Medieval and Renaissance Studies

This MA equips students with the skills necessary for advanced medieval and renaissance scholarship. A wide range of historical, literary, palaeographical, art historical and archaeological courses enables students to explore the aspects of medieval and renaissance culture in which they are interested.

This MA provides exceptional opportunities to master medieval and renaissance languages and to acquire manuscript expertise working with original manuscripts; key skills for those who want to go on to original research. Students with primary interests in many different areas ‒ linguistic, historical, literary or archaeological ‒ will be able to build on and extend their expertise and skills.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of core language modules (30 credits), optional modules (90 credits), and a research dissertation (60 credits).

Core modules

• Old and Middle English
• Medieval Latin (Beginners)
• Medieval Latin (Intermediate)
• Medieval French
• Old and Middle French
• Medieval Italian
• Medieval German
• Classical Hebrew
• Rabbinic Hebrew
• Introduction to Old Norse

Optional modules

Up to 90 credits of options drawn from any of:

• The Medieval Papacy
• Manuscripts and Documents
• Renaissance Texts: Resources and Research Techniques
• The Medieval English Book
• Anglo-Saxon Court Culture
• Animals and the Medieval Imagination
• Comparative History of Medieval Literature
• Dante: Divina Commedia
• Travel and Writing in the Middle Ages
• Europe's Long 13th Century: Governments, Conflicts and the Cultivation of Christendom
• From Renaissance to Republic: The Netherlands c. 1555‒1609
• Giordano Bruno
• Identity and Power in Medieval Europe, 500‒1300 AD
• The Italian Book, 1465‒1600
• The Italian Dialogue of Giordano Bruno
• Magic in the Middle Ages
• Medieval Archaeology: Selected Topics and Current Problems
• Medieval Manuscripts and Documents: Research Techniques

Dissertation/research project

All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of up to 12,000 words.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars and classes. Several modules include site visits to institutions, notably the British Library, the Warburg Institute, the National Archives and the Institute of Historical Research. Assessment is through unseen examination, long essays, coursework and the dissertation.

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

What are we looking for?

When we assess your application we would like to learn:

• why you want to study Medieval and Renaissance Studies at graduate level
• why you want to study Medieval and Renaissance Studies at UCL
• what particularly attracts you to this programme
• how your academic background meets the demands of this challenging programme
• where you would like to go professionally with your degree

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to show how your reasons for applying to this programme match what the programme delivers.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Jean Orr Scholarship

Value:

£7,000 (1 year)

Eligibility:

UK, EU, Overseas students

Criteria:

Based on academic merit

Wellcome Trust Scholarship

Eligibility:

UK, EU, Overseas students

Criteria:

Based on academic merit