MA Medieval Studies

Program Overview

This innovative and interdisciplinary program at the University of Bristol offers a comprehensive study of medieval culture and society through research-led teaching and skills-based training. Students benefit from the University's world-renowned Centre for Medieval Studies, gaining practical work experience in the cultural and heritage industries. With an emphasis on transferable skills, graduates are well-equipped for careers in academia and beyond.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This interdisciplinary program offers an innovative approach to studying medieval culture and society. Students benefit from research-led teaching and skills-based training across various disciplines, including history, literature, languages, manuscript studies, music, religion, and classics. The program provides access to one of the UK's most active and innovative centers for medieval studies, comprising over 30 staff members and approximately 30 postgraduate research students annually. This creates a vibrant and dynamic interdisciplinary community. The Centre for Medieval Studies hosts numerous research seminars, lectures, and public talks throughout the year. Program faculty members are members of the Centre and many have international reputations in their respective fields. Beyond the University, students can utilize the significant archival, architectural, and heritage resources of Bristol, known as the medieval gateway to Europe, and the wider south-west region. Placement- and practice-led project options offer unique opportunities to gain practical work experience with the University's partners in the cultural and heritage industries. This experience helps train students as professional medievalists with transferable skills for careers in academia and beyond.

Outline:

First Term:

• Two 20-credit core units:
• Introduction to Medieval Latin
• Research Skills for Medievalists
• One 20-credit optional unit reflecting the student's disciplinary or subject-specific interests

Second Term:

• One 20-credit core unit:
• History of the Book
• Two 20-credit optional units
• Option to undertake a work placement for one of the optional units

Final Term:

• Completion of either a 60-credit dissertation or a practice-led project

Careers:

Students who complete the program are well-positioned for careers in either the academic sector or the cultural and heritage industries. The program emphasizes the acquisition of practical and transferable skills for professional medievalists, including research skills, languages, manuscript skills (palaeography and codicology), archival study skills, and heritage preservation. These skills equip graduates for research degrees and/or employment in culturally-oriented industries outside academia.

Other:

• The University of Bristol is ranked fifth for research in the UK (Times Higher Education).
• 94% of the University's research is assessed as world-leading or internationally excellent.
• University of Bristol students and graduates are eligible for a 25% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate study.

(MA) UK: full-time £14,100 per year (MA) UK: part-time (two years) £7,050 per year (MA) Overseas: full-time £28,200 per year (PG Certificate) UK: full-time £5,640 per year (PG Certificate) Overseas: full-time £11,280 per year For programmes that last longer than one year, please budget for up to an 8% increase in fees each year.