MA Medieval Studies (Including Medieval Islamic Cultures pathway)

The Centre for Medieval Studies (CMS) is the UK’s oldest and largest centre for the interdisciplinary study and research into the Middle Ages. Our expertise spans over 1,000 years and multiple disciplines and faculties, offering dedicated skills training in palaeography, diplomatic and medieval languages.

New disciplines will complement your existing experience, offering you bespoke interdisciplinary modules as well as world-class teaching in the subjects of Archaeology, Literature and Language, History, History of Art, and History of Science. You'll learn to recognise how geographies, chronologies and sources of evidence are interrelated, while exploring the fields of study that most interest you. Our global range of research and teaching extends across medieval Britain, Scandinavia, Europe, the Mediterranean, Africa, and Islamic Cultures, from 500-1500.

Our new interdisciplinary pathway examines the cultures of the Islamic world through the prism of literature, history, archaeology, art, and architecture. Drawing on the wide-ranging experience of our staff, you can create a bespoke programme that demonstrates the close connections across the medieval Mediterranean and beyond into Arabia, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Anatolia, Central Asia, and East Africa.

In the medieval city of York, inspiration is everywhere, and you'll have access to some of the UK's most important medieval archives and museums, including York Minster Library and Archives, the Borthwick Institute for Archives, the Yorkshire Museum, and Jorvik Viking Centre.

Our graduates go on to work in a wide range of professions, including academic teaching and research, archives, libraries, museums, galleries, publishing companies and the heritage sector.

Assessment and feedback

You will be assessed using a range of methods, including 4,000-word essays, skills tests, written exams, and group poster presentations, as well as completing a dissertation. You will have the chance to get useful feedback on draft work ahead of your final submission.

Your coursework is weighted at 43 per cent of your final mark, to encourage you to experiment with unfamiliar disciplines. Your dissertation makes up the other 57 per cent.

Careers and skills

This course has successfully launched students into careers with a huge range of organisations involved in investigating and interpreting the Middle Ages, including English Heritage, the National Trust, archives, libraries, museums, galleries, publishing companies, television companies and the media.

Career opportunities

• Historic properties steward
• Museum education officer
• Civil servant
• Editorial assistant
• Curation and collections
• Higher education research and teaching

Undergraduate degree: 2:1 or equivalent in a relevant subject. Other qualifications and experience: If you don't have experience of undergraduate study we may consider your application if you have a suitable professional background.