BA (Hons) Medieval and Old English Studies

The BA (Hons) Medieval and Old English Studies programme at the University of Nottingham offers students a comprehensive exploration of the rich and diverse history, language, and literature of the medieval period in Britain and beyond. This degree is designed for individuals passionate about understanding the cultural, social, and linguistic developments that shaped the medieval world. Throughout the course, students will engage with a variety of topics including Old English language and literature, medieval history, historical manuscripts, and the broader context of medieval Europe. The curriculum combines advanced language skills with critical textual analysis, allowing students to read and interpret medieval texts in their original language. Students will also have the opportunity to study the societal structures, religious influences, and political histories of the medieval period, providing a well-rounded understanding of the era. The programme emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, encouraging students to develop skills in research, critical thinking, and academic writing. Practical modules may include palaeography, codicology, and manuscript studies, equipping students with valuable skills for careers in academia, publishing, archaeology, and heritage management. Students benefit from expert teaching staff who are active researchers in medieval studies, as well as access to extensive library resources and archives. The programme is suitable for those interested in linguistics, history, literature, and cultural studies, and prepares graduates for further postgraduate research or diverse careers in education, museums, and cultural heritage sectors. With a flexible structure, the degree allows students to tailor their studies according to their interests, combining core modules with optional courses in related fields. Overall, the BA (Hons) Medieval and Old English Studies at Nottingham provides an immersive and intellectually rewarding experience for students eager to deepen their understanding of the medieval past and its enduring legacy.

Old English Studies at the University of Nottingham offers a comprehensive exploration of the language, literature, history, and culture of the Anglo-Saxon period. This programme is designed for students passionate about understanding the roots of the English language and the development of its rich literary tradition. Throughout the course, students will engage with seminal texts such as Beowulf, The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, and various poetic and prose works that illuminate the social, religious, and political landscapes of early medieval England. The curriculum combines language modules, which develop skills in Old English language proficiency, with literary analysis, historical context, and cultural studies, providing a well-rounded understanding of the period.

Students will have the opportunity to study the philological aspects of Old English, gaining expertise in manuscript studies, textual criticism, and language translation techniques. The programme also emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging exploration of archaeology, art, and folklore associated with the Anglo-Saxon era. Practical workshops and seminars foster analytical skills and critical thinking, while optional modules allow for specialization in areas such as medieval history, linguistics, or cultural studies.

The degree prepares students for careers in academia, archaeology, museum curation, publishing, or further research. It also cultivates valuable skills such as critical analysis, detailed research, and effective communication. With access to excellent library and digital resources, students will be supported by expert staff who are active researchers in Old English and medieval studies. The university’s vibrant academic community provides a stimulating environment for learning and collaboration, making Old English Studies at Nottingham a unique and rewarding academic journey into one of the most fascinating periods of English history.

Programme Requirements: To successfully complete the Old English Studies degree at the University of Nottingham, students must fulfill a combination of core modules, optional modules, and assessment criteria. The programme emphasizes comprehensive understanding of Old English language, literature, history, and culture. Students are required to undertake foundational modules in Old English language proficiency, which typically include language structure, grammar, vocabulary, and translation exercises. In addition to language skills, students engage with literary analysis of Old English texts such as "Beowulf," "The Dream of the Rood," and other significant poetic and prose works, developing skills in textual interpretation, historical context, and critical analysis. The curriculum also integrates modules on the historical background of Anglo-Saxon England, offering insights into societal structures, art, archaeology, and religion of the period. Assessment methods for the programme include written examinations, essays, presentations, and translations, designed to evaluate linguistic competence, analytical ability, and contextual understanding. Students are encouraged to undertake independent research projects and participate in seminars, workshops, and group discussions to deepen their engagement with the subject matter. To graduate with a Bachelor's degree, students must accumulate a prescribed number of credits over the duration of the programme, satisfy the internal assessment criteria, and demonstrate a sustained level of academic performance. For those pursuing postgraduate studies, additional modules focusing on advanced research, paleography, manuscript studies, and special topics in Old English are available, requiring research proposals, thesis submissions, and oral defenses. Throughout the course, students benefit from access to the university’s libraries, digital resources, and expert faculty, ensuring a comprehensive academic experience aligned with institutional standards for humanities education. Overall, the programme aims to equip students with both linguistic skills and historical cultural awareness, preparing graduates for careers in academia, research, heritage management, or related fields.

The University of Nottingham offers a variety of financing options for students enrolled in its programs, including those studying Old English Studies. Funding opportunities encompass tuition fee loans, maintenance loans, scholarships, bursaries, and external funding sources. For undergraduate students, tuition fee loans are available through the Student Loans Company, enabling students to defer payment until after graduation. Maintenance loans assist with living costs and are also accessible via government schemes, with eligibility criteria based on household income and residency status. The university provides a range of scholarships for international and domestic students, which are awarded based on academic merit, financial need, or specific demographic criteria, such as the availability of a historical or linguistic background relevant to Old English Studies. Bursaries and hardship funds are available to support students facing financial difficulties during their studies, helping to cover unexpected expenses or reduce financial barriers to participation. Students are encouraged to explore external funding options, including government grants, research council scholarships, and private foundations dedicated to language, history, or literature studies. The university's financial services department offers guidance and support to help students navigate the application process for various funding sources. Additionally, work placement opportunities, part-time jobs within the university, and internships can provide supplementary income for students enrolled in Old English Studies. International students may also be eligible for specific scholarships and grants, subject to the country's bilateral agreements and specific criteria. It is recommended that prospective and current students regularly consult the university’s official financial aid pages and contact the admissions or financial aid office for personalized support and updated information on available funding sources. Overall, the university strives to make education accessible by offering comprehensive financial aid packages and fostering an inclusive environment that supports students in achieving their academic and career goals without undue financial hardship.

The BA (Hons) Medieval and Old English Studies at the University of Nottingham offers a comprehensive exploration of the language, literature, history, and culture of the medieval period, particularly focusing on Old English and Middle English texts. The programme aims to equip students with advanced skills in language analysis, textual interpretation, and historical contextualization, fostering a deep understanding of Medieval England's literary and cultural landscape. Throughout this course, students will engage with a variety of primary sources, including ancient manuscripts, poetry, and prose, learning to translate, analyze, and contextualize these texts within their historical settings.

The curriculum is designed to include modules on Old English language and philology, medieval literature, historical studies, and interdisciplinary approaches to understanding the medieval period. Students will develop proficiency in Old English, enabling them to read and understand original texts from the era, and will also study Middle English texts that mark the transition into modern English. The programme encourages critical thinking and analytical skills, preparing graduates for careers in academia, publishing, heritage management, or further research. Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, workshops, and independent study, supported by the university's extensive academic resources, including libraries and digital archives.

Students benefit from the university's vibrant academic community specializing in medieval studies, with access to expert staff and research centres dedicated to medieval and Old English studies. Opportunities for field trips, internships, and participation in conferences further enhance the educational experience. The course also emphasizes language skills, historical understanding, and literary analysis, making it suitable for students interested in linguistics, history, literature, or cultural studies. Graduates of this programme are well-equipped to pursue postgraduate study or careers that require strong analytical, linguistic, and research skills related to medieval history and literature.