Medieval Studies

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The MA in Medieval Studies provides an introduction to the interdisciplinary study of the medieval cultures of Europe, taught by members of the Departments of Archaeology, English, History and History of Art. The Centre for Medieval Studies has research and teaching strengths in the earlier medieval period (400-1100), the central middle ages (1100-1300) and the later middle ages (1250-1550). The structure of the MA enables students to choose to specialise in one of these periods, or to choose courses from different periods, perhaps because they wish to explore a particular theme, such as Kingship or religion, over a longer chronological timespan.

In the Humanities in general, and in Medieval Studies in particular, some of the most exciting recent developments have arisen from the new ways in which archaeologists, historians, art historians and literary specialists have talked to each other and approached and questioned their respective evidence. The Centre for Medieval Studies at York as been at the forefront of these developments for the past 40 years. The MA in Medieval Studies emphasises these new methodologies and techniques. The core course and interdisciplinary modules provides student with training in such approaches whilst single subject modules allow students to specialise in particular disciplines that appeal to them.

We recognise that for many students taking an interdisciplinary programme is more challenging (and more exciting) than following a single-subject programme. We are familiar with the problems students encounter in tackling new subjects and approaches at graduate level, and the structure of the Medieval Studies' MA and its assessment are designed to take account of this. For example, course work from the Medieval Studies MA is weighted at 30% and the dissertation at 70% of the final degree. By contrast the weighting on Single Subject MA degrees is 50/50. Also, students may choose whether to write their dissertations using the resources of more than one discipline, or to specialise in just one.

We regard the interdisciplinary MA in Medieval Studies as one of the most stimulating and creative programmes that we teach. The courses both grow out of and feed into the research publications of the Centre's staff and students.

Teaching Programme
All students follow a common Core Module (10 credits) in the Autumn Term. The core course is designed to introduce students to at least one new discipline, and, progressively, to interdisciplinary research and its methodologies. The central focus is a team-taught seminar course of three units. Unit 1 introduces students to a basic skills in a new discipline; Unit 2 has a focuses on particular topics from the perspective of two disciplines. Unit 3 explore the ways in which interdisciplinary methodologies can be used in the detailed examination of specific case studies: a single artefact, site or text.

All students study three Options (20 credits each) taking one Option in the Autumn Term, and two Options in the Spring Term. Students taking the MA in Medieval Studies must choose at least one Interdisciplinary Option, and they may choose no more than one Single Subject Option in the same discipline. Apart from this students may choose any combination of options. We offer a full range of modules in both the early, central and later medieval periods, enabling students to specialise in one of these periods if they wish.

Skills Modules
Skills modules are available in Latin, Old English, Old French and Palaeography and Old Norse. Students are expected to follow two of these courses appropriate to their interests. In exceptional circumstances students may choose to follow more than two. Students intending to continue to higher postgraduate study are recommended to consult their supervisor about an appropriate choice of ancillary courses. Courses in modern languages are also available as part of the University's Languages for All scheme.

The Dissertation
The second half of the year (the third term and the summer vacation) is taken up with the writing of a dissertation, of a maximum of 20,000 words. This may be on any topic within the chronological period AD 400 to 1550, as long as it is within the competence of a supervisor attached to the Centre. Students are encouraged (but not required) to choose an interdisciplinary topic. The dissertation must be submitted by 20 September.

English Language RequirementsThe University's absolute minimum English language requirements are: * IELTS: 6.0 (in the 'Academic' test) * IELTS:6.5 with at least 6 in Writing and Speaking * TOEFL: paper-based 550/ computer-based (CBT): 213/ internet-based (iBT): 79 * Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English: A, B, C * Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English: A English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 80 (Grade A) TOEFL paper-based test score : 550 TOEFL iBT® test: 79 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.