MA Medieval Studies

Program Overview

The MA in Medieval Studies at the University of Birmingham offers a rich curriculum that spans the early Middle Ages to the late medieval period, allowing students to explore a wide range of topics related to medieval society, politics, religion, and culture. The program provides an opportunity for students to critically engage with medieval texts, sources, and material culture. The curriculum is designed to promote a deep understanding of the historical, literary, and artistic dimensions of the medieval world. Students can explore a variety of themes, such as medieval warfare, religion and spirituality, medieval literature and language, and medieval art and architecture, using a variety of methodologies, including textual analysis, historical research, and archaeological approaches. The program culminates in a dissertation, where students can focus on a particular area of interest and undertake original research.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the MA in Medieval Studies is structured to provide students with a balanced mix of core modules, optional subjects, and independent research opportunities. Core modules include topics such as Medieval Society and Culture, Medieval Literature, and Sources of Medieval History, which provide students with a comprehensive understanding of medieval life and thought. Optional modules allow students to specialize in areas of particular interest, such as Medieval Art and Architecture, The Viking Age, Monasticism and Monastic Culture, Medieval Warfare and Conflict, and Medieval Religious Thought. The program is flexible and allows students to choose modules that align with their specific academic and professional goals. A significant portion of the program is devoted to research training, equipping students with the skills needed to conduct independent research, analyze primary sources, and write scholarly work. The program concludes with a dissertation, offering students the opportunity to explore a topic in-depth under the guidance of expert supervisors.

Research Focus: The MA in Medieval Studies at the University of Birmingham is deeply focused on research, with a strong emphasis on primary source analysis and interdisciplinary approaches. Research within the program spans a wide range of topics, including medieval religion, feudalism, medieval philosophy, and literary production. The program encourages students to explore the connections between medieval history, literature, art, and archaeology, providing a broad and multifaceted view of the period. Faculty members are internationally recognized experts in areas such as medieval literature, medieval political history, material culture, and medieval religious studies. Students have access to the Birmingham Medieval Research Centre, which provides a collaborative environment for academic inquiry and research, as well as a wealth of resources and archives for research projects. Students are also encouraged to engage in ongoing research initiatives, seminars, and conferences, contributing to the development of new scholarship in the field.

Industry Engagement: The MA in Medieval Studies at the University of Birmingham offers students several industry engagement opportunities. Students have access to the University’s extensive archaeological fieldwork programs, museum studies, and heritage management initiatives, which provide practical experience in handling medieval artifacts, curating exhibits, and conducting field research. The program also benefits from strong ties to museums, archives, and heritage organizations, giving students opportunities for internships, placements, and collaboration with professionals in the heritage, museum, and archaeology sectors. Additionally, students are encouraged to attend guest lectures and workshops with industry professionals, expanding their knowledge of the practical applications of their studies in fields such as archival research, museum curation, and cultural heritage management. The program’s careers service provides valuable support in helping students transition into careers in academia, heritage, or the creative industries.

Global Perspective: The MA in Medieval Studies offers a global perspective on the medieval period, recognizing that the Middle Ages were a time of vast cultural exchange, migration, and communication across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North Africa. The program encourages students to consider the medieval world in a transnational context, exploring the connections between different medieval cultures, including Islamic, Byzantine, and European traditions. Students have the opportunity to study the interactions between different religious, linguistic, and cultural groups during the medieval period, including the Crusades, the Viking expansion, and the Silk Road trade. By adopting a global approach to medieval studies, students gain a richer understanding of how medieval cultures influenced each other and how their legacies continue to shape the modern world.