MA Medieval Studies

Program Overview

The MA in Medieval Studies at the University of Leeds is an exciting, flexible program that offers students the chance to engage with medieval history, literature, philosophy, art, and material culture. Students are encouraged to take an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on expertise from various departments, including History, English, Archaeology, and Languages. This program provides a comprehensive study of medieval Europe, with opportunities to explore topics such as medieval religion, political structures, social systems, medieval literature, and the material culture of the Middle Ages. The program is designed to foster critical thinking, research skills, and the ability to engage with primary sources, preparing students for advanced study or careers in fields such as research, heritage management, and public history.

Curriculum: The MA in Medieval Studies at Leeds offers a dynamic and flexible curriculum that combines core modules with a wide range of optional courses, allowing students to tailor their studies to their individual interests. Core modules typically include Medieval Historiography, Research Methods in Medieval Studies, and Approaches to Medieval Literature, which provide students with the critical tools necessary to study the medieval period. In addition to these core modules, students can choose from a range of optional modules in areas such as Medieval Art and Architecture, The Medieval World and its Literature, Medieval Religion, Medieval Languages and Texts, and Medieval Manuscripts and Material Culture. The program culminates in a dissertation, where students conduct independent research on a topic of their choice, allowing them to apply their knowledge and skills to a specific medieval subject. The interdisciplinary nature of the curriculum ensures that students gain a comprehensive understanding of the medieval period from multiple perspectives.

Research Focus: The MA in Medieval Studies at Leeds is deeply embedded in the university’s strong research culture, with a particular focus on the medieval world. Research at Leeds covers a wide range of topics, including medieval social structures, medieval literature, manuscript studies, medieval philosophy, art and architecture, and material culture. The program benefits from the university’s active research centers and collaborations with leading scholars in the field. Students are encouraged to engage with current research, both through their coursework and by participating in seminars, conferences, and workshops. The university’s medieval collections, including manuscripts, archival materials, and archaeological artifacts, provide students with valuable resources for their own research projects. This research-driven approach ensures that students develop a critical understanding of the medieval period while contributing to ongoing scholarship in the field.

Industry Engagement: The MA in Medieval Studies at Leeds offers significant opportunities for industry engagement, particularly in the fields of heritage management, public history, and cultural preservation. Leeds is home to a wide range of cultural institutions, including museums, archives, and historical sites, providing students with opportunities to gain hands-on experience in the preservation, interpretation, and management of medieval artifacts and documents. The program’s strong links with local and national heritage organizations, including English Heritage and the National Trust, enable students to participate in internships, placements, and collaborative projects that enhance their practical experience. Additionally, the university’s career services offer support in connecting students with potential employers in heritage, research, publishing, and education, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for careers in the heritage and cultural sectors.

Global Perspective: The MA in Medieval Studies at Leeds offers a global perspective on the medieval period, recognizing that medieval societies were interconnected through trade, religion, and cultural exchange. The program allows students to study medieval history, literature, and culture beyond Europe, with opportunities to explore the medieval world in regions such as the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia. Leeds has a diverse international student body, offering students the opportunity to share perspectives and experiences from different cultural contexts. The program also provides opportunities for students to participate in international research collaborations, conferences, and exchanges with partner institutions around the world. This global outlook ensures that students are equipped with a broad understanding of medieval societies and their interactions across continents.