Program Overview

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Medieval Studies MA

Key information

Delivery mode: In person Study mode: Full time, Part time Duration: One year full-time, September to September, two years part-time Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent): UK 180/ECTS 90 Application status: Open Start date: September 2025

Course essentials

This MA in Medieval Studies offers disciplinary training in medieval history and literatures while also offering students the benefit of an interdisciplinary environment to explore their research interests. It is divided into three components: (1) a 'core' programme, where students are introduced to the methods and theories of studying the medieval past, as well as key research techniques; (2) a 'skills' programme, in which students can choose from modules on medieval language, palaeography and manuscripts studies, as well as a hands-on approach to medieval London; (3) an 'optional module' programme, in which students choose modules based on their research interests (such as gender and sexuality; pre-modern global history; the environment; the Arthurian tradition; political thought and thinking); and (4) a dissertation, in which students pursue an original research project, which often is the foundation for future doctoral studies. In this way, through its emphasis on key skills and contemporary application, the programme prepares students for doctoral work and working in other cultural sectors and also provides a range of transferable skills suitable for the workplace. The MA in Medieval Studies is based in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at King's College London. The faculty is a thriving research hub for medieval studies, hosting the Centre for Late Antique and Medieval Studies (CLAMS), which brings together medieval scholars from across the faculty (staff and students) in reading groups, seminar series, and an annual lecture. CLAMS is particularly concerned with understanding modern (mis)representations of the medieval past and provides a vibrant forum for broad discussion about these issues. In addition, staff members of CLAMS host their own research projects, funded by the European Research Council (Economic and cultural connections within Mediterranean ecosystems c.1250-c.1550; Musical Lives: Towards an Historical Anthropology of French Song, ; The Values of French), the UK's Arts and Humanities Research Council (The community of the realm in Scotland, ; Exon Domesday; The Magna Carta Project), or the Leverhulme Trust (Bees in the Medieval World). Staff are also very engaged in public history, with staff members appearing regularly on BBC Radio 4 programmes, such as In Our Time and even producing their own podcasts (such as Medieval History for Fun and Profit). Institute of Historical Research (IHR) and Institute of English Studies (IES) We will encourage you to make full use of the opportunities available through the Institute of Historical Research (IHR) and the Institute of English Studies. Many members of the Department prepare and deliver their advanced seminars, and we encourage students to attend their workshops and specialist training days for graduate students.

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.

Regulating bodies

• King's is regulated by the Office for Students

Entry requirements

UK applicants

• Standard requirements: A minimum 2:1 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
• Programme-Specific Requirements: Bachelor's degree with 2:1 honours in an arts subject.
• In order to meet the academic entry requirements for this programme you should have a minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree with a final mark of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme. If you are still studying you should be achieving an average of at least 60% or above in the UK marking scheme.

International applicants

• 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.

Selection process

• Applications must be made online using King's Apply, the Admissions Portal.
• A non-refundable application fee of £85 applies.
• Your application will be assessed by at least two academics.
• We aim to process all applications within four to six weeks although this may take longer in February and March, and over holiday periods.

Personal statement and supporting information

• Personal Statement: Yes, Please provide a personal statement of around 500 words, answering the following questions: Briefly explain why you are applying for this specific programme and how it fits with your future plans? (max 250 words) How does your experience and education make you a suitable candidate for this programme? (max 250 words) Please write these questions as separate answers, with a clear title for your answer to each question. Documents where your answers are not clearly titled and separated will not be accepted.
• Previous Academic Study: Yes, A copy (or copies) of your official academic transcript(s), showing the subjects studied and marks obtained. If you have already completed your degree, copies of your official degree certificate will also be required. Applicants with academic documents issued in a language other than English, will need to submit both the original and official translation of their documents.
• References: Yes, One academic reference is required. Professional references will be accepted if you have completed your qualifications over five years ago.
• Writing Sample: Yes, You are required to provide a 2,000 to 4,000 word essay related to Medieval Studies.
• Other: Optional, Applicants may wish to include a CV (Resume) or evidence of professional registration as part of their application.

Teaching & structure

Teaching methods - what to expect

• Location: This course is primarily taught at the King’s College London Strand Campus. Our central London location offers you unrivalled access to world-class museums, collections, archives and libraries, as well as easy access to resources in Europe. You will benefit from our own facilities and the huge number of cultural and social opportunities of one of the world’s most vibrant and dynamic cities.
• Teaching: If you are a full-time student, we will give you seven to nine hours of teaching each week through seminars, where you will contribute to the discussion and prepare presentations. We will expect you to undertake 31-33 hours of independent study alongside this. If you are a part-time student, we will provide you with two to four hours a week of teaching through seminars in your first year, and two to four hours in your second year. Alongside this we will expect you to undertake 14-18 hours a week of independent study.

Assessment

• Your performance will be assessed through a combination of coursework and written/practical examinations. Forms of assessment typically include essays, exams and a dissertation. Coursework contributes approximately 90% and examinations approximately 10% to your final mark.

Structure

• Required modules: Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 180 credits. You are required to take: Encountering the Medieval (30 credits), Researching the Medieval (15 credits), Dissertation (60 credits)
• Optional modules: In addition, you are required to take two out of a selection of skills modules, which may typically include: Ages of Medieval London (15 credits), Skills for Medievalists: Palaeography (15 credits), Early Vernacular English Manuscripts (15 credits), Latin (Beginner or Intermediate level) 15 credits, Medieval Latin Literature (advanced language teaching plus training in textual criticism and editing techniques: (15 credits), Another language option (taken through King's Language Centre). And optional modules to a value of 45 credits, from a list which may typically include: Gender and Sexuality in Medieval Europe (15 credits), Official and Unofficial Religion (15 credits), The Arthurian Tradition in Literature and History (15 credits), Languages of Politics (15 Credits), Palaeography across the sea: Britain and Ireland, CE (15 credits), Archives of Old English Poetry (15 credits), The Mediterranean and the Global Middle Ages (15 credits), The Environment and the Economy in Late Medieval Europe (15 credits), The Contemporary Medieval (15 credits)

Careers

Employability

• Our graduates continue to further research or transfer their skills and knowledge to careers in teaching, archives, the media, finance, politics and heritage industries.

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

• UK: Full time: £13,500 per year (2025/26), Part time: £6,750 per year (2025/26)
• International: Full time: £30,000 per year (2025/26), Part time: £15,000 per year (2025/26)

Deposit

• If you receive an offer for this programme, you will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit to secure your place. Deposit payments are credited towards the total tuition fee payment.
• The Home deposit is £500. The International deposit is £2000.

Scholarships

• A Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarships Programme: Knowledge Orders before Modernity funds up to three MA candidates who will progress to a doctorate connected with the programme.
• King’s College London offers King’s Bridge Scholarships , covering full-time or part-time tuition fees for selected Arts & Humanities master’s programmes. Open to home students from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds. Learn more.

Additional Costs

• In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for: books if you choose to buy your own copies, library fees and fines, personal photocopies, printing course handouts, society membership fees, stationery, travel costs for travel around London and between campuses, graduation costs

Funding

• To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's please visit the Fees and Funding section.