MA Medieval History

The MA Medieval History at the University of Sheffield provides students with an opportunity to delve into the complexities of medieval history through a combination of lectures, seminars, and independent research. Students explore diverse topics such as the politics of medieval kingdoms, the role of the church, medieval warfare, economic systems, and the development of medieval culture and art. The program also allows for specialized research on specific regions, such as England, France, or the Byzantine Empire, and specific themes, including gender, religion, and the intersections between medieval and modern history. The course emphasizes developing a sophisticated understanding of primary sources and historiography, enabling students to conduct their own research projects, which culminate in a dissertation.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the MA Medieval History program at the University of Sheffield combines core modules with options that allow students to tailor their studies to their research interests. Core modules typically include Medieval Historiography, which focuses on the interpretation of historical sources, and Research Methods, which equips students with the skills to conduct independent research. Students can select from a range of optional modules that may cover topics like Medieval Kingship, The Medieval Church, Medieval Warfare and Society, The Crusades, and Medieval Art and Architecture. The program also places a strong emphasis on historical research methods, archival study, and the analysis of medieval texts. As a capstone to the program, students undertake a dissertation project, guided by expert faculty, to explore a topic of their choice in-depth.

Research Focus: The MA Medieval History program at the University of Sheffield benefits from a rich research environment, with faculty specializing in a wide range of topics across medieval history. Research areas include medieval political systems, religious movements, social structures, and cultural developments. The program encourages students to engage with current research debates and to apply innovative methodologies in their studies. Students are also encouraged to undertake their own research projects, contributing original insights to the field of medieval studies. The university's focus on interdisciplinary research provides students with the opportunity to explore the intersections between medieval history and other fields, such as archaeology, literature, and art history.

Industry Engagement: The MA Medieval History program at the University of Sheffield offers students opportunities for industry engagement through partnerships with museums, archives, and heritage organizations. Students benefit from a strong connection with the university's Sheffield Humanities Research Institute, which fosters collaboration between academics and professionals in the field of history. These connections provide students with opportunities for internships, placements, and collaborative research projects that offer practical experience in areas such as heritage management, museum curation, and public history. Additionally, the university’s close ties with professional bodies in history and heritage, such as the Royal Historical Society and the Museums Association, offer students networking opportunities and the chance to engage with professionals in the field.

Global Perspective: The MA Medieval History program at the University of Sheffield is designed with a global perspective, reflecting the importance of medieval history beyond the confines of Europe. The program encourages students to explore medieval history in a comparative context, examining the interconnectedness of cultures and regions throughout the medieval period. The University of Sheffield’s international faculty brings diverse perspectives to the program, ensuring students are exposed to a wide range of scholarly interpretations of medieval history. The global approach also extends to the opportunity for students to study medieval societies in different regions of the world, such as the Islamic world, Byzantium, and sub-Saharan Africa, providing a well-rounded and inclusive understanding of the medieval period.

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 60%-70% 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 19 in Listening, 20 in Reading, 22 in Speaking, and 19 in Writing.
  • PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 61 with no individual score below 56.

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.

Postgraduate students may be eligible for the following scholarships:

Postgraduate Taught Merit Scholarship: This scholarship is available to UK, EU, and international students who have a conditional or unconditional offer to study a full-time or part-time postgraduate taught course at the University of Sheffield. The scholarship is worth 50% of the tuition fee for each year of study.

International Merit Postgraduate Taught Scholarship: This scholarship is available to international students who have a conditional or unconditional offer to study a full-time postgraduate taught course at the University of Sheffield. The scholarship is worth 50% of the tuition fee for each year of study.

Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme: This scholarship is available to students from eligible developing Commonwealth countries who have a conditional or unconditional offer to study a full-time postgraduate taught course at the University of Sheffield. The scholarship covers the full tuition fee, airfare to and from the UK, and a monthly stipend.

Graduates of the MA in Medieval History program have diverse and promising career prospects in various historical and research-based roles. 

Historian and Researcher: Graduates can pursue careers as historians and researchers, contributing to historical research, writing, and documentation.

Archivist and Museum Curator: The program equips students with skills in historical preservation, making them suitable for roles in archives and museums.

Education and Teaching: Graduates may explore careers in education, teaching history at secondary schools or colleges.

Heritage Management: The program prepares students for roles in heritage management, promoting and preserving historical sites and artifacts.

Media and Publishing: Some graduates may choose to work in media and publishing, providing historical expertise for documentaries, books, or journals.