Medieval Studies

University College Dublin

Ireland, Dublin

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127

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University College Dublin

Ireland , Dublin

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Course Work

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Credit point

90 Points

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines25-Sep-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Tuition Fee

EUR 22,600 / year

Next Intake 25-Sep-2026

Medieval Studies

About

This MA in Medieval Studies is for students who are interested in any aspect of the medieval world and who wish to take those interests further. Whether those interests lie in Irish or European history, literature or archaeology, art history or music, languages and manuscript studies or modern interpretations of the medieval, this programme offers students the opportunity to choose modules from such areas and combine them as they wish. While emphasizing choice and drawing on the wide range of expertise in medieval disciplines across the University, the MA also ensures that students gain a strong training in scholarly approaches to the medieval past and its people, as well as an opportunity to pursue in-depth research on a specialist dissertation topic.

Our students come from different academic backgrounds and choose a range of career paths. What they have in common is an interest in the medieval world, and an eagerness to explore different ways of investigating and understanding that world. We value an interdisciplinary approach to the Middle Ages: students are allowed to choose from relevant subjects in History, English, Irish, Archaeology, Languages, Classics and Music, from Ireland to Byzantium and from the fall of the Roman Empire to the dawn of the Renaissance.

UCD is a university with real depth and breadth of expertise in medieval studies, while UCD’s archives hold some of Ireland’s most important medieval manuscripts. Students are able to take advantage of UCD’s location in Dublin, a city founded by the Vikings, and may avail of resources nearby, including the National Library, other library collections and regular research seminars across the city. Dublin is an ideal base from which to explore Ireland’s medieval sites.

Interdisciplinary approach to the Middle Ages
Small group work
Opportunity to pursue individual research interests

Requirements

Entry Requirements

An upper second class honours degree (NFQ Level 8), or the overseas equivalent, in an Arts or Humanities discipline is required.
Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6 in each element), or equivalent.
Students meeting the programme’s academic entry requirements but not the English language requirements, may enter the programme upon successful completion of UCD’s International Pre-Master’s Pathway programmes. Please see the following link for further information: https://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/int%20pmp/

These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes

You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

English Program Requirements

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

Taught Master's: A minimum overall score of 7.0 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version. The non-academic version is not accepted.

Research Programmes: A minimum overall score of 6.5 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band on the Academic Version. The non-academic version is not accepted.

IELTS Indicator: A minimum overall score of 7.0 over all components and a minimum of 6.0 in each band. This test will be accepted for 2022/23 and 2023/24 intake.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

Taught Master's: A minimum score of 100 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iBT) with a score of at least 20 in each section.

Research Programmes: A minimum score of 90 is required in the Internet based TOEFL (iBT) with a score of at least 20 in each section.

TOEFL iBT Home: A minimum score of 100 is required with a score of at least 20 in each section.

Duolingo Test of English (DET)

UCD has approved the use of the Duolingo Test of English (DET) for the 2024/25 intake.
An overall score of 130 will be accepted with no section below 110.

Please note that this does not apply to the CEMS MiM / MSc in International Management. In the case of the CEMS MiM the Duolingo English Test will not be accepted.

Career

Our graduates progress to a wide range of interesting careers as students take the Medieval Studies MA for different reasons. Some aim to go on to further advanced graduate research, such as a PhD degree; others simply want to deepen their understanding of a subject that fascinates them. But many choose this MA because of the opportunities it affords for careers and employability beyond academia. Many of our alumni work in international business, foreign affairs and Dublin's vibrant tech sector, where a background in the humanities is particularly valued. Other graduates work in senior positions across a diverse range of industries including the media and NGOs, while the MA is an especially strong foundation for work in such areas as the Arts, heritage, tourism, and education. The skills learned in this programme - mastery of complex information, critical thinking, verbal and written expression, and group work - are those especially valued by employers.