MA – programme outline

•  The MA in Medieval Studies can be taken full time (in 12 months) or part time (in 24 months)

•  An MA must consist of 180 credits. The distribution of credits in the MA varies according to student module choice and the level of Latin on entry.

•  Credits should be balanced as evenly as possible across semesters 1 and 2

The distribution of the total of 180 credits in the MA varies according to student choice and the level of Latin on entry. The basic structure is:

• A. Research Methods and Bibliography
• B. Skills (between one and three modules)
• C. Medieval language
• D. Options (between one and three modules; normally two)
• E. Research Project/Dissertation

Everyone takes Research Methods and Bibliography (15 credits), one or more of the 15-credit modules on skills, and a medieval language (one or more modules, up to a maximum of 90 credits). Onto this core, you build a selection of options (30 credits apiece) and a research element (30 or 60 credits).

Credits should be balanced as evenly as possible across semesters 1 and 2. Full-time students take all elements in one year. Part-time students usually take elements A, B and C in the first year and D and E in the second year.

For the language element, 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 the three Latin modules, their choice being governed by the level of Latin on entry and future research plans.

Medieval Latin (60 credits (MEDV 5010)) 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.)

The Introduction to Medieval Latin (45 credits (MEDV 5020)) is for beginners or near-beginners who would like to gain reading ability in medieval Latin historical documents and would also like to take additional option or skills modules. This is the module to choose if you do not want to focus on complex or diverse Latin texts for your Research Project or Dissertation and do not plan doctoral study where medieval Latin texts will form the central focus.

Advanced Medieval Latin (30 credits (MEDV 5020)) 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.

Option modules are available from the Institute's list of interdisciplinary options and single-discipline options offered by other Departments and Schools. Skills modules or additional medieval or modern language modules may take the place of one option.

The choice between the Research Project MEDV 5130 (30 credits (MEDV 5130)) and the Dissertation (60 credits (MEDV 5140)) is usually determined by how many credits a student has left after adding up the other elements of the MA. Both involve the detailed analysis of a defined topic with specialist supervision; and either makes excellent preparation for future doctoral study.

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 26 April, 2012