| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-10-01 | - |
| 2026-02-01 | - |
| 2026-06-01 | - |
Program Overview
Postgraduate Research
Study
- Research areas
- Course types
- Find a supervisor
- Fees & funding
- How to apply
- King's Doctoral College
Palaeography & Manuscript Studies MPhil/PhD
Key information
Award:
- MPhil
- PhD
Study mode:
- Full time
- Part time
Campus:
- Strand Campus
Duration:
- Expected to be: PhD (initial registration for MPhil), three years FT, four to six years PT. October to October, February to February or June to June
Most recent REF rankings
3rd in the country according to the ‘power’ metric, which takes into account both the quality and quantity of research activity. The Department also received an outstanding score for the impact of its research. Overall, 76% of our research was rated 3* or 4* indicating internationally excellent and world-leading quality.
Current number of academic staff
10+ (across department)
Current number of research students
- 50 FT
- 30 PT
Current research projects
- Merovingian & Carolingian palaeography
- Digitisation of Medieval Manuscripts
Palaeography, the study of ancient handwriting, is a strong specialist area at King's and the College has appointed a new Chair of Palaeography & Manuscript Studies, who is based in the Department of History. Palaeography is taught in most departments across the Faculty of Arts & Humanities and students wishing to carry out research in Palaeography should approach the relevant department. Current specialists work in areas of study such as Classics, Byzantine & Modern Greek Studies, English, French, History (especially medieval history), Spanish and Digital Humanities.
Head of group/division
Professor Julia Crick, Professor of Palaeography & Manuscript Studies
How to apply
1. Contact the department
Your admissions process will be handled by the department to which you have applied and they will have different admissions requirements, such as submission of written papers with your formal application to study. Please contact the department in which you want to base your study. Admission to our research programmes will initially be for the MPhil but we expect students to transfer to the PhD after an appropriate period, by agreement with their supervisor and the Departmental Postgraduate and Research Committee.
2. Application closing date
We encourage you to apply as early as possible so that there is sufficient time for your application to be assessed. We may need to request further information from you during the application process.
- February 2025 entry – 20 October 2024 for Overseas fee status and 20 November 2024 for Home fee status
- June 2025 entry – 20 March 2025 for Overseas fee status and 11 April 2025 for Home fee status
- October 2025 entry – 25 July 2025 for Overseas fee status and 25 August 2025 for Home fee status
- February 2026 entry – 20 October 2025 for Overseas fee status and 20 November 2025 for Home fee status
- June 2026 entry – 20 March 2026 for Overseas fee status and 11 April 2026 for Home fee status
Please note that funding deadlines may be earlier than the application deadlines listed above.
Submit a formal application
To submit a formal application, please register on our online application system King's Apply. If you have applied to King's previously, including via UCAS, you should already have an account. If are unable to access the online postgraduate application form, please contact our King's Advisors for advice.
Fees or Funding
UK Tuition Fees 2025/26
- Full time tuition fees: £6,600 per year
- Part time tuition fees: £3,300 per year
International Tuition Fees 2025/26
- Full time tuition fees: £27,100 per year
- Part time tuition fees: £13,550 per year
These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.
Study environment
Base campus
Strand Campus
Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Strand Campus houses King's College London's arts and sciences faculties.
Course study environment
Palaeography students will be registered in the appropriate department in the Faculty of Arts & Humanities. As a student of Palaeography, you will have access to the outstanding collection of manuscript facsimiles and secondary literature in the Palaeography Room in the University of London Library at Senate House, as well as the resources of the Institute of Classical Studies and the Institute of Historical Research.
Postgraduate training
The Centre for Manuscript and Print Studies at the Institute of English Studies at Senate House provides seminars related to palaeography and manuscript studies. There is a monthly palaeography workshop, run in the Palaeography Room. Palaeography students will have the opportunity for study at other Colleges in the University of London, and in the Senate Institutes. There is also the opportunity to work with the Department of Digital Humanities in digital palaeography.
Entry requirements
UK requirements
All students for MPhil/PhD entry will be expected to have a Master's degree.
Equivalent International qualifications
Select a country to view the equivalent qualifications.
English language requirements
English language band: C
To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.
Nationals of majority English speaking countries (as defined by the UKVI) who have permanently resided in this country are not usually required to complete an additional English language test. This is also the case for applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate degree (of at least three years duration), a postgraduate taught degree (of at least one year), or a PhD in a majority English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI) within five years of the course start date.
For information on our English language requirements and whether you need to complete an English language test, please see our English Language requirements page.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Palaeography & Manuscript Studies MPhil/PhD program at King's College London is a specialized research program focusing on the study of ancient handwriting and manuscripts. The program is designed to train students in the rigorous analysis and interpretation of historical documents, providing them with the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in this field.
Objectives:
The program aims to:
- Equip students with a deep understanding of the history and development of writing systems.
- Provide students with the ability to identify and date manuscripts.
- Teach students the principles of textual criticism and editing.
- Develop students' skills in paleographical research and analysis.
- Prepare students for a career in academia, archives, libraries, or museums.
Description:
The program is offered full-time or part-time and typically takes three years for full-time students and four to six years for part-time students to complete. Students are initially registered for the MPhil but are expected to transfer to the PhD program after a successful period of study. The program is offered at the Strand Campus and provides students access to the outstanding collection of manuscript facsimiles and secondary literature in the Palaeography Room in the University of London Library at Senate House.
Outline:
Program Content:
The program covers a wide range of topics, including:
- The history of writing
- Manuscript production and illumination
- Latin, Greek, and vernacular palaeography
- Manuscript codicology
- Textual criticism
- Digital palaeography
Structure:
The program consists of a combination of taught modules, research training, and independent research. Taught modules are typically delivered through lectures, seminars, and workshops. Research training includes individual supervision, participation in research seminars, and attendance at conferences.
Course Schedule:
The program offers a flexible course schedule with modules available in the autumn, spring, and summer terms. Students can choose to take a full course load or a reduced course load depending on their individual needs and research interests.
Modules:
Specific modules offered within the program may vary, but some examples include:
- Introduction to Palaeography
- Latin Palaeography
- Greek Palaeography
- Manuscript Codicology
- Textual Criticism
- Digital Palaeography
- Research Methods in Palaeography
Module Descriptions:
Each module has a specific focus and learning outcomes. For example, the "Introduction to Palaeography" module provides students with a foundational understanding of the history of writing and the development of writing systems. The "Latin Palaeography" module focuses on the identification and dating of Latin manuscripts. The "Manuscript Codicology" module explores the physical structure and production of manuscripts.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
The program uses a variety of assessment methods, including:
- Essays
- Presentations
- Research projects
- Examinations
- Thesis However, all assessments are designed to evaluate students' knowledge and understanding of the subject matter, their analytical and research skills, and their ability to communicate effectively.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Individual supervision
- Group discussions
- Online learning
Faculty:
The program is taught by a team of experienced and internationally recognized scholars in the field of palaeography. The faculty members have extensive research experience and are actively involved in the latest research projects. This allows students to engage in hands-on learning and to develop their skills in analyzing and interpreting historical documents.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
Graduates of the program can pursue a variety of careers, including:
- Academic positions in universities and research institutions
- Archivists and manuscript curators in libraries and museums
- Paleographers and textual critics in publishing houses
- Consultants in the heritage sector
Opportunities and Outcomes:
The program prepares students for a successful career in the field of palaeography by providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge.
- The program is open to students from all academic backgrounds.
- Students are encouraged to apply for funding opportunities, such as scholarships and research grants.
- The program offers a supportive and collaborative learning environment.
- Students have the opportunity to participate in research projects and conferences.
UK Tuition Fees 2024/25 Full time tuition fees: £6,168 per year Part time tuition fees: £3,084 per year International Tuition Fees 2024/25 Full time tuition fees: £24,786 per year Part time tuition fees: £12,393 per year
