View of Step Pyramid

View of the Step Pyramid - a key site visit this autumn.