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MA – programme outline
The MA in Medieval Studies can be taken full time (in 12 months) or part time (in 24 months).
An MA is made up of 180 credits. The distribution of credits varies according to student module choices and the level of Latin on entry. The basic structure of the degree is:
Full-time students take all elements in one year, with credits balanced as evenly as possible across semesters 1 and 2. Part-time students usually take elements A and B in the first year and C and D in the second year, but variations may be possible with the permission of the Programme Director.
A. Skills modules are Research Methods and Bibliography (15 credits) in Semester 1, which introduces you to principles of bibliography, academic referencing and auxiliary sciences, and Palaeography (15 credits) in Semester 2, which teaches you to read medieval handwriting
B. All students take one or more Medieval language modules (up to a maximum of 90 credits, but normally 60). If you already have a strong command of medieval Latin you will be introduced to another of the international medieval languages. Otherwise, each student chooses one of two Latin modules, their choice being determined by the level of Latin on entry and future research plans.
Medieval Latin (MEDV 5010, 60 credits) is for beginners or near-beginners who wish to gain reading ability across the various genres of medieval literary Latin. This is the module if you want to read complex Latin texts for your research element or for future doctoral study. (a version of this is available for part-time students who want to spread the Latin module across two years). Advanced Medieval Latin (MEDV 5020, 30 credits) is for those who have already done a substantial amount of Latin and would like to be able to read difficult to texts in a wide range of genres.
C. Option modules (30 credits each) are available from the Institute's list of interdisciplinary options and single-discipline options offered by other Departments and Schools, and allow you to broaden and deepen your knowledge of the Middle Ages. An additional medieval or modern language module may take the place of one option.
D. The Dissertation (MEDV 5145, 30 credits) allows you to write a 10,000 word research project involving detailed analysis of a defined topic and supervised by a subject specialist. It will involve working with a body of primary sources and makes excellent preparation for future doctoral study. The subject is often connected with one of the chosen options but can be on any topic for which sources and supervision are available. Full-time students write their dissertation during Semester 2 and the summer; part-time students start work in the summer before their second year.
For further information on the modules available for the Taught MA, please click here.
This page is owned by Institute for Medieval Studies and was last updated on 22 April, 2013