Medieval Studies (Full-time) (MA)
The MA in Medieval Studies offers students an exciting opportunity to explore the Middle Ages through an interdisciplinary programme. This course allows students to dive into the past through a wide variety of subjects, including History, Literature, Theology, Celtic Studies, and Archaeology. Designed for those with a passion for understanding medieval societies and their impact on today’s world, this Medieval Studies MA helps students gain insights into distinct aspects of medieval culture and beliefs across regions and time.
The University has built a strong reputation in medieval history research and teaching, offering students access to resources that are both extensive and rare. Students will explore Early Modern History alongside medieval studies, drawing connections between these fascinating historical periods. The course is perfect for those who want to approach medieval studies from multiple perspectives and with a fresh lens, including in areas like digital humanities.
As part of this programme, students will have access to the Special Collections held in the Roderic Bowen Library. This unique resource contains over 35,000 printed works, including rare medieval manuscripts and post-medieval manuscripts. For students interested in heritage and archives, the Roderic Bowen Library offers an unmatched opportunity to work with original medieval sources. Among these materials, students will discover 69 incunabula—early printed books from the first fifty years of printing—providing a direct link to the very beginnings of the printed word. As students work with archives and artefacts from centuries ago, they develop essential skills for historical research, critical thinking, and resource analysis. These skills are valuable both for advanced academic study and for careers in fields like heritage, conservation, and museum work.
Overall, this Medieval Studies MA is ideal for those who want to explore the medieval period with depth and variety. This course opens doors to a world of medieval culture, religious life, and historical events that continue to influence us today.
Course details
- Full-time
- Distance Learning
- English
- Welsh
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
Our MA in Medieval Studies is designed with a focus on personalised, in-depth learning. Students engage with medieval culture and history through seminars, small workshops, and one-on-one supervision, with coursework delivered on the Lampeter campus or through Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) platforms. This approach offers a flexible, interactive environment with frequent feedback and support, building a strong foundation in research and critical thinking skills.
Year 1
In the first year, you will develop essential research methods and skills through the core module, Past Peoples, Present Societies. Optional modules allow you to explore topics such as digital humanities, Celtic Arthurian literature, and medieval spirituality. These modules introduce you to major themes, figures, and narratives from the Middle Ages, offering a broad, interdisciplinary perspective on medieval history and culture.
Year 2
In the second year, you will focus on a Dissertation research project). This work is supported by individual tutorials and supervision sessions, offering detailed feedback on your research. Additional optional modules provide further opportunities to explore your interests.
Compulsory
Optional
(30 credits)
(30 credits)
(30 credits)
(30 credits)
(30 credits)
(30 credits)
Disclaimer
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The modules outlined above provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this course based on recent academic teaching. We continuously review our courses to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
You’ll typically complete 120 credits per year of study on a full-time course. For more information visit our Student Agreement.
Ratings and Rankings
Staff
Our People
You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2024) meaning that the support and feedback you get will help you learn and develop strong academic skills. Our students have placed us 1st in Wales for Learning Opportunities and Student Voice (NSS 2024) meaning that there are a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your studies and that students play an active role in shaping their learning experiences. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024, ‘Overall Positivity’ measure). Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses.
Further information
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or UWTSD recognised equivalent. â¶Ä¯â¶Ä¯â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Admissions Advice and Support â¶Ä¯
For specific advice and support you can contact our enquiries team for more information about entry requirements. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
English language requirements â¶Ä¯If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Visit the International Applications section of our website to find out more about our English Language Requirements and pre-sessional English Language Courses. 
Visa and funding requirements â¶Ä¯
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. â¶Ä¯â€¯
For full information read our visa application and guides. â¶Ä¯â¶Ä¯â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study.
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Some modules in this course are available to study through the medium of Welsh either fully or partially. In all cases students will be able to submit written assessments through the medium of Welsh. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
If you choose to study your course either fully or partially through the medium of Welsh, you may be eligible to apply for scholarships and bursaries to support you with your studies. 
We are continuously reviewing our Welsh medium provision, the precise availability of modules will vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course offers modules available through the medium of Welsh this may vary from year to year, and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific Welsh medium modules cannot be guaranteed. â¶Ä¯
Extracurricular Welsh Opportunities There are many ways to engage with Welsh culture and life at UWTSD, including joining clubs and societies for Welsh speakers and becoming a member of our vibrant Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol branch. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Opportunities to Learn Welsh 
We also provide a variety of opportunities to learn and develop your Welsh language skills. â¶Ä¯â€¯
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The modules are assessed by a variety of assessment methods: short essays (2,500 words), longer essays (4,000-5,000 words), comparative analyses, literary reviews and appreciations, short assignments, linguistic exercises, oral assessments and one 15,000-word dissertation.
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Approximately £300 for literature.
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You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available, please visit our Bursaries and Scholarships section.
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Areas of employment include:
- Museum
- Archives
- Heritage sector
- Professional Writers
- Marketing