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 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.
- BSS 2025 brochure
- To receive a paper copy of our brochure, email your postal address to: kathryn@bloomsburysummerschool.co.uk
- Find out about our previous courses 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, and Dr José-Ramón Pérez-Accino.
NEW DATE! Saturday 21 June 2025
RETHINKING THE NARMER PALETTE THROUGH ADVANCED DIGITAL IMAGING AND EXPERIMENTAL ARCHAEOLOGY
Speakers: Dr Kathryn E. Piquette (University College London) and Mr Michael Oakey (Independent)
Saturday 27 September 2025
ILLICIT TRADE IN CULTURAL ARTEFACTS: THE CASES OF EGYPT AND SUDAN
Speaker: Dr Marcel Marée (British Museum)
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.
THIS COURSE IN LUXOR IS CONFIRMED.
PLACES STILL AVAILABLE!
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.
