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Medieval Studies (MA)



The MA in Medieval Studies is an interdisciplinary programme enabling students to study the Medieval period from a range of different subject disciplines that embraces History, Literature, Theology, Celtic studies and Archaeology.

The University has a well-established record of research and teaching in the Medieval period. Its provision at all levels has enabled students to study Medieval and Early Modern period drawing on specialist staff expertise and resources, particularly the holdings of the Special Collections of the Roderic Bowen Library: a unique resource which houses the Special Collections of the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, including over 35,000 printed works, 8 medieval manuscripts, around 100 post-medieval manuscripts, and 69 incunabula.

PATHWAY OPTIONS AND HOW TO APPLY

You can apply directly to the University using the Apply Now button at the top of the page. 


Book an Open Day Book a Taster Day Request Information
Contact Name: Prof Jane Cartwright


Tuition Fees 2023/24:
Home: £7,800
Tuition Fees 2023/24:
Overseas (distance/online): £10,400
Fees are for the whole course.

The programme is delivered on the VLE and online learning technologies. It is taught through seminars, small workshops and individual tutorials and supervision that enable detailed and personalised feedback.  

Access to a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) enables additional learning, especially work-shopping, to take place outside the sessions and supports the development of a mutually supportive cohort of committed researchers.

Moreover, this programme will offer:

  • Expert teaching from research active specialist staff and exceptional resources in the specialist holdings of the Roderic Bowen Library
  • Small seminar-based classes
  • Option to complete on a full-time or part-time basis (October entry for full-time students, October or February entry for part-time students)
  • Option to receive a Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma.

What you will learn

Course Overview

Part I: Taught Modules (120 credits)

There is one compulsory module: Past Peoples, Present Societies: Research Methods and Skills (30 credits). Students then choose three optional 30 credit modules:

  • Celtic Arthur and the Mabinogion Tales (30 credits; optional)
  • Celtic Sanctity, Spirituality and Hagiography (30 credits; optional)
  • Fact or Fiction? Literature and History (30 credits; optional)
  • History and Historians (30 credits; optional)
  • Intensive Latin I (30 credits; optional)
  • Intensive Latin II (30 credits; optional)
  • Introduction to Digital Humanities (30 credits; optional)
  • Medieval Conference (30 credits; optional)
  • Screening the Past: Film and History (30 credits; optional)
  • Skills for Medievalists (30 credits; optional)
  • The Cloister and the World: Studies in Medieval Cistercian History (30 credits; optional)
  • Thomas Becket (30 credits; optional)
  • Women in the Middle Ages: Sources from the Celtic Regions (30 credits; optional)
  • Writing the History of Power: From Democracy to Dictatorship (30 credits; optional)

Part II: Dissertation (60 credits)

15,000 word dissertation under the guidance of a seasoned academic. Whether your goal is to develop the beginnings for further doctoral research, or just to indulge a curiosity, the dissertation provides you the chance to develop and explore your own research interests.

Module Topics

Part I (PG Cert, PG Dip & MA)

  • Celtic Arthur and the Mabinogion Tales (30 credits; optional)
  • Celtic Sanctity, Spirituality and Hagiography (30 credits; optional)
  • Fact or Fiction? Literature and History (30 credits; optional)
  • History and Historians (30 credits; optional)
  • Intensive Latin I (30 credits; optional)
  • Intensive Latin II (30 credits; optional)
  • Introduction to Digital Humanities (30 credits; optional)
  • Medieval Conference (30 credits; optional)
  • Past Peoples, Present Societies: Research Methods and Skills (30 credits; compulsory) 
  • Screening the Past: Film and History (30 credits; optional)
  • Skills for Medievalists (30 credits; optional)
  • The Cloister and the World: Studies in Medieval Cistercian History (30 credits; optional)
  • Thomas Becket (30 credits; optional)
  • Women in the Middle Ages: Sources from the Celtic Regions (30 credits; optional).
  • Writing the History of Power: From Democracy to Dictatorship (30 credits; optional).

Part II (MA)

  • MA Dissertation (Medieval Studies) (60 credits; compulsory).
Assessment

The modules are assessed by a variety of assessment methods: short essays (2,500 words), longer essays (4,000-5,000 words), comparative analyses, literary reviews and appreciations, short assignments, linguistic exercises, oral assessments and one 15,000-word dissertation.

Key Information

Entry Criteria

Applicants are expected to have a good first degree (a first or upper second), although every application is considered in its own merit, so places may be offered on the basis of professional qualification and relevant experiences. Candidates with a lower degree classification or no degree may be admitted at Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma level, with an opportunity to upgrade to Master’s level if satisfactory progress is made.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this programme have found employment in all fields where knowledge of the medieval world is an asset, including film and media or the gaming industry. Other areas of employment include

  • Museum
  • Archives
  • Heritage sector
  • Professional Writers
  • Marketing
Additional Costs

Approximately £300 for literature.

Bursary / Scholarship Information

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.  To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit our Scholarships and Bursaries section.

Accommodation

Please visit our Accommodation pages for more information

Further Information

Please get in touch with us if you have any questions related to the University or to this course in particular.