Course summary

Medieval Studies at Swansea offers you an opportunity to engage with the Middle Ages through covering history, literature, philosophy, politics, law and languages. Discover how the social and technological changes of the medieval period have influenced modern society. Through group work, debate, written exercises and essays, and in-class discussion you will explore themes such as power and conflict, archaeology and landscapes, gender and sexuality, religion, culture and medicine. Your first year will be spent as a Foundation Year, during which you will broadly explore the humanities and social sciences. This year is ideal if you need a little extra support after further education or if you have had a gap and are returning to your education. You will then progress onto the full degree programme. This unique course allows you to access a wide range of additional subject specialisms. Choose from pathways across History, Medieval History, English Literature, Classics and Ancient History and Languages (including both Modern and Ancient Languages). Based on our stunning Singleton Park campus, in parkland overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula, you will benefit from South Wales’ rich medieval history. Swansea was an important centre in the Middle Ages as a thriving port and a base of Norman rulers of Wales and there are still remains of this Norman heritage for you to explore. History, including Medieval Studies at Swansea is ranked top 20 in the UK for Course Satisfaction (Guardian University Guide 2023), Teaching (NSS 2022) and Graduate Outcomes (Complete University Guide 2023). Medieval Studies graduates have advanced to careers in sectors such as heritage, arts administration, teaching, archive work, journalism, copywriting, civil service, and further graduate studies.