Skip navigation
Medieval and Early Modern Studies at Durham University - UCAS

Durham University

Degree level: Postgraduate

Medieval and Early Modern Studies (Taught)

Course options

2024 - 20252025 - 2026
Apply

There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Open days

10Feb
Durham University - Postgraduate Online Open Week
Postgraduate

Course summary

The MA in Medieval and Early Modern Studies equips you with the skills and knowledge you will need to embark on your own doctoral research journey. Delivered by Durham’s Institute of Medieval and Early Modern Studies (IMEMS) this MA is an ideal opportunity to develop your interest in a particular historical period. Exploring aspects of society and thinking between AD c.300-c.1800, it is suitable if your undergraduate background is in archaeology, classics, history, literature and languages, philosophy or theology. You will study over one year full-time or two years part-time and complete two core modules on reading and writing the medieval and early modern past. You also choose from a selection of optional modules ranging from medieval Franciscan theology to sources of power in South East Asia 1400-1800. The course culminates in a dissertation on a subject of interest. Teaching is delivered by renowned scholars who are experts in their respective fields and together comprise one of the largest gatherings of medieval and early modern scholars in the world. From the outset, you will be integrated into the wider research community, including an opportunity to join the vibrant postgraduate student group, MEMSA. This gives you access to an active programme of events, workshops and masterclasses with visiting subject experts and industry professionals. By joining this Masters, you will experience the rich and varied research life that exists within the Institute and the associated departments of archaeology, classics, English, history, modern languages and cultures, philosophy and theology. All the while you will have access to unrivalled resources that include rare books, records, manuscripts and artefacts as you complete your studies within the rich cultural setting of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Course structure All the MA programmes offered by the Faculty of Arts & Humanities consist of three components:

  • a Major Research Project to the value of at least 60 credits
  • Core Modules to the value of 0-90 credits, depending on the programme
  • Elective Modules, making up the total number of credits to 180; some of these modules will be defined as Recommended Electives for particular programmes.
For students studying the MA in Medieval and Early Modern Studies the Interdisciplinary Dissertation (your Major Research Project, 60 credits)) explores an area of interest in greater depth. It gives you the opportunity to practise, develop and demonstrate your research skills on a specific topic and prepare for independent academic research in the future. It also tests your ability to argue, respond and interpret, while demonstrating subject-specific knowledge and skills. You can choose to complete a dissertation in any of the following fields:
  • Archaeology
  • Classics
  • English Studies
  • History
  • Modern Languages and Cultures
  • Music
  • Philosophy
  • Theology
You will also be required to take the following two 30-credit core modules: Reading the Medieval and Early Modern Past introduces you to the different approaches to studying this period of history, and develops your research skills both for course work and for possible further study. This module also looks at specific historical texts and objects and their contemporary context in order to help develop your understanding of how such material emerged and developed in the medieval and early modern periods. Writing the Medieval and Early Modern Past considers a range of key themes, approaches, ideas, movements and institutions involved in the study of this period of history, including change and continuity over this time. Finally, you will choose 60 credits of elective modules from across the Faculty of Arts & Humanities or beyond, so that your total number of credits adds up to exactly 180. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of your programme, some modules will be specifically recommended to you by your Programme Director.

Modules

You will choose 60 credits of elective modules from across the Faculty of Arts & Humanities or beyond, so that your total number of credits adds up to exactly 180. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of your programme, some modules will be specifically recommended to you by your Programme Director.

Assessment method

Assessment is rigorous and ongoing throughout the course and is designed to highlight your knowledge and understanding of the subject. Most of the course is assessed by essays or equivalent methods such as manuscript transcriptions. Some modules include seminar presentations which will be assessed by subject experts. The MA dissertation is worth either one-third or half of your overall mark depending on the route you choose.

How to apply

International applicants

If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take a pre-Masters pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.

Entry requirements

A 2:1 or equivalent A 500-word personal statement

English language requirements

Durham University welcomes applications from all students irrespective of background. We encourage the recruitment of academically well-qualified and highly motivated students, who are non-native speakers of English, whose full potential can be realised with a limited amount of English Language training either prior to entry or through pre-sessional and/or in-sessional courses. It is the normal expectation that candidates for admission should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course. Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by following the link provided.

English language requirements

https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £12500 Year 1
Northern Ireland £12500 Year 1
Scotland £12500 Year 1
Wales £12500 Year 1
Channel Islands £12500 Year 1
EU £27500 Year 1
International £27500 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase and are expected to rise throughout the programme of study. The fee listed above is for the first year of the course only.

Sponsorship information

For further information see the course listing on the Durham University website.

Medieval and Early Modern Studies at Durham University - UCAS