Course Overview

Our new MA in Medieval Studies offers you the opportunity to encounter the Middle Ages from a range of disciplinary perspectives, including the study of:

• literature

• history

• material culture

• the visual arts.

At the heart of this medieval studies course is a core module that will introduce you to the most current scholarly approaches to the Middle Ages period. This module cuts across different fields to consider the riches of the medieval past from an integrated, holistic perspective, in which you will be guided by experts in interdisciplinary research methods.

In studying the medieval period, you will develop key research skills including paleography, transcription, manuscript provenance, identification, and dating. You will also use modern theoretical frameworks to examine:

• people

• places

• artistic productions

• social patterns.

You can follow your interests with option modules in art history, archaeology, medieval literature, and the Renaissance. You may also receive one-to-one support in writing a research essay on a topic of your choosing. Preparation for your dissertation is supported by a research methods module, which will hone the skills you need to complete your final research project.

Graduates pursue career paths in research and archiving, museums and galleries, education, and journalism. Possible professions include:

• archivist

• researcher

• higher education lecturer

• newspaper/magazine journalist

• arts administrator.

We offer a comprehensive Careers Service - Birkbeck Futures - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education, and future ambitions.

General Eligibility

A second-class honors degree (2:2) or above in a relevant subject.

Part Time Work Details

20 hours of work permit weekly for international students.

Language Requirement

• If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.