Medieval Studies MA

The course

A collaboration between the Departments of English and History and the Department of History at Royal Holloway, the MA in Medieval Studies has an excellent reputation, having been running for almost thirty years. That reputation comes from the variety of teaching on our course: we draw on medievalists teaching across Royal Holloway in disciplines as diverse as history, English, French, theatre studies, music and archaeology. We introduce you to many aspects of medieval society and culture, while giving you the opportunity to concentrate on the areas that interest you most.

As a historian and student of literature you will look at the medieval world from both literary and historical perspectives, working with source material including artefacts and manuscripts as well as archives and printed sources. The course emphasises the skills that are required for postgraduate research, irrespective of the area you choose to specialise in.

You may choose to study for a Postgraduate Diploma in Medieval Studies, taking on the taught part of the course without completing the dissertation. This is designed for those who want advanced instruction in Medieval Studies, but cannot commit to undertaking an independent research project.

The MA and Postgraduate Diploma are designed to be flexible, so you can study either of them full time or part time.

• As part of the University of London, you will have the opportunity to participate fully in the variety of events taking place in the Institute of Historical Research and the Institute of English Studies. Staff from the English Department also run the London Old and Middle English Research Seminar (LOMERS).
• You may pursue a wide range of disciplines in small groups, as well as come together weekly to form a close-knit cohort, providing the foundations for a supportive research environment.

Teaching & assessment

Assessment is carried out by a variety of assessment methods, including coursework, essays, oral presentations, and formal examinations.

Your future career

The Departments of English and History have an impressive record for placing graduates in academic jobs and in prominent position outside academia.

Former students from English have been appointed to university posts in Edinburgh, Sussex and Leeds, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and the National University of Ireland.

Our History alumni have gone on to work in university departments across the country, from Durham to Winchester, and across the world, from Swansea to Taipei.

These Departments also prepare postgraduates for successful careers in a variety of the other areas, such as:

• teaching
• writing and journalism
• administration
• marketing
• human resources
• the Civil Service fast track graduate trainee programme.