Crusader Studies MA

The course

The Royal Holloway MA in Crusader Studies offers a unique and fascinating examination of the ideas, impact and personalities of this subject from the medieval age to the present day. You will be taught, inspired and challenged by internationally recognised experts in this field.

Royal Holloway has a long tradition of studying the History of the Crusades and Byzantium and in conjunction with the libraries and research seminars of central London, offers unparalleled expertise and resources. This is an ideal MA if you are pursuing an advanced interest in crusading history, it will provide you with a further set of skills and a qualification, it also has a highly successful track record as a springboard to doctoral research.

The programme offers students an understanding of the context of the crusades, and the ideology that underpinned the movement as well as a consideration of its modern day resonances. You will gain an unparalleled insight into the ideas, events and people of crusading history while engaging with a full array of source materials in this compelling field. The course will also consider the impact of the crusades on the Muslim world, as well as exploring western Europe’s first contacts with the terrifying Mongols.

We are one of the largest and liveliest History departments in the UK yet our size is not at the cost of anonymity; you will receive our individual attention and become part of our close-knit post graduate community.

Teaching & assessment

Assessment is carried out by a variety of methods including coursework, examinations and a dissertation.

Your future career

Students take this MA first and foremost out of a passion for the subject and then, either to extend their undergraduate interest in the Crusades, or to return to the academic field after time in the workplace.

For some, the MA is a springboard to further research and we have a really strong record in providing the impetus, the intellectual development, the environment and the training to undertake doctoral work. To date, 15 former students on the module have, or are in the process of, completing PhDs. No less than 11 academic monographs have been published by these individuals.

Students need to have 2:2 in relevant professional qualifications and work experience in an associated area will be considered. While a background in medieval history is helpful, it is by no means essential. The primary factors required are considerable motivation and a willingness to read widely and to engage with diverse cultures and ideologies from the perspective of the medieval world. We make decisions based on achieved or predicted grades, personal statements and references. We occasionally invite candidates to interview, usually in cases where we would like more information on which to base a decision. Applicants unable to attend, such as overseas students, will be interviewed by telephone. Normally, we require a UK 2:2 (Honours) or equivalent in history or a related subject in the Humanities or Social Sciences. Candidates with professional qualifications or relevant professional or research experience in an associated area will also be considered.