MA Medieval and Early Modern Studies

University of Manchester

Course description

Our MA Medieval and Early Modern Studies master's course will give you the opportunity to pursue your interest in the literatures, histories and cultures of the European Middle Ages and Early Modern periods.

Research in this area has a long and distinguished history at The University of Manchester. We have a lively research culture, which takes place with the support of the Centre for Medieval and Early Modern Studies (CMEMS).

All MA students are members of MEMS for the duration of their studies, and are welcome to attend talks, seminars and conferences, in addition to taught courses.

You will also be able to draw on the expertise of scholars engaged in cutting-edge research at the John Rylands Research Institute, where the course is based.

The John Rylands Library houses exceptional medieval and early-modern treasures and offers many exciting research and study opportunities.

Staff teaching on this MA represent the disciplines of History, Art History and Visual Studies, English, Religions and Theology, Classics, and European Languages.

Two pathways are available for students who wish to extend their knowledge in a particular chronological direction: Medieval, and Early Modern.

Teaching and learning

Depending on the units you take, you will learn through a variety of teaching methods, including seminars, lectures, workshops and e-learning.

The Centre for Medieval and Early Modern Studies teaches the MA in conjunction with the John Rylands Research Institute.

Coursework and assessment

Summative assessment is primarily via extended pieces of written work: the dissertation of around 15,000 words, long essays of around 4,000-6,000 words, and a variety of shorter pieces for palaeography or language classes.

There is a pass mark of 50% for all assignments. Marks over 60% are given as merit and over 70% as distinction.

In addition, depending on the units selected, formative assessment may be based on oral presentation, class discussion, and feedback on written draft material.

Assessment varies from course unit to course unit; full details of the assessment procedure for individual units can be obtained from the course director.

Those who only attain 120 credits (out of 180) will be awarded a PGDip in Medieval Studies.

Career opportunities

This course is designed to equip you with the critical skills and tools necessary for research in the history, literatures, and art of the Middle Ages and Early Modern periods.

Many of these theoretical and methodological skills are highly transferable, making our graduates popular with a wide range of employers.

Having the opportunity to work in close contact with the collections of the John Rylands Library makes our course particularly suitable if you are considering a future in heritage management, library, archive, or museum work, art business, or education.

In addition to these professional career paths, other students go on to study for a PhD, with the degree proving an excellent basis for an academic career.

The University has an award-winning Careers Service that provides ample opportunities for career development, whether through attending courses, or acquiring specific individual guidance.