History: Medieval and Renaissance Studies MA

Program Overview

The Medieval and Renaissance Studies MA program at the University of Liverpool explores the history, literature, art, and culture of these periods through a multidisciplinary lens. It develops advanced research skills, analyzes historical sources, and examines the influence of the past on contemporary society. This program is suitable for students interested in pursuing doctoral research or careers in fields such as media, academia, and public sector management.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Medieval and Renaissance Studies MA pathway draws on the University of Liverpool's expertise in medieval and early modern history, literature, and languages. It uses a multidisciplinary approach to delve into the literature, art, philosophy, religion, politics, and society of these periods, analyzing their evolution and influence on modern society.

Objectives:

• Explore a range of fascinating and relevant issues related to the medieval and early modern periods.
• Study the notions and exercise of secular and spiritual authority, delving into the ways in which power operated within these societies.
• Analyze the development of conceptions of gender, as well as the construction of identities, in order to gain a nuanced understanding of the cultural and social contexts of the time.
• Develop advanced research skills, read and interpret original sources, and receive training in languages and palaeography.
• Participate fully in the activities of Liverpool's Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Studies.

This program will appeal to a wide range of students, including those who’ve recently graduated in History or a related discipline or have decided to return to university later in life. The structure of the course provides a good grounding for those intending to proceed to doctoral research. It will appeal particularly to those with a keen interest in the renaissance and early modern eras, specifically in the areas of religion, gender, and culture.

Outline:

Semester One:

• Compulsory Modules:
Students will analyze original texts (in translation) and develop a long essay on a particular theme, text, or group of texts.
• HISTORICAL RESEARCH (HIST527): This module investigates the role of theory in historical inquiry, exploring major theoretical influences on historical research in recent decades, including Marxism, feminism, and postmodernism.
Students will reflect upon the theoretical and conceptual foundations of current research relating to their potential dissertation topics.
• LATIN IA (CLAH641): Introduction to basics of Latin morphology, syntax, and translation.

Semester Two:

• Compulsory Modules:
• FEASIBILITY STUDY (HIST504):
This is an extended research proposal for the subsequent MA Dissertation. Students will focus on the topic they propose to address in their dissertation, ensuring they are well prepared to undertake the project successfully.
• LATIN IB (CLAH642): Continuation of Introduction to basics of Latin morphology, syntax, and translation.
Students will explore themes and issues in the study of texts, artworks, artifacts, and buildings of those periods. Through small-group discussion and a field trip to a major monument, students will develop an essay exploring a particular theme, text, or architectural feature.
• Optional Modules:
• MEDIEVAL PALAEOGRAPHY (GENERAL) (HIST560):
This module introduces students to the history of Western scripts and various forms of writing in the Latin alphabet as they evolved between the Roman period and the end of the Middle Ages. Students will gain a good understanding of the important factors in the development of different script types and the chronology of the main developments. The module also introduces students to the practical study of medieval manuscript sources, in particular codices and charters.
• MEDIEVAL PALAEOGRAPHY (MARM) (HIST540): This module focuses on developing palaeographical skills through extensive practice in reading and transcribing documents.
Students will revise points of Latin grammar, discuss medieval usage, and familiarize themselves with the use of medieval wordlists and textbooks. The documents will provide an introduction to the forms and formulae of medieval records with particular reference to legal, financial, and administrative organizations operating in England between 1100 and 1500.

Final Project:

• Compulsory Module:
• DISSERTATION (HIST550):
This dissertation is undertaken and completed during the summer term. Students will discuss the feasibility of their chosen topic and the implementation of the research with a member of staff with the appropriate knowledge and understanding of the proposed topic during the period June to September.

Assessment:

• Ongoing assessment is linked to work done primarily in seminars and through individual tutorials and supervisions.
• Written assessments will vary according to the nature of the modules, research project, and the needs of the student, but may include source analyses, written reports, critical reviews, feasibility studies, annotated bibliographies, historiographical review essays, and formal research proposals.

Teaching:

• Most modules, except HIST504, take the form of small seminar groups, supplemented by independent study.
Most seminars are weekly two-hour sessions, and all are taught in small groups.
• The Department of History is based in the School of Histories, Languages and Cultures, an ornate Georgian property located on historic Abercromby Square.
• Students have a voice here and are represented on the School Postgraduate Committee.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland) Full-time place, per year £10,800 Part-time place, per year £5,400 International fees Full-time place, per year £22,400 Part-time place, per year £11,200 Fees stated are for the 2024-25 academic year. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. You can pay your tuition fees in instalments. All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship. International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit