Medieval History

The MA in Medieval History at Durham University offers an in-depth and comprehensive exploration of the medieval period, spanning from the late antique era through to the dawn of the Renaissance. Designed for students with a keen interest in medieval European history, the programme provides a rigorous academic experience that combines historical analysis with critical thinking, encouraging students to engage with a wide range of primary sources and scholarly debates. Throughout the course, students will examine key themes such as medieval politics, society, culture, religion, and economic systems, contributing to a nuanced understanding of this transformative period in European history.

The programme benefits from Durham University's renowned Department of History, which boasts expert staff with specializations in medieval history, supported by extensive resources including archives, libraries, and digital collections. Students will have the opportunity to participate in seminars, workshops, and research projects that foster active learning and collaborative inquiry. The coursework is structured to develop analytical skills, historical methodology, and research competencies, culminating in a dissertation that allows students to investigate a specific topic of their choice in detail.

The MA in Medieval History is designed to be flexible, with options for part-time or full-time study, catering to students' diverse needs and backgrounds. It is suitable for those seeking careers in academia, public history, museums, cultural heritage, or related fields, as well as for individuals aiming to deepen their understanding of medieval Europe. With its strong academic focus, diverse modules, and supportive learning environment, the programme prepares graduates to contribute thoughtfully to scholarly discourse and professional practice. Through its emphasis on critical analysis, contextual learning, and original research, the MA in Medieval History at Durham University offers an excellent foundation for further academic pursuits or professional development in the field of medieval studies.

Content

Course Structure

The MA in Medieval History is a one-year full-time programme (or two-years part-time). All students are allocated a supervisor at the beginning of the first term, and s/he guides each student through the year. The programme is structured as follows:

Michaelmas Term (October-December)

Archives and Sources (15 credits)

This module is designed to introduce you to advanced interpretation and analysis of primary sources, and has two elements. The first is based on archives, and will be led by specialist staff in the Library's Special Collections, as well as by members of the department. The second element is commentary on particular sources, chosen by you in consultation with your supervisor and the module convenors.

Issues in Medieval History (30 credits)

This module introduces students to some of the major problems, issues and debates in medieval history, by focusing on major medieval historians and their works, approaches and methodologies. It covers the period from the transformation of the Roman Empire through to the early sixteenth century, though students will be able to specialise on a particular area/approach in their assessed work.

*Skill module (30 credits) - taken over Michaelmas and Epiphany Terms

Students may choose to take a skills module: these are mainly medieval/ancient languages (e.g. Old English, Old Norse, Latin, Greek), modern languages for reading (e.g. Academic French, Academic German), or research skills (e.g. palaeography). Students who take a skills module write a 60-credit dissertation instead of a 90-credit dissertation.

Epiphany Term (January-March)

Critical Practice (15 credits)

This module will develop and test your ability to offer a critical intellectual argument in an oral presentation, and your ability to participate effectively in critical discussions arising out of oral presentations. The training for this module involves lectures, seminars, one-to-one sessions with your supervisor, and a drama workshop. This module will encourage you to think critically about questions of structure and balance of content, timing and delivery in presentations through observing the work of others, and developing your own presentation.

Option module (30 credits)

Option modules allow students the opportunity to learn about a particular topic or issue in medieval history in depth, and to consider different historical approaches to this topic over a full term's study. In previous years, options for medieval history included: The Anglo-Saxon World, AD 400-1100 (an interdisciplinary module taught by academic staff in History, Archaeology and English), Power and Society in the Late Middle Ages, and The Wealth of Nations (a full list of MA option modules is available here). Option modules are taught in weekly two-hour seminars for a full term's study.

Easter Term (April-June), and the summer vacation (until early September)

Dissertation (90 credits, or 60 credits if taking a *Skill module)

Students meet with their supervisors on an individual basis and will discuss the topic, direction and content of their dissertation, as well as the relevant medieval evidence and scholarship which they should explore. The dissertation is a substantial, independent piece of research: the 90-credit dissertation is 20,000 words, while the 60-credit dissertation is 15,000 words. You are not required to write your dissertation on a topic which is in the same period and area as your optional modules, but it is recommended that students discuss their individual programmes of work with their supervisors and/or with the Director of Taught Postgraduate Programmes.

The formal requirements and structure of the programme can be found here; a full list of optional modules is available here.

The MA can be taken part-time, over two years. In the first year the module combination consists of Archives and Sources, Critical Practice, Issues and in addition a Skills module OR Optional module. In the second year your work will consist of either a 90 credit, 20,000 word dissertation (if you took an Optional module in the first year) OR a 60 credit, 15,000 word dissertation, AND an Optional module (if you took a Skills module in the first year).

Additional courses can be taken on an audit-basis (not for credit), and can include language modules as well as optional modules. You will need to ask and receive the permission of the module leader before auditing a class. If the class is outside the department you will also need to inform the Director of Taught Postgraduates.

Subject requirements, level and grade

In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:

• A good 2.1 or GPA of 3.5, or equivalent. A first degree in History or a related subject is required.

Preferred Tests:

a. IELTS: 6.5 (no component under 6.0)

b. TOEFL iBT (internet based test): 92 (no component under 23)

c. Cambridge Proficiency (CPE): Grade C

d. Cambridge Advanced (CAE): Grade A

e. Cambridge IGCSE First Language English at Grade C or above [not normally acceptable for students who require a Tier 4 student visa]

f. Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language at Grade B or above [not normally acceptable for students who require a Tier 4 student visa]

g. GCSE English Language at grade C or above

h. Pearson Test of English (overall score 62 (with no score less than 56 in each component))

Alternative accepted tests when those listed in a.-h. above are unavailable to the applicant (if the applicant requires a Tier 4 visa to study, advice on the suitability of these alternatives must be sought from the Student Recruitment and Admissions Office):

i. Certificate of Attainment (Edexcel)

j. GCE A-levels (AQA, CIE, Edexcel, CCEA, OCR, WJEC) at grade C or above in an essay based, humanities or social science subject from the following list: History, Philosophy, Government and Politics, English Language, English Literature, Geography, Religious Studies, Economics, Business Studies, Law and Sociology. Modern or Classical Languages are not acceptable in meeting this requirement.

k. International Baccalaureate with a minimum of grade 5 in Standard Level English or a minimum of grade 5 if taken at Higher Level.

l. NEAB (JMB) Test in English (Overseas)

m. Singapore Integrated Programme (SIPCAL) at grade C or above in an essay based, humanities or social science subject from the following list: History, Philosophy, Government and Politics, English Language, English Literature, Geography, Religious Studies, Economics, Business Studies, Law and Sociology. Modern or Classical Languages are not acceptable in meeting this requirement.

n. Singapore Polytechnic Diploma and Advanced Diplomas at GPA 3.0 or above

o. WAEC and NECO Grade B3 or above from Nigeria and Ghana

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

£9,250 per year for home students; international students' fees vary and are typically higher. Funding options include government tuition fee loans available to UK residents, which can cover the full cost of tuition fees. Students may also be eligible for maintenance loans to support living expenses during their studies, which are repayable after graduation once certain income thresholds are met. For EU students, funding opportunities are aligned with UK government schemes, subject to policy changes. International students are responsible for their tuition fees and may seek scholarships or bursaries offered by the university or external organizations to offset costs. The university also provides various scholarship programs based on academic merit, financial need, or specific criteria related to nationality or background. Students are encouraged to explore external funding options such as grants, sponsorships, and private loans. Part-time work opportunities are available on campus or nearby, which can supplement income, though students should balance work commitments with academic requirements. The cost of living in Durham includes accommodation, food, books, transportation, and personal expenses, estimated at approximately £9,000–£11,000 annually. The university offers financial advice and support services to help students plan and manage their finances effectively. Additionally, some students may have access to family support or sponsorships. International students should consider additional costs such as visas, health insurance, and travel, and are advised to budget accordingly. The university's financial assistance programs aim to make studying more accessible, offering guidance on applying for various funding sources and managing overall study costs.

Medieval History at Durham University offers a comprehensive exploration of the history of Europe from the fall of the Western Roman Empire through to the end of the Middle Ages. This programme provides students with a thorough understanding of the political, social, cultural, and religious developments of medieval Europe. The course integrates detailed analysis of primary sources, archaeological data, and modern scholarly interpretation to give students a multidimensional perspective on the period. Students have the opportunity to study a wide range of topics, including the Carolingian Empire, feudal societies, medieval warfare, the development of medieval cities, religious reformations, and notable figures such as Charlemagne and Thomas Aquinas.

The programme is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep appreciation for historical contexts. It offers both taught modules and research projects, enabling students to specialise in particular periods or themes relevant to medieval history. Durham’s Department of History has extensive resources, including a dedicated medieval studies library and access to archive collections, which support student research and learning. The programme encourages engagement with interdisciplinary approaches such as art history, archaeology, and literature to deepen understanding of the medieval world.

Students can also benefit from Durham’s vibrant academic community, including seminars, lectures by leading medievalists, and opportunities for field trips to historical sites and museums. The flexible structure of the degree allows students to tailor their electives to their interests, whether they prefer focus on political history, cultural history, or social history. The programme prepares students for careers in research, education, heritage, or further postgraduate study. It is suitable for those with a passion for history and an interest in the medieval period, aiming to gain a detailed, nuanced understanding of one of the most formative eras in European history.