MSc Financial Economics
The MSc Financial Economics program at the University of Birmingham is a rigorous and r...
MRes Byzantine Studies
Birmingham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MRes in Byzantine Studies at the University of Birmingham offers a specialized and interdisciplinary approach to studying the Byzantine Empire, focusing on its rich history, culture, art, and legacy from its foundation in the 4th century through to its fall in the 15th century. This program is designed for students who are passionate about understanding the complexities of Byzantine society, including its politics, religion, and interactions with neighboring civilizations. The MRes Byzantine Studies program offers an intensive research-focused curriculum that prepares students for advanced academic research, equipping them with the necessary skills to undertake original projects in this specialized field. It is particularly well-suited for students aiming for careers in academia, museums, cultural heritage, and other areas related to historical research and preservation.
Curriculum: The MRes in Byzantine Studies is structured to provide both taught and research components, ensuring that students gain a thorough understanding of the Byzantine world and develop independent research skills. Core modules explore key aspects of Byzantine history, such as the political and military history of the Byzantine Empire, Byzantine art and architecture, and the development of Christian theology in the Byzantine context. The curriculum also covers the social, cultural, and economic life of the Byzantine Empire and its relationship with other medieval and ancient societies, including the Islamic world and Western Europe. Students can select from a range of optional modules, which may include topics like Byzantine literature, the use of Byzantine archives, and advanced language training in Greek or Latin. Research training is integrated throughout the program, culminating in a substantial dissertation project on a topic of the student’s choosing.
Research Focus: The research focus of the MRes Byzantine Studies program is interdisciplinary, blending historical analysis with art history, archaeology, and religious studies. Students will engage with various sources, from primary texts written in Greek and Latin to material culture such as mosaics, frescoes, coins, and inscriptions. The program encourages a comprehensive understanding of Byzantine studies, covering themes such as Byzantine diplomacy, urbanism, and the empire's interaction with neighboring cultures. Research projects typically center on areas like Byzantine political structures, imperial ideology, theological developments, and the empire's cultural and artistic achievements. Students are encouraged to engage with ongoing scholarly debates and contribute original insights to the field. The program offers access to a range of resources, including the university’s rich library holdings, digital archives, and research seminars.
Industry Engagement: The MRes in Byzantine Studies places significant emphasis on connecting students with the wider academic and cultural heritage industries. The University of Birmingham has strong links with museums, archives, and cultural institutions, providing opportunities for students to gain practical experience in the preservation, curation, and interpretation of Byzantine material culture. Students are encouraged to attend conferences, collaborate with academic experts, and participate in fieldwork or excavation projects where applicable. This exposure to industry practice enhances students' understanding of how Byzantine studies intersect with heritage management and public history. The university’s active research groups and international partnerships also provide valuable networking opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers in academia or related fields.
Global Perspective: The MRes Byzantine Studies program takes a global perspective by examining the influence of the Byzantine Empire on both the East and West. As a major political and cultural force for over a millennium, the Byzantine Empire played a key role in shaping the history of Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Near East. The program emphasizes the empire’s interactions with its neighbors, such as the Islamic caliphates, the Western European kingdoms, and the Slavic states. Students will explore the far-reaching influence of Byzantine Christianity and its impact on Eastern Orthodox traditions, as well as the empire’s role in the preservation and transmission of classical knowledge to the Renaissance. The global perspective of the program allows students to see the Byzantine Empire as an integral part of world history, connecting different regions and cultures through politics, trade, religion, and scholarship.
Location
Birmingham
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 20820
Postgraduate Entry Requirements:
- Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 50%-60% or equivalent.
- English language proficiency is required, and applicants must provide evidence of their English language skills through an approved language test.
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual component below 6.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 88, with at least 20 in Listening, 21 in Reading, 22 in Speaking, and 21 in Writing.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 67 with no individual score below 64.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
Work experience: Some postgraduate courses may require relevant work experience in the field.
It is important to note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission, as the university considers factors such as availability of places and competition for the program. Additionally, some courses may have higher entry requirements or additional selection criteria, such as interviews or portfolio submissions.
The University of Birmingham offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to support students with their studies.
Academic Scholarships: These are awarded to students who achieve outstanding academic results. The scholarship amount varies depending on the course and level of study.
Sports Scholarships: These are awarded to students who excel in sports. The scholarship covers the cost of tuition fees and accommodation.
International Scholarships: These are awarded to international students who demonstrate academic excellence. The scholarship covers the cost of tuition fees and provides a maintenance allowance.
Subject-specific Scholarships: These are awarded to students studying certain subjects. The scholarship amount and eligibility criteria vary depending on the subject.
The University of Birmingham provides excellent facilities, is highly ranked, and offers a range of scholarships and bursaries to support students.
Graduates of the MRes Byzantine Studies program find themselves equipped with valuable skills and knowledge that open up various career opportunities.
Academic Researcher: Graduates can pursue careers as academic researchers, contributing to the field of Byzantine studies through further research and publications.
Museum Curator: With a strong understanding of Byzantine art and archaeology, graduates may work as museum curators, preserving and showcasing Byzantine artifacts.
Archaeological Specialist: Graduates can work as archaeological specialists, participating in excavations and contributing to the discovery of Byzantine archaeological sites.
Heritage Management: Some graduates choose to work in heritage management, playing a role in preserving and promoting Byzantine heritage and historical sites.
Cultural Consultant: Graduates may become cultural consultants, advising on Byzantine history and culture for media, entertainment, or tourism industries.
