MA Medieval History

Program Overview

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The MA Medieval History program at the University of York is a leading UK program that provides students with a comprehensive exploration of medieval history. Through core modules, skills options, and taught option modules, students develop research skills, critical thinking, and a deep understanding of the medieval period. The program prepares graduates for careers in academia, teaching, public history, archives, and various other fields.

Program Outline

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MA Medieval History at the University of York: A Comprehensive Analysis

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Degree Overview:

You will acquire new knowledge, develop valuable skills, and receive extensive training in research technique and methodology. Studying Medieval History in York provides you with an unparalleled opportunity to encounter rich local resources, including manuscripts, documents, buildings, and material culture. You'll benefit from a wealth of expertise on the medieval period and be challenged to think critically about source material.

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This program is designed for students who:

• Have a strong interest in medieval history
• Want to develop their research skills
• Seek a career in academia, teaching, public history, or archives
• Are passionate about the subject and want to deepen their knowledge

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Outline:

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The program consists of:

• Core modules:
• Perspectives on Medieval History
• Skills options:
• Latin
• Palaeography
• Multilingual Middle Ages (20 credits)
• Reading Medieval Texts (20 credits)
• Arabic for Research (20 credits)
• Taught option modules:
• Three modules chosen from a diverse list covering topics like:
• Medieval Lives
• Death, Commemoration and Memory in the Viking World
• Public Intellectuals: Authority and the Medieval University
• The Uses of Writing in the Dark Ages
• Late Medieval Sexualities
• Trans-Asian Trade along the Silk Roads
• All the City’s a Stage: Performance and Ritual in Late Medieval Europe
• (Modules may vary depending on availability)
• Dissertation:
• 14,000 - 16,000-word dissertation on a topic of your choice
• Research and write using source materials and analysis techniques
• Receive support and guidance from your dissertation advisor throughout the project

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Assessment:

• Essays
• Dissertation
• Formative assessment opportunities with feedback before final submission
• Assessment criteria:
• Understanding and interpretation of primary sources
• Evaluation of historical arguments
• Research skills
• Critical thinking
• Writing and presentation skills

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Teaching:

• Two-hour seminars per module (most modules)
• Three-hour workshops for the Research Training module
• Small group sizes (less than 20 students)
• Teaching locations:
• Department of History in Vanbrugh College on Campus West
• Centre for Medieval Studies in King's Manor in the city centre
• World-leading academics who challenge you to think independently and excel
• Approaches to teaching:
• Providing knowledge and opportunities
• Fostering support for growth and success in a global workplace

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Careers:

• This program prepares you for a diverse range of careers in:
• Schools and academia
• Library and archives
• Civil service and government
• Communications and media
• Business and administration
• Charitable sector
• Transferable skills you will gain:
• Analytical thinking
• Formation of original arguments
• Effective time management
• Communication skills
• Efficient organisation and use of research resources
• Independent research with primary sources
• Professional presentation skills
• Analysing new information and drawing conclusions

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Other:

• The program is ideal for students who wish to pursue doctoral research.

• The University is home to the Borthwick Institute for Archives.

• Students can access York Minster Library and the City Archives.

• The program is close to the British Library Reading Room at Boston Spa.

• The city of York boasts beautiful historic architecture, museums, galleries, and heritage organisations.

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Tuition Fees and Payment Information:

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Annual tuition fees for 2024/25

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Study mode

Full-time (1 year) £10,590 £23,900

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Part-time (2 years)

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£5,295

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£11,950

• Students on a Student Visa are not currently permitted to study part-time at York.
• For courses which are longer than one year, the tuition fees quoted are for the first year of study.
• UK (home) fees may increase in subsequent years (up to a maximum of 2%).
• International fees may increase in subsequent years in line with the prevailing Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate (up to a maximum of 10%).