MSc Accounting
The MSc Accounting at the University of Manchester, United Kingdom, is a specialized po...
MA Medieval and Early Modern Studies
Manchester, England
INTAKE: Jan & Sept
Program Overview
ram provides students with the opportunity to engage with a wide array of historical, literary, and cultural materials from the medieval and early modern eras. With a focus on both primary sources and contemporary scholarship, the program enables students to develop critical thinking and research skills that can be applied in a range of academic and professional contexts. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of key themes such as power, religion, gender, art, literature, and society during these transformative periods in history.
Curriculum: The MA Medieval and Early Modern Studies curriculum is designed to offer a balanced blend of core modules and optional courses, allowing students to tailor their studies to their individual interests. Core modules typically include Introduction to Medieval and Early Modern Studies, which provides an overview of the key intellectual and cultural shifts during these periods. Students will also be introduced to historical research methods and learn how to analyze primary sources, such as manuscripts, artefacts, and early modern texts. Optional modules offer students a chance to specialize in areas such as medieval literature, early modern history, material culture, art history, and the role of religion in shaping European societies. The program is structured to allow students to gain both breadth and depth in their understanding of medieval and early modern Europe, with a particular emphasis on the interconnectedness of these historical periods.
Research Focus: The MA Medieval and Early Modern Studies program places a strong emphasis on research, enabling students to explore specific themes or historical periods that interest them. The program offers access to a wide range of resources, including the John Rylands Library, which houses an extensive collection of medieval and early modern manuscripts, rare books, and other archival materials. Research topics can range from the role of medieval women in society to the impact of the Reformation on early modern Europe, or from the development of chivalric codes to the analysis of early modern scientific thought. The program fosters an environment in which students are encouraged to develop their own independent research projects while being supported by expert faculty members who are internationally recognized in their fields.
Industry Engagement: Although the MA Medieval and Early Modern Studies program is primarily focused on academic research, students also have opportunities to engage with industry professionals, particularly in the areas of museum studies, archives, and heritage preservation. The University of Manchester has strong links with cultural institutions and heritage organizations, providing students with opportunities for internships, fieldwork, and collaboration on projects related to the preservation and interpretation of medieval and early modern artefacts. Additionally, students benefit from guest lectures, workshops, and seminars with scholars and professionals from museums, libraries, and archives, helping them to bridge the gap between academic research and the cultural heritage sector. The program encourages students to apply their research skills in real-world contexts, preparing them for careers in education, heritage, publishing, or the arts.
Global Perspective: The MA Medieval and Early Modern Studies program at the University of Manchester takes a global perspective on the medieval and early modern periods. While focusing primarily on Europe, the program also acknowledges the global interconnectedness of these periods, exploring how historical events, ideas, and cultural exchanges affected regions outside of Europe. For example, students may study the impact of the Age of Exploration on both Europe and the indigenous populations of the Americas, Africa, and Asia. The program also highlights the role of Islamic empires, the Ottoman Empire, and Mongol invasions in shaping the medieval and early modern world. This global outlook provides students with a deeper understanding of the historical processes that shaped not only Europe but the entire world during these transformative centuries.
Location
Manchester, England
Score
IELTS 7
Tuition Fee
£ 28500
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application fee: £60
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 7.0 with no individual component below 6.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 100.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 76.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Manchester offers a range of scholarships to support international students in funding their education and making their academic journey more accessible. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, support students from diverse backgrounds, and help ease the financial challenges of studying abroad.
Global Futures Scholarship: The Global Futures Scholarship is a prestigious award for international students who demonstrate academic excellence and potential. This scholarship offers a £5,000 contribution towards tuition fees, providing financial assistance for undergraduate and postgraduate students. This scholarship is open to students from specific countries and disciplines, so it is essential to check eligibility criteria and deadlines.
Manchester Master’s Bursary: The Manchester Master’s Bursary is a financial aid program aimed at helping postgraduate students who come from lower-income backgrounds. This bursary offers support for UK, EU, and international students who wish to pursue a master’s degree at the university. The bursary can cover a significant portion of tuition fees and is awarded based on financial need.
Subject-Specific Scholarships: Many departments at the University of Manchester offer subject-specific scholarships for students enrolling in their programs. For example, students applying for programs in engineering, business, life sciences, and the arts may be eligible for additional funding based on academic performance and their future potential. These scholarships are often offered to high-achieving students who demonstrate exceptional skills and dedication to their field of study.
Chevening Scholarships: The Chevening Scholarship is a fully-funded award provided by the UK government, open to outstanding international students from over 160 countries. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living costs, travel expenses, and other related costs. The University of Manchester is a proud participant in this global program and welcomes applications from students wishing to pursue a master's degree in a variety of disciplines.
Commonwealth Scholarships: The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission offers fully funded scholarships for international students from Commonwealth countries. These scholarships support students pursuing postgraduate studies in fields such as engineering, health sciences, and education. They cover the full cost of tuition fees, travel, and living expenses during the duration of the program.
Regional Scholarships: The university also offers regional scholarships for students from specific countries or regions, including Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. These scholarships are designed to make studying at the University of Manchester more accessible to students from these regions and offer both partial and full financial support depending on the scholarship type.
Graduates of the MA Medieval and Early Modern Studies program at the University of Manchester have a range of career opportunities available to them due to the interdisciplinary and research-focused nature of the program. The skills developed throughout the course—critical thinking, research, writing, and problem-solving—prepare students for roles in academia, heritage, publishing, museums, and the cultural sector.
Academic Researcher or Lecturer: Graduates interested in pursuing further academic studies can continue their research through doctoral programs or apply for postdoctoral positions. The program provides a strong foundation for those who wish to teach at university level or become expert researchers in the fields of medieval and early modern studies, history, literature, or related areas.
Heritage and Museum Professional: With the growing interest in preserving cultural heritage, graduates of the program are well-equipped to work in museums, galleries, and heritage sites. Careers may involve curating exhibitions, cataloging collections, designing educational programs, or working as archivists. The program’s emphasis on primary research and working with historical artefacts provides graduates with the hands-on experience needed for such roles.
Archivist: Graduates may choose to work as archivists in public or private institutions. Archivists manage historical records, ensuring that primary source materials are preserved, cataloged, and accessible to researchers, historians, and the public. This role is critical for maintaining the historical memory of medieval and early modern periods.
Cultural Heritage Consultant: Cultural heritage consultants use their expertise to advise organizations, governments, or private entities on the preservation, interpretation, and presentation of historical materials. Graduates can contribute to the management of historical sites, the development of heritage tourism, and the preservation of cultural landmarks.
Publishing Professional: The writing and research skills developed throughout the program make graduates suitable candidates for careers in publishing. Graduates may work as editors, writers, or proofreaders, particularly in the academic and historical publishing sectors. They may also contribute to the publication of journals, books, and articles focused on medieval and early modern topics.
Government and Public Sector Roles: Graduates can pursue positions in government agencies or cultural organizations that focus on history, culture, or the arts. These roles can include working in heritage management, public history programs, or policy advisory positions that deal with the preservation of historical resources.
Digital Humanities Professional: With the increasing use of technology in historical research, graduates can pursue careers in digital humanities. These roles involve the application of digital tools and methods to historical research, such as creating online archives, digitizing manuscripts, or working with databases to analyze medieval and early modern texts.
Public History and Outreach Specialist: Many graduates choose to apply their skills to public history, working in education and outreach. This can include giving talks, leading tours, organizing exhibitions, or developing educational programs to engage the public with the medieval and early modern past.
Consultant in Historical Education: Graduates can work as consultants in educational settings, advising schools, universities, or other institutions on curriculum design, particularly in history and literature. Their expertise in medieval and early modern studies enables them to contribute to historical education in both traditional and non-traditional settings.
Freelance Writer or Historian: Some graduates opt to work as freelance historians or writers, producing research, articles, and books on medieval and early modern topics. This allows for flexibility and independence, particularly for those who enjoy writing or contributing to historical debates in the public sphere.
