Medieval Studies MA

Apply

anchor-point

Overview

Unique opportunity for interdisciplinary and crosscultural study. Core module Visual and Verbal in Medieval Culture plus a choice from around 20 modules in medieval history, literatures, languages and philosophy, covering western and eastern Europe from late antiquity to the cusp of the renaissance.

Key benefits

Unrivalled location, gives students access to major libraries, institutes and societies for medievalists.
Flexible combination of core skills and training modules.
Unique range of specialist options, allowing interdisciplinary and cross-cultural study.

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 No set number.

Course leaders Dr Sarah Salih, Programme Convenor, 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

anchor-point

Entry requirements & how to apply

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

Bachelor's degree with 2:1 honours (or overseas equivalent – as guidance US applicants should have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.3) in an arts subject.

Application procedure

Your application will be assessed by at least two academics. We usually interview candidates, either in person or by phone if overseas, and you are welcome to call the department to arrange a visit. We aim to process all applications within four to six weeks although this may take longer in February and March, and over holiday periods.

Personal statement and supporting information

Please submit preferred optional courses and provisional dissertation topic as part of your personal statement. You are also required to provide a 2,000 to 4,000 word essay related to Medieval Studies.

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.

anchor-point

Course detail

Description

This MA programme exploits the School's internationally recognised expertise in medieval studies of literature, history and culture. You will have access to all lectures and seminars run by the Centre for Late Antique & Medieval Studies and the University of London's Professor of Palaeography is based at King's. The optional modules include skills such as medieval languages and palaeography, interdisciplinary explorations of themes such as Arthurian Tradition, and single-discipline specialised study.

Course purpose

To deepen subject knowledge and develop skills in research methods, critical analysis and judgement. To provide training in techniques required for advanced study and to offer opportunities for specialist work.

Course format and assessment

Taught core and optional modules assessed by coursework and/or examination plus a compulsory dissertation on an agreed topic which accounts for 25 per cent of the total marks. The core modules are assessed by submitted essays or projects, and the specialist modules by written examination and/or essays. Written papers are taken in the May examination period, essays are normally submitted in early January and early May and the dissertation in early September.

Y1Year 1

Required Modules
- Visual and Verbal in Medieval Culture
- Dissertation
Optional Modules

Sample options:

The Arthurian Tradition

Books and Bodies

Byzantine Hagiography

Byzantium and the West 800-1000

Contemporary Medieval

Cyprus from Late Antiquity to the Present

Exile and Identity: The Jews of Christian and Muslim Spain

Feudal Revolution

Food and Drink in Medieval England

History of Medieval Women: Image and Reality

History of Script in Britain 600-1100

The Idea of Beauty in Western Theology

Languages of Politics: Italy 1250-1500

Latin: Beginner or Intermediate Levels

Law and Society from Constantine to Charlemagne

Living in Byzantium

Magna Carta and Medieval Kingship

Material Culture of the Book

Medieval Latin Literature

Medieval Music from the Sources

Medieval Philosophy

Medieval Sex, Gender and Culture

Medieval Slavery

Middle English Textual Cultures

Official and Unofficial Religion

One God, One Sea: Byzantium and Islam 600-800

Palaeography

Premodern Dialogues

The Troubadours and their Legacy

Read more

anchor-point

Locations

Strand campus Explore campuses

anchor-point

Career prospects

Research in medieval studies; teaching, journalism or cultural administration.

anchor-point

Testimonials

Giulia

The two things that first attracted me to King’s were staff reputation and the university’s connections. It was the opportunity to be mentored by Arden editors and taught at The Globe Theatre which made me accept the offer to study Shakespeare at King’s. I have not regretted my choice.

Through this programme I have obtained a 12-month internship at The Globe – a crash course in application of academic research which will undoubtedly prove an extremely transferable skill. Being completely self-funded, I will have to work for a few years to be able to afford a PhD, and I feel that my time at King’s is well preparing me for that necessity. My career interests lie in theatre management and publishing, two areas into which my internship and the invaluable support of the editors on staff have cast precious insight.

I’d advise prospective students to choose a subject they adore. Graduate study is hard work, so the only way you are going to find the determination to be the best you can be is if your specialist area is the thing you want to do most in the world!