Medieval Studies (Part-time) (MA)
The MA in Medieval Studies offers an exciting and comprehensive opportunity to study the Middle Agesthrough a part-time, four-year interdisciplinary programme. Students delve into a rich tapestry of subjects, including History, Literature, Theology, Celtic Studies, and Archaeology, exploring how medieval societies shaped the modern world. This course is ideal for those enthusiastic about uncovering unique aspects of medieval culture and thought across diverse regions and time periods.
The University’s well-respected research and teaching in medieval history provides students with access to exceptional resources. In addition to examining Early Modern History alongside medieval studies, students approach this field through innovative lenses such as digital humanities. The programme’s flexible format allows students to work from multiple perspectives within a supportive learning environment.
A highlight of this MA is access to the Special Collections at the Roderic Bowen Library, housing over 35,000 rare printed works, medieval manuscripts, and post-medieval materials. Among these treasures, students will encounter 69 incunabula, early printed works dating back to the origins of printing. For those interested in heritage and archives, the library offers an invaluable opportunity to engage directly with historical sources. Through coursework and hands-on research, students develop critical skills in historical analysis, resource handling, and archival research, equipping them for roles in heritage, conservation, and museum work.
This part-time Medieval Studies MA is suited to anyone seeking an in-depth exploration of medieval cultureand thought. With rich resources, expert guidance, and a focus on medieval history, this programme opens the door to a world of knowledge and tradition that still influences us today.
Course details
- Part-time
- Distance Learning
- English
- Welsh
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
Our MA in Medieval Studies blends personalised teaching with detailed guidance. Through seminars, small workshops, and one-on-one supervision, students build a foundation in medieval culture and history with coursework delivered on campus or through our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). This flexible approach encourages regular interaction and feedback, fostering confidence in research and critical thinking.
Year 1
In the first year, students take Past Peoples, Present Societies, which builds essential research methods and skills for understanding medieval societies. Alongside this core module, optional modules allow exploration in areas such as digital humanities, Celtic Arthurian literature, and medieval spirituality, offering a broad perspective on medieval and early modern history.
Year 2
The second year includes options in archival research and topics like women in the Middle Ages or Celtic studies, deepening your knowledge and research techniques. Working closely with tutors, students refine analytical skills through tutorials, learning to critically assess both primary and secondary sources.
Year 3
In the third year, students continue developing their specialisation, with options to study medieval Cistercian history, medieval manuscripts, or other key topics. Guided by expert supervision, they build an independent research proposal in preparation for the dissertation, gaining valuable experience in heritage and digital humanities.
Year 4
In the final year, students complete a major research project through their MA Dissertation (Medieval Studies), with one-on-one support from their advisor. This dissertation showcases students’ research skills, understanding of medieval history, and the interdisciplinary expertise gained throughout the programme.
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. 
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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. â¶Ä¯&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¯â€¯
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