MA Medieval Studies

The MA in Medieval Studies encourages students to explore the complexities and diversity of the medieval period. This programme is designed to develop your understanding of medieval history, or introduce you to it if you have not studied it before.

The programme offers uniquely wide ranging expertise across the whole medieval period, from c. 300 to c. 1500. It covers all of the countries of western Europe, Scandinavia, the eastern Mediterranean, the Middle East, South Asia, Central Asia and China, and have a broad range with thematic interests including religious cultures, socio-economic history, the Crusades, Islamic history, gender, manuscript studies, drama, regional literatures and history (West Midlands, Scotland, Spain, Iceland, Byzantium, Afghanistan, northern Eurasia), material culture, comparative history and the ‘global Middle Ages’.

In all teaching you are encouraged to apply class material to your own specific research interests and your dissertation.

Why Study this Course?

Excellent research reputation - Times Higher Education ranked the Department of History first in the country for its performance in the latest Research Excellence Framework exercise.
Global approach - You will have the opportunity to study anything from the Vikings to Islam in Afghanistan. This is unparalleled in the UK.
Employability - You will be able to use this programme as a launch pad for further careers within or outside of academia, obtaining a firm grounding in historical methods, and a broad knowledge of relevant topics through coursework and engaging with the academic community at Birmingham and beyond.

Employability

Your degree will provide excellent preparation for your future career, but this can also be enhanced by a range of employability support services offered by the University and the College of Arts and Law.

The University's Careers Network provides expert guidance and activities especially for postgraduates, which will help you achieve your career goals. The College of Arts and Law also has a dedicated careers and employability team who offer tailored advice and a programme of College-specific careers events.

You will be encouraged to make the most of your postgraduate experience and will have the opportunity to:

• Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique, whether you are looking for a career inside or outside of academia
• Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations
• Attend an annual programme of careers fairs, skills workshops and conferences, including bespoke events for postgraduates in the College of Arts and Law
• Take part in a range of activities to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers and enhance your CV