In the Autumn and Spring teaching periods, you will take a number of modules (including instruction in Latin) that explore major themes in western medieval culture and are intended to equip you with the key skills of the medieval historian. Teaching is research-led; classes focus on a range of sources, both literary and visual.
The MA offers modules which concentrate on historical themes, and others which are intended to develop key research skills and methodologies. In the Autumn semester, you will take Historical contexts for medievalists (Hi6088), an intensive introduction to key turning points and transformations in the history and culture of medieval Western Europe from Late Antiquity to the High Middle Ages. You will take The Insular world in text and image (Hi6090) and, through a close analysis of selected literary and visual sources, come to understand the history and culture of early Ireland and Britain.
In the Spring semester, you will explore actual and virtual Insular encounters with real and imagined peoples and places in Hi6089 Insular encounters with the wider world. You will also take Skills for medieval historians (Hi6091), where you will explore, evaluate and employ the variety of sources, techniques and strategies available to historians. This module will also give you the opportunity to employ your skills and knowledge in the working environment of a museum or field of applied historical research.
All students will take an introductory Latin module (LT6001) offered by the Department of Classics.
For more current details of the programme and module descriptions, see the Postgraduate College Calendar
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Course Practicalities
The taught section of the course takes place in the first teaching period to allow greater freedom in the second teaching period, and over the summer for research and the writing of your thesis.
The introductory module, Contexts for Medieval History (Hi6036) is taught in a series of four two-hour workshops in the first week of the academic year.
Skills for Medieval Historians (Hi6039) is also taught in a in a lecture/workshop series. This course involves a field-trip to a museum where you will experience the conservation and interpretation of the material culture of the Middle Ages.
Introduction to Latin (Lt6001) is taught in three one-hour classes per week throughout both semesters. There is an advanced course available for students who have previously studied Latin, and which involves individual tuition.
Unique Aspects of the Course
This course will appeal to students wishing to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the culture of the Medieval West. Students will encounter medieval sources that are being radically reinterpreted in the light of exciting new research by course lecturers. The course is designed to give students a thorough grounding in research skills while providing maximum freedom to follow their own research interests.