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
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 2025, we are offering 14 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 are available here here.
- Find out about our previous courses available on video here.
- To receive a paper copy of our forthcoming brochure, email your postal address to: kathryn@bloomsburysummerschool.co.uk
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, and Prof. David O’Connor, Dr Campbell Price, and Dr José-Ramón Pérez-Accino. We will be announcing our 2025 study days 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.
Friday 28 February to Friday 7 March
HATSHEPSUT AND SENENMUT: INNOVATION AND IDEOLOGYJoin Dr Campbell Price for a fascinating course on the life and times of two of Pharaonic Egypt’s most intriguing figures: Queen Hatshepsut and her most trusted official, the High Steward Senenmut. In addition to 10 lectures taught by Dr Price, you will explore the ancient religious heartland of Thebes. Special openings include rare access to Deir el-Bahri MMA504! Campbell accompanies the site visits and is on hand throughout to answer questions, discuss, and socialise with you.
View of the Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahri.
