Degrees in Coptic Studies at Macquarie University
Macquarie University offers two programs of study in Coptic Studies, the Master of Arts and the Postgraduate Certificate, each of which can be taken in two modes, part-time or full-time study. Research in Coptic Studies can also be undertaken as part of a PhD or MPhil.
Students are accepted for the first semester (March through June) and the second semester (August through November) each year.
For information on how to apply to study Coptic Studies at Macquarie, click here. The website of the Postgraduate Studies Section at Macquarie also has information about the enrolment process (important dates, formalities etc.). Contact us if you need help!
Master of Arts in Coptic Studies
The Master of Arts in Coptic Studies consists of eight units (32 credit points) from among those offered in the program. The M.A. can be taken part-time over two to four years (one or two units per semester), or full-time over one year (four units per semester). For the schedule of offerings consult the Course timetable. If you wish to study full-time, please contact one of the Coptic Studies staff for advice.
The units or courses will cover the study of the Coptic language and various aspects of Coptic civilisation, with an emphasis on the 4th to 9th centuries, when Egyptian culture was predominantly Christian. The completion of the degree will enable students to read Coptic texts in the original language, to study the enormous political, social and religious changes Egypt underwent in the First Millennium and to have an in-depth view of several of the most important aspects of Coptic culture: Egyptian monasticism, Coptic art and archaeology, and Coptic literature.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the M.A. in Coptic studies requires a Bachelor degree (in any subject) or in special cases relevant professional experience in the field of Coptic Studies. A previous degree in Egyptology or Ancient History is not necessary for admission. The degree is therefore open to anyone wishing to enrich their knowledge about this fascinating period of history.
Postgraduate Certificate in Coptic Studies
The Postgraduate Certificate in Coptic Studies consists of 3 units (12 credit points) from among those offered in the program.The Certificate is particularly suitable for those wishing to complete a shorter course of study for professional development or personal interest. It is possible to upgrade this degree to an M.A. in a subsequent stage.
The Postgraduate Certificate can be taken part-time over two or three semesters (1 04 1.5 years) (one unit per semester or two units in one semester and one in the next). For the schedule of offerings consult the Course timetable. If you wish to study full-time (taking three units in one semester), please contact one of the Coptic Studies staff.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Postgraduate Certificate in Coptic studies requires a Bachelor degree (in any subject) or in special cases relevant professional experience in the field of Coptic Studies. A previous degree in Egyptology or Ancient History is not necessary for admission. This degree is particularly suitable for those wishing to complete a shorter course of study for professional development or personal interest. It is possible to upgrade this degree to an M.A. in a subsequent stage.
Research Degrees in Coptic Studies
Macquarie is an internationally recognised centre of research in Early Christianity, papyrology, and Egyptology, at the intersection of which sits the research program in Coptic Studies. Research into Coptic studies may be undertaken as part of a PhD or an MPhil.
The PhD is a 4 year full time program of research examined by a 100,000 word thesis. The MPhil is a 2 year full time program of research examined by a 60,000 word thesis. Part-time candidature is also possible in both degrees. The thesis topic must be agreed between the candidate and Coptic Studies staff, but research on most aspects of Coptic Studies can be undertaken. If you are interested in undertaking a PhD or MPhil in Coptic Studies at Maquarie please contact one of the Coptic Studies staff.
Scholarships for PhD and MPhil study are available on a competitive basis for local and international students. For information on Scholarships, contact the Coptic Studies staff for advice, and see the Macquarie University Research Office website.
Admission Requirements
Entry into the PhD or MPhil programs requires an B.A. Honours Degree or equivalent. The latter may be the M.A. (Hons) Degree or the Certificate in Research Prepration offered by the Department of Ancient History at Macquarie, or comparable local or international programs, which will be assessed on application by Coptic Studies staff and the Macquarie University Higher Degree Research Office.
Further Options (general interest study; undergraduate options)
The degrees in the Coptic Studies program at Macquarie are postgraduate degrees. However, there are various options available if you are an undergraduate student (at Macquarie or another university) or just wish to take one or two Coptic Studies units for personal interest. Please click here for further information.