Medieval and Early Modern Studies,MA

The MA in Medieval and Early Modern Studies equips you with the skills and knowledge you will need to embark on your own doctoral research journey.

Delivered by Durham’s Institute of Medieval and Early Modern Studies (IMEMS) this MA is an ideal opportunity to develop your interest in a particular historical period.

Exploring aspects of society and thinking between AD c.300-c.1800, it is suitable if your undergraduate background is in archaeology, classics, history, literature and languages, philosophy or theology.

You will study over one year full-time or two years part-time and complete two core modules on reading and writing the medieval and early modern past. You also choose from a selection of optional modules ranging from medieval Franciscan theology to sources of power in South East Asia 1400-1800. The course culminates in a dissertation on a subject of interest.

Teaching is delivered by renowned scholars who are experts in their respective fields and together comprise one of the largest gatherings of medieval and early modern scholars in the world.

From the outset, you will be integrated into the wider research community, including an opportunity to join the vibrant postgraduate student group, MEMSA. This gives you access to an active programme of events, workshops and masterclasses with visiting subject experts and industry professionals. By joining this Masters, you will experience the rich and varied research life that exists within the Institute and the associated departments of archaeology, classics, English, history, modern languages and cultures, philosophy and theology.

All the while you will have access to unrivalled resources that include rare books, records, manuscripts and artefacts as you complete your studies within the rich cultural setting of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The highly diverse MA in Medieval and Early Modern Studies travels through 1,500 years of human existence to prepare you for your own research journey through history.

• A 2:1 or equivalent
• A 500-word personal statement which should include the following:
  • An outline of your interest in an interdisciplinary MA in Medieval and Early Modern Studies
  • What skills and knowledge you would bring to the course
  • What skills and knowledge you would hope to acquire
  • An indication of your planned area of research

English language requirements

Life as a postgraduate in the Department of History is an excellent preparation for continuing research at a higher level or to pursue a professional career in the public or private sector if that is where your aspirations lie.

During your time studying here, you will develop skills, knowledge and personal attributes that are equally applicable in either career path, such as critical thinking, comprehension, analysis and communication of information and the ability to make knowledge-based decisions.

Our postgraduates enter a variety of academic and academic-related careers as well as areas such as the arts and heritage sector, law, the Civil Service, accountancy, teaching, the charities sector and business.