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MA Medieval Studies

Explore the complexities and diversity of the medieval period with our MA in Medieval Studies. This Medieval Studies programme from University of Birmingham is designed to develop your understanding of medieval history, or introduce you to it if you have not studied it before.

Quick Facts

  
Duration: 1 year (Full-Time)
2 years (Part-Time)
Starting in: September
Tuition Fee: £21,150 per year
Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom

The Medieval Studies programme from the University of Birmingham offers uniquely wide ranging expertise across the whole medieval period, from c. 300 to c. 1500. It covers all of the countries of western Europe, Scandinavia, the eastern Mediterranean, the Middle East, South Asia, Central Asia and China, and have a broad range with thematic interests including religious cultures, socio-economic history, the Crusades, Islamic history, gender, manuscript studies, drama, regional literatures and history (West Midlands, Scotland, Spain, Iceland, Byzantium, Afghanistan, northern Eurasia), material culture, comparative history and the ‘global Middle Ages’.

Why study this course?

  • Excellent research reputation – Times Higher Education ranked the Department of History first in the country for its performance in the latest Research Excellence Framework exercise.
  • Global approach – You will have the opportunity to study anything from the Vikings to Islam in Afghanistan. This is unparalleled in the UK.
  • Employability – You will be able to use this programme as a launch pad for further careers within or outside of academia, obtaining a firm grounding in historical methods, and a broad knowledge of relevant topics through coursework and engaging with the academic community at Birmingham and beyond.
  • Community – You will be able to attend regular seminars delivered by academics from other institutions, organised by the Centre for the Study of the Middle Ages and the Centre for Byzantine, Ottoman and Modern Greek Studies.
  • Research networks – Postgraduate students across several schools run their own research network, the EMREM Forum (Early Medieval – Medieval – Renaissance – Reformation – Early Modern). The EMREM Forum organises regular seminars, training sessions, writing workshops and an annual postgraduate conference that has inspired similar ventures at other universities.

Courses included:

  • Medieval Materialities
  • Before and After the Mongols: Political Authority in Islamic Lands, 1000-1600
  • Before Globalization?: Afro-Eurasian World History 500-1800
  • The Global Middle Ages, Conquest, Commerce, and Communication, 750-1350
  • Meeting Medieval Manuscripts
  • Digital Heritage and the Medieval Past
  • Fantastic Beasts and Where They Came From
  • The Figure of the Witch: Witch Writings c. 1400-1700
  • The Work of Giants: Old English Tales and their Afterlives in Fiction and Film

“The transition from undergrad to postgrad can be a big step up in terms of workload and what is expected of you, but there is so much support available to you as a postgrad student, from academic writing support (if you’ve been out of education for a few years or just want a bit of extra help) to mental health and wellbeing services. The careers support is fantastic – the uni puts on employer fairs throughout the year and you have access to one on one support from the Careers Network team, who can help you develop your skills ready for your next step!”

Emma Sutton // PhD Psychology

Careers

You will be encouraged to make the most of your postgraduate experience and will have the opportunity to:

  • Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique, whether you are looking for a career inside or outside of academia
  • Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations
  • Attend an annual programme of careers fairs, skills workshops and conferences, including bespoke events for postgraduates in the College of Arts and Law
  • Take part in a range of activities to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers and enhance your CV

Requirements

  • You will make your application to our MA History programme. If you would like to specialise in Medieval Studies, please indicate that this is your chosen pathway in your application.
  • Our MA History is a flexible programme and should you wish to change to another pathway, you can do this at the module choice process upon entry onto the programme.

Learn more