Medieval English MA

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Overview

Explore medieval literature and language from three inter-connected perspectives: gender and sexuality studies; cultural studies (especially cultural approaches to the study of medieval religious texts); and the relation between verbal and visual artefacts, complementing the department’s strengths in manuscript, lexical, and source studies.

Key benefits

Unrivalled location in the centre of London, with easy access to the British Library and the major libraries and archives of the capital.
Flexible programme with a wide range of options allows students the opportunity to specialise in areas of their choice.
A dynamic, research-led department with an international reputation for excellence.

Key information

Application status Open

Duration One year FT, two years PT, September to September.

Study mode Full-time, Part-time

Credit value UK 180/ECTS 90

Course intake Approximately 40 FT.

Course leaders Dr Lawrence Warner, Department of English

Course contact for further information Postgraduate Admissions Team, Admissions Office tel: +44 (0) 20 7848 2569 fax: +44 (0) 20 7848 7200

Course contact email https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/pg/Admissions-contact-form.aspx

Awarding institution King's College London

Faculty Faculty of Arts & Humanities

Department Department of English

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Entry requirements & how to apply

Visit our admissions webpages to view our English language entry requirements.

Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree (or overseas equivalent), in English, or a subject in which English plays a significant part; other disciplines may be considered.

Application procedure

Applicants are required to submit an essay of not more than 4,000 words, preferably on a topic related to their chosen programme. Applicants who completed their BA more than ten years ago will normally be asked to submit a new piece of work. Please contact the MA Convenor if you wish to discuss your situation.

Personal statement and supporting information

Please state modules you wish to take, if known, as part of your personal statement.

Application closing date

The deadline for applications is 01 April 2016 for 2016 entry. Prior to this date all applications will be given equal consideration and considered on their individual merits. After this date applications will be considered subject to the availability of places, thus we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible. Please note that funding deadlines may be earlier.

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Course detail

Description

This programme offers students the opportunity to explore medieval literature and language from a number of different yet complementary perspectives. Theoretical perspectives such as cultural studies, gender and sexuality; interdisciplinary projects such as the relationship between the verbal and the visual, or that between the historical, the literary and the cultural, find their place beside the department’s traditional strengths in manuscript, lexical and source studies of the period. The pathway offers ample provision for research into the Old and Middle English periods, whether your interest is in eg the materiality of text, the medieval city, postcolonial medieval studies, gender and sexuality, religious writing, romance, drama, Chaucer, Malory, or Langland.

Course purpose

To develop critical understanding. To enable you to concentrate upon specific areas of literary and cultural studies and acquire advanced skills in research methods. To prepare you for doctoral study.

Course format and assessment

Taught core and optional modules assessed by coursework plus a compulsory dissertation.

Y1Year 1

Required Modules

Core module:
- Dissertation
Compulsory modules (Semester 1):
- Medieval Textual Cultures
- Visual and Verbal in Medieval Culture
Medieval Sex, Gender And Culture:

Optional Modules

Option modules
Students take two option modules in Semester 2. Recommended options include:
- Middle English Textual Cultures
- The Arthurian Tradition in Literature and History
- Books and Bodies
Students may also choose from a wide range of option modules offered on other English Department MA Programmes, or modules from other departments in the School (subject to agreement by the programme leader).

NB The above is an indicative list only. For further information on the programme structure and modules, see: http://www.kcl.ac.uk/artshums/depts/english/study/handbook/programmes/pgt/medeng.aspx

Prison Writing: An English and European Tradition

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Locations

Strand campus Explore campuses

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Career prospects

Many students go on to pursue research in our and other departments; others have developed their skills in teaching, journalism, cultural arts and management, or the legal and financial sectors.

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Testimonials

Katie

I had a great time doing my undergraduate degree at King’s. I really liked the department, and particularly the tutors who are always approachable and constructive. I felt I could really get another year out of this kind of study, and wanted to develop my skills.

I chose this programme because the tutors are inspiring, and their research is innovative and dynamic. I enjoy studying the medieval period, especially the disciplinary diversity of studying Old English, which is a totally different language. The incorporation of contemporary literary theory was also a key appeal. It is a small course, so there is a personal feel. The master’s year has enriched my experience of college life. I have loved the freedom to pursue my own intellectual interests and get involved in lots of voluntary activities and student ambassador work.

I love living in London – I think it’s especially suited to those who value their independence; it’s the polar opposite to a cosy campus. If you take the initiative to find out what’s going on in the city, there are a staggering amount of opportunities, and lots for free or at student-friendly prices.