Medieval Studies
Entry requirements
Our standard postgraduate entry requirement is a second-class honours degree (2:2 or above) from a UK university, or an equivalent international qualification.
Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.
Months of entry
October
Course content
- 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.
This course is ideal for students approaching postgraduate study from a range of backgrounds. In addition to providing rigorous preparation for PhD research, it is equally well suited to the interests of the medieval enthusiast, those who wish to deepen their knowledge of the Middle Ages and those who are returning to study to pursue a personal passion.
- The MA Medieval Studies offers you the only opportunity in London and the surrounding area to study the Middle Ages at postgraduate level through evening classes at university.
- We have a thriving research culture, with student-led reading groups and a regular programme of major visiting speakers, including the Birkbeck Medieval Seminar and the Centre for Medieval and Early Modern Worlds. We are also ideally situated for the best humanities research libraries in the capital, including the British Library, Senate House and the Warburg Institute.
- Birkbeck was ranked in the top eight universities in the UK for its History research and 2nd for its English Language and Literature research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.
- You can apply to one of our postgraduate funding schemes, including the Dean’s Awards, Peltz Scholarships and Master’s Bursaries.
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 - Careers and Enterprise - 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.
Information for international students
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.
If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.
Qualification, course duration and attendance options
- MA
- full time12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- part time24 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
Course contact details
- Name
- Student Advice Service
- studentadvice@bbk.ac.uk
- Phone
- +44 (0)20 3907 0700