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2023 - 2024
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Course summary

Our new MA Medieval Studies offers you the opportunity to encounter the Middle Ages from a range of disciplinary perspectives, including the study of:

  • literature
  • history
  • material culture
  • the visual arts.
At the heart of this medieval studies course is a core module that will introduce you to the most current scholarly approaches to the Middle Ages period. This module cuts across different fields to consider the riches of the medieval past from an integrated, holistic perspective, in which you will be guided by experts in interdisciplinary research methods. In studying the medieval period, you will develop key research skills including paleography, transcription, manuscript provenance, identification and dating. You will also use modern theoretical frameworks to examine:
  • people
  • places
  • artistic productions
  • social patterns.
You can follow your interests with option modules in art history, archaeology, medieval literature and the Renaissance. You may also receive one-to-one support in writing a research essay on a topic of your choosing. Preparation for your dissertation is supported by a research methods module, which will hone the skills you need to complete your final research project. This course is ideal for students approaching postgraduate study from a range of backgrounds. In addition to providing rigorous preparation for PhD research, it is equally well suited to the interests of the medieval enthusiast, those who wish to deepen their knowledge of the Middle Ages and those who are returning to study to pursue a personal passion. Highlights
  • The MA Medieval Studies offers you the only opportunity in London and the surrounding area to study the Middle Ages at postgraduate level through evening classes at university.
  • We have a thriving research culture, with student-led reading groups and a regular programme of major visiting speakers, including the Birkbeck Medieval Seminar and the Material Texts Network.
  • Birkbeck is ideally situated for the best humanities research libraries in the capital, including the British Library, Senate House and the Warburg Institute.
  • Birkbeck was ranked in the top eight universities in the UK for its History research and 2nd for its English Language and Literature research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.
  • You can apply to School of Arts postgraduate funding schemes, including Dean’s Awards, Peltz Scholarships and School of Arts Master’s Bursaries.

Modules

For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.

Assessment method

Assessment is via coursework, including essays and commentaries. It may also include presentations, the curation of material culture and visual arts, written work and the preparation of other forms of media.

How to apply

International applicants

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.

Entry requirements

Our standard postgraduate entry requirement is a second-class honours degree (2:2 or above) from a UK university, or an equivalent international qualification. Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £9810 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9810 Year 1
Scotland £9810 Year 1
Wales £9810 Year 1
International £18030 Year 1

Additional fee information

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their programme. Tuition fees for students continuing on their programme in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.
Medieval Studies at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS