| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The MA Medieval History program at the University of York is a leading UK program that provides students with a comprehensive exploration of medieval history. Through core modules, skills options, and taught option modules, students develop research skills, critical thinking, and a deep understanding of the medieval period. The program prepares graduates for careers in academia, teaching, public history, archives, and various other fields.
Program Outline
MA Medieval History at the University of York: A Comprehensive Analysis
Degree Overview:
You will acquire new knowledge, develop valuable skills, and receive extensive training in research technique and methodology. Studying Medieval History in York provides you with an unparalleled opportunity to encounter rich local resources, including manuscripts, documents, buildings, and material culture. You'll benefit from a wealth of expertise on the medieval period and be challenged to think critically about source material.
This program is designed for students who:
- Have a strong interest in medieval history
- Want to develop their research skills
- Seek a career in academia, teaching, public history, or archives
- Are passionate about the subject and want to deepen their knowledge
Outline:
The program consists of:
- Core modules:
- Perspectives on Medieval History
- Skills options:
- Latin
- Palaeography
- Multilingual Middle Ages (20 credits)
- Reading Medieval Texts (20 credits)
- Arabic for Research (20 credits)
- Taught option modules:
- Three modules chosen from a diverse list covering topics like:
- Medieval Lives
- Death, Commemoration and Memory in the Viking World
- Public Intellectuals: Authority and the Medieval University
- The Uses of Writing in the Dark Ages
- Late Medieval Sexualities
- Trans-Asian Trade along the Silk Roads
- All the City’s a Stage: Performance and Ritual in Late Medieval Europe
- (Modules may vary depending on availability)
- Dissertation:
- 14,000 - 16,000-word dissertation on a topic of your choice
- Research and write using source materials and analysis techniques
- Receive support and guidance from your dissertation advisor throughout the project
Assessment:
- Essays
- Dissertation
- Formative assessment opportunities with feedback before final submission
- Assessment criteria:
- Understanding and interpretation of primary sources
- Evaluation of historical arguments
- Research skills
- Critical thinking
- Writing and presentation skills
Teaching:
- Two-hour seminars per module (most modules)
- Three-hour workshops for the Research Training module
- Small group sizes (less than 20 students)
- Teaching locations:
- Department of History in Vanbrugh College on Campus West
- Centre for Medieval Studies in King's Manor in the city centre
- World-leading academics who challenge you to think independently and excel
- Approaches to teaching:
- Providing knowledge and opportunities
- Fostering support for growth and success in a global workplace
Careers:
- This program prepares you for a diverse range of careers in:
- Schools and academia
- Library and archives
- Civil service and government
- Communications and media
- Business and administration
- Charitable sector
- Transferable skills you will gain:
- Analytical thinking
- Formation of original arguments
- Effective time management
- Communication skills
- Efficient organisation and use of research resources
- Independent research with primary sources
- Professional presentation skills
- Analysing new information and drawing conclusions
Other:
- The program is ideal for students who wish to pursue doctoral research.
- The University is home to the Borthwick Institute for Archives.
- Students can access York Minster Library and the City Archives.
- The program is close to the British Library Reading Room at Boston Spa.
- The city of York boasts beautiful historic architecture, museums, galleries, and heritage organisations.
Tuition Fees and Payment Information:
Annual tuition fees for 2024/25
Study mode
Full-time (1 year) £10,590 £23,900
Part-time (2 years)
£5,295
£11,950
- Students on a Student Visa are not currently permitted to study part-time at York.
- For courses which are longer than one year, the tuition fees quoted are for the first year of study.
- UK (home) fees may increase in subsequent years (up to a maximum of 2%).
- International fees may increase in subsequent years in line with the prevailing Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate (up to a maximum of 10%).
University of York
Overview:
The University of York is a public research university located in York, England. It is a member of the Russell Group, a prestigious group of research-intensive universities in the UK. The university is known for its strong academic reputation, diverse research activities, and vibrant campus life.
Services Offered:
The university provides a wide range of services to its students, including:
Library:
Access to a comprehensive library with extensive resources and study spaces.VLE:
A virtual learning environment for online course materials and communication.e:Vision:
A student portal for accessing information about courses, grades, and other university services.Directory:
A searchable directory for finding contact information for staff and students.Email:
Access to a university email account.Support Services:
A variety of support services are available to students, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health support.Student Life and Campus Experience:
The University of York offers a vibrant and inclusive campus experience. Students can expect:
Accommodation:
A range of on-campus and off-campus accommodation options.Student Life:
Opportunities to join clubs, societies, and sports teams, as well as participate in various events and activities.Campus Environment:
A safe and welcoming campus environment with green spaces and modern facilities.City of York:
Access to the historic and vibrant city of York, with its rich culture, attractions, and amenities.Key Reasons to Study There:
Academic Excellence:
The university is renowned for its high-quality teaching and research.Research Opportunities:
Students have access to world-leading research facilities and opportunities to engage in research projects.Diverse Community:
The university boasts a diverse and international student body, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment.Campus Life:
A vibrant and engaging campus life with numerous opportunities for personal and professional development.Location:
Situated in the historic city of York, offering a unique and enriching experience.Academic Programs:
The University of York offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:
Undergraduate Courses:
A comprehensive selection of undergraduate programs in arts, humanities, social sciences, sciences, engineering, and more.Postgraduate Taught Courses:
A variety of postgraduate taught programs, including master's degrees and diplomas.Postgraduate Research Courses:
Opportunities for postgraduate research leading to PhD degrees.Entry Requirements:
A. Undergraduate Degree:
- 2:1 or equivalent in History or a related discipline.
Other Qualifications and Experience:
- A 2:2 may be considered, but the decision depends on the application's overall quality, including the submitted written work.
C. Additional Requirements:
- Examples of written work must be submitted with the application. See the University's guidance on submitting written work here: [Link to guidance]
D. English Language Requirements:
For non-native English speakers, evidence of English language proficiency is needed. Acceptable qualifications include:
IELTS (Academic and Indicator):
- Overall score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component
Cambridge CEFR:
- C1 Advanced: 185 with 176 in each component
Oxford ELLT:
- 8 with a minimum of 7 in each component
Duolingo:
- 130 with a minimum of 120 in all other components
LanguageCert SELT:
- C1 with 33/50 in each component
LanguageCert Academic:
- 75 with a minimum of 70 in each component
KITE:
- 495-526, with 459-494 in all other components
Skills for English:
- C1: Pass overall, with Pass in each component
PTE Academic:
- 67, minimum 61 in each component
TOEFL:
- 96, minimum 23 in each component
Trinity ISE III:
- Distinction in all components
E. Not Meeting English Language Requirements:
- If you don't meet the requirements, you may be eligible for a pre-sessional English language course. These courses prepare you for the required level of English to meet the offer conditions. The required course length depends on your current English test scores and the required improvement level.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
The information provided above outlines the language proficiency requirements in detail, specifying the necessary standards and acceptable test scores.
