MPhil in Assyriology

This MPhil caters both for beginners in Akkadian and those with some previous knowledge of the language. A demanding course, this MPhil delivers competence in language and specialist knowledge of culture and history over a relatively short time.

All MPhil students in the Department of Archaeology take a Research Skills module and write a dissertation (15,000 words maximum). For the MPhil in Assyriology students also choose either three modules selected from a list of modules in Assyriology, or two modules selected from a list of modules in Assyriology and one two-term module or two one-term modules from a list of optional modules in the Department of Archaeology. Students taking the MPhil in Assyriology must take a minimum of one Language module from the list of modules in Assyriology published by the Degree Committee.

Modules typically offered include:

• Akkadian (Akkadian language and texts or Advanced Akkadian language and texts)
• Sumerian language and texts (Sumerian is normally only available to those with some previous knowledge of Akkadian).
• Mesopotamian culture (Mesopotamian literature or Mesopotamian religion and scholarship)
• Archaeology of Mesopotamia (Archaeology of Mesopotamia: Early period to 2000 BC or Archaeology of Mesopotamia: Late period, 2000–539 BC)

Not all modules will be available in all years.

Learning Outcomes

To provide the student with a good working knowledge of one or both of the principal languages of ancient Mesopotamia (Akkadian and Sumerian) and the cuneiform script, combined with a detailed study of aspects of the archaeology and culture of Mesopotamia, and (where appropriate) other regions. Students also learn to participate in academic discussion at a postgraduate level, and to produce a substantial piece of independent written work (the dissertation).

Continuing

Students taking the MPhil in Assyriology who wish to continue to the PhD in Archaeology are required to
achieve a mark of at least 68 overall and no less than 68 in their dissertation. They must obtain the support of an
appropriate supervisor before making an application. In some circumstances additional academic conditions may be set to ensure that appropriate skills, such as language competence, are in place prior to admittance on the PhD programme.