Sophia Centre student wins 2025 dissertation prize for outstanding scholarship
The Ҵý’s (UWTSD) annual Sophia Centre MA Cultural Astronomy and Astrology dissertation prize has been awarded to Krystyna Cap for what her examiners described as an “extraordinary work of original scholarship.”
Krystyna’s dissertation, titled ‘Arabic Astrology’ in Early Medieval England? A Re-Examination of Prognostics and Planetary Knowledge in Three Winchester Manuscripts, c. 1023–1060’, investigates the depth of astrological knowledge present in Anglo-Saxon England, challenging long-held assumptions about the period.
Dr Chris Mitchell, who supervised the dissertation, said:
“Krystyna is an exceptional student. She translated documents from the very end of the Saxon period in England to show how there was much more knowledge of astrology than was previously thought, a finding with major importance for our understanding both of the history of astrology and astronomy, as well as Anglo-Saxon culture.”
Originally from Canada, Krystyna is a distance learner who joined the programme while working full-time. “Almost five years ago, I had become interested in the history of astrology and began researching possible programmes that offered remote learning options,” she said. “Discovering UWTSD’s programme was ideal. Through my research and encountering others who had completed the course, I learnt of its exceptional reputation.”
Initially enrolling in the postgraduate certificate, she was drawn further into the subject and soon transferred into the full MA stream. “The breadth of the programme allowed me to explore aspects of historical, cultural, and anthropological studies as they relate to astronomy and astrology,” she said. “It encouraged an interdisciplinary approach that was quite different from my previous degree work.”
Dr Frances Clynes, dissertation module tutor, commented:
“At their best, MA dissertations contribute significantly to the University’s research culture. Our students’ work ranges from studies of ancient astronomy to the claims and culture of medieval and modern astrology, and plays a major role in the University’s study of the Humanities.”
Reflecting on the course, Krystyna emphasised the impact of the faculty on her academic journey: “Beyond the compelling subject matter, the programme tutors were unquestionably the highlight. Their vast knowledge, coupled with their commitment to student growth and development, both challenged and inspired me. Moreover, my MA dissertation adviser was a huge support throughout every step of my research journey.”
Associate Professor Nicholas Campion, Director of the University’s Sophia Centre for the Ҵý of Cosmology in Culture, added:
“Our mission is to draw attention to the ongoing central role played by notions about the cosmos across politics, philosophy, religion, spirituality and the arts across the world in the past and present. The Sophia Centre has a unique status in the academic world.”
Krystyna expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to conduct original research: “For anyone debating the MA option as I did, the opportunity to pursue original research in the field was invaluable in deepening my knowledge and appreciation of the subject that I researched.”
Looking ahead, she hopes to continue building on her work: “At present, I hope to remain a keen lifelong learner and to continue reading, researching, and exploring the topic that I wrote about in my MA, while expanding my self-directed enquiries into the history of astrology.”
She encourages others to consider the programme: “I would not hesitate to recommend the Cultural Astronomy and Astrology programme to anyone interested in exploring the cultural dimensions of astronomy, astrology, and cosmology. For anyone inquisitive and self-motivated, the programme provides a unique perspective on these subjects.”
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