Medieval Studies (Full-time) (MRes)
The MRes in Medieval Studies is an advanced research degree designed for those with a passion for the Medieval period. This interdisciplinary programme allows students to explore the Middle Ages through subjects such as History, Literature, Theology, Celtic Studies, and Archaeology. By combining taught elements with independent research, this degree provides the ideal foundation for further academic study or a career requiring strong analytical and research skills.
Students benefit from the University’s longstanding tradition of teaching and research in Medieval Studies, with access to leading academics and high-profile projects such as ‘Strata Florida’ and ‘Monastic Wales’. The course draws on specialist expertise and unique resources, particularly the Special Collections of the Roderic Bowen Library, which houses over 35,000 printed works, 8 medieval manuscripts, nearly 100 post-medieval manuscripts, and 69 incunabula. These collections provide a rich resource for original research and scholarly exploration.
The MRes programme is designed to develop advanced research expertise. One-third of the course consists of taught modules, covering key topics in Medieval Studies alongside essential research methods training. The remaining two-thirds focus on an independent research project, developed in collaboration with an experienced supervisor. This structure allows students to explore their intellectual interests in depth while gaining practical experience in designing, conducting, and presenting research.
Throughout the course, students will acquire transferable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, project management, and effective communication. These skills are not only essential for academic careers but also valuable in sectors that require research and analytical insight, including education, heritage, publishing, and public policy.
The MRes in Medieval Studies is particularly well-suited to graduates keen to specialise in the Medieval period while preparing for potential progression to PhD study. It offers a flexible learning structure, with part-time and distance-learning options available, allowing students to tailor their studies around other commitments. With expert guidance and access to outstanding resources, students become part of a vibrant research community, equipped with the knowledge and skills to make meaningful contributions to their field.
Whether aiming for a career in academia, heritage, or another research-intensive field, this MRes in Medieval Studies provides the foundation for success, offering students the opportunity to delve deeply into the past while developing expertise for the future.
Course details
- Full-time
- Distance Learning
- English
- Welsh
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
At the heart of the MRes in Medieval Studies is a commitment to research-led teaching, fostering intellectual curiosity and independent scholarship. The programme combines expert-led seminars, individual supervision, and hands-on experience with primary sources. Whether studying on campus in Lampeter or via Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), students engage in a collaborative and supportive research community.
Year 1
In the first year, students develop essential research skills and explore a diverse range of medieval themes. The compulsory module, Past Peoples, Present Societies: Research Methods and Skills, provides advanced training in historical research methods, manuscript studies, and theoretical approaches. Optional modules allow students to tailor their studies, covering topics such as Celtic literature, monastic history, medieval women, digital humanities, and Latin language acquisition. The course encourages interdisciplinary exploration, providing a strong foundation for independent research.
Year 2
The second year is dedicated to the MRes Dissertation (Medieval Studies), a substantial 30,000-word research project undertaken with guidance from an experienced supervisor. This dissertation allows students to conduct original research in an area of their choice, engaging critically with primary sources and academic debates. The independent nature of this year ensures students develop high-level research, analytical, and project management skills, equipping them for doctoral study or research-focused careers.
Compulsory
Optional
(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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2:2 honours degree 
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or UWTSD recognised equivalent.
Alternative entry routes 
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Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCert). This is the first part of the full Master’s degree.
Once you have successfully completed your PGCert studies, you will be eligible to progress for the remainder of the Master’s degree. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
These are ideal routes if you are returning to study after a gap, or if you have not previously studied this subject, or if you did not achieve the grades you need for a place on this degree. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Admissions Advice and Support 
For specific advice and support you can contact our enquiries team for more information about entry requirements. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
English language requirements 
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. &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 
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa. &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¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For full information read our visa application and guides. 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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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 30,000-word dissertation.
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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. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Opportunities to Learn Welsh
We also provide a variety of opportunities to learn and develop your Welsh language skills. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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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