Medieval Studies

Modules are mostly taught in two-hour group seminars. Alongside core skills-based modules, you will be able to select from a range of optional modules that cover British, European and Mediterranean History from different disciplinary and methodological perspectives, including History, Art History, Archaeology and Literary Studies. Further details are available in the Modules tab. Please note that modules on offer each academic year may vary depending on availability.

Full-time students will take the following modules:

Semester A:

-Elementary Medieval Latin
-Sources and Methods for Medieval Studies
-One optional module

Semester B:

-Elementary Medieval Latin
-Palaeography and Diplomatic
-One optional module

You will also complete a dissertation of up to 20,000 words, supervised by one of our members of staff.

As a full-time student on this course, you should expect to receive approximately four to six hours of contact time per week. Postgraduate level study involves a significant proportion of independent study, exploring the material covered in taught sessions. As a general guide, for every hour spent in class, you are expected to spend two to three hours on independent study.

Students have the option to enrol as on a part-time basis, meaning their plan of study would be adjusted accordingly.

Lincoln has a long and fascinating history. With its medieval castle, world-renowned Gothic cathedral, and some of the finest surviving examples of medieval domestic architecture in the United Kingdom, the city is home to a wealth of medieval resources, making it an ideal location in which to undertake an advanced study of the Middle Ages.

You will be able to learn a range of research methods used within medieval studies and develop skills such as palaeography and Latin. You will be taught how to utilise historical archives to explore the social, political, cultural, economic, and religious histories of England, Europe and the wider Mediterranean world. Our modules are informed by a wide range of disciplinary perspectives, including Women's History, the History of Emotions and Medievalism. Some modules are supported by the wealth of literary manuscripts at Lincoln Cathedral, which holds one of only 50 full manuscripts of The Canterbury Tales, as well as The Thornton Romances, which contains the earliest known accounts of King Arthur's death.

You will be able to work with a team of academics who are leading researchers, authors, editors of books, contributors to international research projects and conferences, broadcasters, conservators, and experts in heritage.

As a Medievalist and a member of the School of History and Heritage, you will be able to join our vibrant Postgraduate community and to participate in a range of extra-curricular research activities organised by the Medieval Studies Research Group. These include research seminars, an Annual Medieval Lecture, a 'Medieval Week' with international contributors and reading groups involving also PhD students and Postdoctoral researchers in the School.