Medieval Studies – (M.A.)

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.