13May
UndergraduateCourse summary
The MA in Medieval Studies offers students an exciting opportunity to explore the Middle Ages through an interdisciplinary programme. This course allows students to dive into the past through a wide variety of subjects, including History, Literature, Theology, Celtic Studies, and Archaeology. Designed for those with a passion for understanding medieval societies and their impact on today’s world, this Medieval Studies MA helps students gain insights into distinct aspects of medieval culture and beliefs across regions and time. The University has built a strong reputation in medieval history research and teaching, offering students access to resources that are both extensive and rare. Students will explore Early Modern History alongside medieval studies, drawing connections between these fascinating historical periods. The course is perfect for those who want to approach medieval studies from multiple perspectives and with a fresh lens, including in areas like digital humanities. As part of this programme, students will have access to the Special Collections held in the Roderic Bowen Library. This unique resource contains over 35,000 printed works, including rare medieval manuscripts and post-medieval manuscripts. For students interested in heritage and archives, the Roderic Bowen Library offers an unmatched opportunity to work with original medieval sources. Among these materials, students will discover 69 incunabula—early printed books from the first fifty years of printing—providing a direct link to the very beginnings of the printed word. As students work with archives and artefacts from centuries ago, they develop essential skills for historical research, critical thinking, and resource analysis. These skills are valuable both for advanced academic study and for careers in fields like heritage, conservation, and museum work. Overall, this Medieval Studies MA is ideal for those who want to explore the medieval period with depth and variety. This course opens doors to a world of medieval culture, religious life, and historical events that continue to influence us today.
Modules
Our MA in Medieval Studies is designed with a focus on personalised, in-depth learning. Students engage with medieval culture and history through seminars, small workshops, and one-on-one supervision, with coursework delivered on the Lampeter campus or through Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) platforms. This approach offers a flexible, interactive environment with frequent feedback and support, building a strong foundation in research and critical thinking skills. Year 1 In the first year, you will develop essential research methods and skills through the core module, Past Peoples, Present Societies. Optional modules allow you to explore topics such as digital humanities, Celtic Arthurian literature, and medieval spirituality. These modules introduce you to major themes, figures, and narratives from the Middle Ages, offering a broad, interdisciplinary perspective on medieval history and culture. Year 2 In the second year, you will focus on a Dissertation research project). This work is supported by individual tutorials and supervision sessions, offering detailed feedback on your research. Additional optional modules provide further opportunities to explore your interests. Compulsory • Past Peoples, Present Societies: Research Methods and Skills • MA Dissertation (Medieval Studies) Optional • Introduction to Digital Humanities • Screening the Past: Film and History - Ancient, Medieval, Modern • Celtic Arthur and the Mabinogion Tales (30 credits) • Women in the Middle Ages: Sources From the Celtic Regions (30 credits) • Celtic Sanctity, Spirituality and Hagiography (30 credits) • Fact or Fiction? Literature and History • History and Historians • Intensive Latin I • Intensive Latin II • Thomas Becket • The Cloister and the World: Studies in Medieval Cistercian history (30 credits) • Skills for medievalists (30 credits)
Assessment method
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.
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
International applicants
Visa and funding requirements If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa. For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa. International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. For full information read our visa application and guides. Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study.
Entry requirements
2:2 honours degree or UWTSD recognised equivalent.
English language requirements
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 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests.
Acceptable Evidence of English
https://www.uwtsd.ac.uk/apply/international-applications/english-language-requirements
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £6800 | Whole course |
| Northern Ireland | £6800 | Whole course |
| Scotland | £6800 | Whole course |
| Wales | £6800 | Whole course |
| Channel Islands | £6800 | Whole course |
| Republic of Ireland | £6800 | Whole course |
| EU | £10500 | Whole course |
| International | £10500 | Whole course |
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
Approximately £300 for literature.
Provider information
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
College Road
Carmarthen
SA31 3EP